Very often young people are viewed in the abstract: a mass of anonymous data points utilised to shape policy and confirm pre-determined narratives… but tomorrow, a group of forward-thinking students will be boldly taking the discourse into their own hands.

A number of JCG students have successfully put together the Island’s first ever TEDx Youth event – titled “Unfiltered: Truths That Shape Us” – which will run at the school from 2pm-4.30pm and showcase 12 different speakers.

Presented by pupils in years 8 to 12, the talks’ themes will range from lived experience of Down’s syndrome, AI versus the arts, social media’s influence on body image and how hormones affect the female voice during adolescence.

Students have been responsible for managing every last detail: sourcing the venue, contacting the media, arranging the correct lighting and ensuring strict TEDx programme licensing requirements are followed to the letter.

Each talk will be recorded and published on the official TEDx YouTube channel.

Natalie Hopkins, Assistant Headteacher and co-organiser of the PwC-sponsored event, said: “Watching our students bring TEDx JCG Youth to life has been exceptionally rewarding. Their maturity, commitment and intellectual curiosity shine throughout the process.

“TEDx has enabled our students to develop real-world competencies: leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, communication and resilience.

“Whether they are presenting or working behind the scenes, every student involved has grown in character and capability, gaining skills that will support them far beyond their school year.”

Express heard from the 12 speakers on the topics they will be exploring…

Savanna Vogt: “How hormones affect the female voice during adolescence”

Savanna will be exploring misconceptions concerning voice changes for singers during adolescence.

Hormonal changes during adolescence can alter the voice in ways young singers may misinterpret as decline. Savanna’s idea encourages awareness so young singers avoid damaging their voices and instead learn how to maintain vocal health during these natural changes.

Penny Le Maistre: “Why you shouldn’t give up on your dreams – or yourself”

Penny will be using her talk to help encourage young people to move beyond self-doubt and societal expectations.

Penny shares a personal story about pursuing dreams outside societal expectations, encouraging young people to stay motivated and believe in themselves
even when others doubt them.

Mimi Carney: “Sport as a life subject”

In her talk, Mimi will explore what sport has to offer beyond the boundaries of the pitch.

Mimi reframes sport as a powerful tool for developing resilience, teamwork, confidence, and learning from failure – skills that matter far beyond the playing field.

MJ Jones: “The ups (and downs) of Down’s syndrome”

MJ will present Down’s syndrome through a nuanced and multi-dimensional lens.

MJ aims to give a clearer, more accurate understanding of what life with Down’s syndrome can involve, including the challenges faced both by individuals and their carers.

Layla Rowlands: “AI vs the Arts”

Layla takes on perhaps the ultimate dilemma of our time: artificial intelligence and its implications for human creativity.

Layla warns against allowing AI to replace human creativity, highlighting the risks of overuse while urging people to protect space for genuine artistic expression.

India Chatterley: “The effects of social media on body image and self worth”

India will examine social media and its distorting effect on self-image.

India explores how social media shapes body image and self-worth, acknowledging both its benefits and harms while emphasising the importance of maintaining a healthy self-image.

Carmella Carter: “Does self improvement ever hinder self acceptance?”

Does “hustle culture” obscure the true meaning of life? Carmella will explore the question in her Youth TEDx talk.

Carmella explores how constant self improvement pressure can undermine self-acceptance, leading to decreased motivation and self-worth, and shares how to overcome this mindset.

Joy Jefferson: “How to make a decision”

Joy offers her expertise on how to make more confident decisions.

Joy provides simple tools to help people make decisions more confidently when faced with uncertainty or overwhelm.

Priyanka Pangali: “How I took my imagination back”

Priyanka will be offering a fresh take on OCD and how to best understand it as a society.

Priyanka challenges stereotypes about OCD and offers new perspectives on understanding it, encouraging people to rethink what they believe they know.

Ava Hadjam: “The hidden costs of being a teenager”

Financial struggles faced by teenagers are often overlooked; Ava’s talk looks to shift the narrative.

Ava reframes teenage life through an economic lens, revealing pressures and hidden costs that are often overlooked and encouraging more empathy for young people.

Penelope Deschamps: “Breaking up with perfectionism”

Penelope asks the question: how do we move past our fixation with perfectionism?

Penelope sheds light on the silent struggle of perfectionism and encourages breaking free from it to unlock creativity and reduce self-imposed pressure.

Aashi Jain: “How to stop overthinking”

How do we find peace in our increasingly hectic and digital modern world? Aashi outlines a route to calm.

Aashi offers practical ways to manage and reduce overthinking, helping people navigate anxiety and everyday challenges with greater calm.

Tickets are available here