TEDxYouth returns to the British School in The Netherlands!

TEDxYouth@BSN is a highly anticipated event at the BSN. It aims to inform, to inspire and to unleash new ideas on global conversations. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Breaking the Mould’ and built upon the ideas explored during the 2017 TEDxYouth@BSN event (Big Bold World), looking at globalisation, the environment, sustainability, technology and education. The day was structured around three core sessions; Inspiration (If I could Lead for a Day), Identifying Issues (Tackling Tough Truths) and Innovation (An Invitation for Change). Throughout the day, 17 curated speakers took to the notorious ‘TED Red Dot’: ten students from across all our Junior and Senior Schools, two staff and five external keynote speakers, coming from a range of disciplines both locally and internationally.

The road to the ‘Red Dot’ led to an action-packed Autumn Term, including four cross-campus student and staff pitch events, three professional speaker-coach training sessions and a lot of work behind the scenes to deliver a mould-breaking day on Monday 4 November 2019.

The event was held at SSV in front of a live audience of approximately 100 students and VIP guests. Thanks to the wonders of technology and a programme designed to complement the school timetable, it was livestreamed not only throughout SSV, but also across every BSN campus and around the world, making sure the conversation reached as wide an audience as possible.

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

A platform for ideas and orators

Our outstanding student speakers brought original and diverse ideas to the stage, ranging from gender stereotypes and changing up education to the concept of ethical hacking, to name but a few. A big shout out to our two staff speakers, who spoke openly about personal battles with mental health and reflections from childhood to demonstrate how we can all take small steps to change the world.

Our external speakers came from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. The process of curation involved searching everywhere but, especially, nearby, recognising that this was our unique opportunity to showcase the innovative minds in our local community. The Hague’s Ralph Groenheijde, founder of the non-governmental organisation TrashUre Hunt, spoke about the power of the individual to make positive changes.

Konrad Bartelski, BSN Alumni and Olympic downhill skier, returned to the BSN after 47 years to reflect on his career and his belief that anything is possible. Dutch youth environmentalist and activist Lilly Platt challenged us to change the world one piece of plastic at a time and 29 year old, Spanish-born Albert Casals dared us all to question the world around us and the rules we choose to live by.

Keeping the event flowing and helping the audience feel engaged was the significant responsibility entrusted to our four hosts, or ‘MCs’.

A stage for the performing arts

In total, six entertainment acts representing all five of our campuses and involving 40 students were interspersed throughout the programme. Acts ranging from the junior choir, who confidently opened the day with their rendition of ‘Don’t Stop’, as well as a four-part rock band, drama group, a singer-songwriter and pianists brought colour and variety to an exceptional day.

A multidisciplinary whole-school event

There were eight interactive workshops at SSV and one at each of the other campuses, all led by external organisations. In addition, there were student-led workshops in the SSV Atrium, organised by Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) students from our International Baccalaureate Programme and ‘Breaking the Mould’ assemblies and activities held at the other campuses. With themes ranging from international justice and genetics, to yoga sessions and insect tasting, there really was something for everyone!

We very much enjoyed participating in the event and were impressed by the quality of the questions and the insights from the students. 

The essence of this event was about encouraging the school community to think beyond the present and to tell us all about their ideas for the future.  

An event of this size could not have been achieved without the time and enthusiasm given by so many from across our community and supporting local partners. A heartfelt thank you to everyone for the role you played and particular thanks to all staff on the TEDxYouth@BSN Steering Committee who helped make this a cross-campus day to remember. BSN collaboration at its best! ■

Why breaking the mould? The essence of this event was about encouraging people to think beyond the present. Being a school, we know that we have within our student body the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders. It seems entirely appropriate that we push the boundaries and invite speakers to tell us all about their ideas for the future.

- Paul Topping