Creativity, passion, and innovation lit up our school as students and teachers came together for the second GIS TED-Ed Event on 5 December 2024. Hosted by a dynamic trio of students – Catherine Wong, Eumelia Chew, and Yi Wen Lim, with invaluable support from teachers Ms. Karolyn Mandy, Ms. Clare Holden, and Mr. James Abela, the event showcased the power of ideas and the courage to share them.
Students from Years 7 to 10 took centre stage, presenting thought-provoking talks that ranged from personal experiences to scientific findings. The speakers’ passion for their topics and their ability to connect with the audience demonstrated not just their academic growth but their development as confident, articulate individuals.
This year’s event built upon the success of our inaugural GIS TED-Ed Student Talk, showing how far we’ve come as a community that values expression and innovation.
Catherine, Eumelia, and Yi Wen were dedicated to providing support for the student speakers through weekly after-school TED CCAs. With guidance from Ms. Mandy, Ms. Holden and Mr. Abela, they brought the vision of a student-led platform for sharing ideas to life.
Meet the students featured in this Ted-Ed Student Talk:
- “Radical Acceptance” by Ethan Cai (Year 8): In a world that pressures us to be more, we often feel like we’re never enough. In his talk, Ethan explores the power of radical acceptance – embracing ourselves fully, imperfections and all, to unlock true growth and happiness.
- “Influential People throughout History: A Leader’s Success” by Julia Yan (Year 7): History teaches us valuable lessons in leadership and decision-making. Julia suggests by studying figures like Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Napoleon, we can learn from their successes and failures to navigate present and future challenges.
- “Stories That Speak: How to Tell and Be Remembered” by Nusaybah Adam (Year 10): With practice, confidence, and a clear structure, Nusaybah shows us it’s easy to connect with your audience and deliver a powerful message.
- “How Art Has Shaped Society Throughout the Years” by Zi Shan (Chen Chen) Khoo (Year 8): In her thought-provoking talk, Chen Chen suggests that art shapes society by reflecting and challenging cultural, political, and personal identities, from ancient cave paintings to modern installations. It’s not just for galleries – it’s everywhere, influencing how we think, feel and connect with the world.
- “Unhealthy Foods: Why Do We Eat Them?” by Lucas Tan (Year 9): Lucas explores how the irresistible appeal of unhealthy foods leads to rising obesity rates and impacts both our physical and mental well-being.
- “The Evolution of Losing: Success” by Zahra Adam (Year 8): Zahra delves into how embracing failure and overcoming the fear of defeat can lead to personal growth, greater success, and a deeper understanding of what true victory means.
- “Is the Gift of Exposure Truly A Blessing?” by Alyssa Yim (Year 10): Alyssa discusses the gift of exposure – trying new activities and sports, and how, despite the stress and time commitment it brings, it offers invaluable growth, skills, and opportunities. She emphasises that while challenging, this privilege allows us to broaden our horizons and develop confidence in various areas of life.
Each speaker delivered a unique perspective, sparking meaningful discussions among peers and attendees.
Events like these remind us of the incredible potential our students hold. The TED-Ed Student Talk platform gives them the tools and confidence to express themselves while encouraging critical thinking and empathy.
As the curtain closed on this year’s event, one thing was clear: the spirit of curiosity and collaboration in our school is stronger than ever. We can’t wait to see what next year’s TED-Ed Student Talk will bring!
Let’s keep celebrating the power of ideas, because at GIS, every student has a voice, and every idea has the potential to change the world.
By Catherine Wong, Eumelia Chew, and Yi Wen Lim, Year 13 Students and Leaders of GIS TED-Ed Student Talk
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