25th February 20
For the second year running, The King Alfred School (KAS) in Hampstead hosted a day-long TEDx event featuring inspirational short talks by students, staff and parents.
The event which took place in the school’s Phoenix Theatre, presented 19 talks and one musical performance. With 10 of the talks being delivered by students, some as young as 13, it was a fabulous showcase for the school.
The school is proud of the confidence and creativity of all their students and this event gave them a platform to talk about a diverse range of subjects. Student talks ranged from outsourcing, OCD and the impact of online bullying to antibiotic resistance, project-based learning and the healing power of pets. As well as the spoken talks, Sixth Formers Elvis and Max took the audience on a musical journey telling the story of the Blues.
Year 12 student Calum saw clear benefits to taking part: “It’s been a great experience because in the past I’ve found public speaking very difficult and stressful. Doing this, I’ve learned a lot and it’s improved my confidence.”
Edward, a parent from the school community said: “Talks flowed seamlessly. The speakers made it natural and funny and there was authority behind their voices. It was really impressive.”
Tracy, parent to one of the youngest students to take the stage, agreed: “The event exceeded my expectations. To see young people from this school who are articulate and passionate about their subjects, thinking outside the box – it’s everything you’d want a TED talk to be. It’s a testament to The King Alfred School that it can produce such great things.”
Other talks touched on the ethos behind The King Alfred School with Head of PE, Edo Skender, talking passionately about the educational power of the three KAS boats which built by students, staff and parents at the school. For a school where the outdoors is very much part of the day to day experience, the talk by Head of Geography, Fay Crowther, imploring us all to see humans as part of the landscape not an addition to it, was very relevant.
Parents also took the floor in a series of powerful and thought-provoking talks. Taking inspiration from their lives and their work they guided the audience on a journey across subjects such as rethinking how we design buildings, the emotional power of objects and ‘alien superpowers’.
Organiser Kara Conti said: “I’m awed by the bravery of all of the speakers. Their willingness to speak about personal subjects from the heart was a credit to them and the school. I would say it’s a wonderful way to break down barriers between parents, staff and students but then I realise, at this school, there aren’t any. We were also proud to welcome students and staff from local schools Dwight and Queen Elizabeth, who came along to the dress rehearsal as part of their preparations for their own TEDx talks.”
Want to share ALL the talks with a friend? Here’s a handy link to the complete playlist – enjoy!