TEDxYouth@SevenoaksSchool
The idea for the TEDxYouth event came to me
through my interest in development economics.
I observed that the majority of Economics students
in Sevenoaks School had a strong misconception that
the only worthwhile careers following a degree in
Law, Economics or PPE were in the financial sector.
I decided to combine the well-known brand of TED
with the themes of Development and Innovation
to promote alternatives to investment banking
and consulting.
In June I applied for a licence to the TED headquarters
in New York, which I was granted in late August. When
in September I announced the initiative around school
many students and friends volunteered to help. They
formed different teams that took care of marketing,
finances, reaching out to potential speakers and the
audience as well as the design of the visual aspects
of the conference.
By the end of October, we had three speakers
confirmed, out of eight planned. Finding the right
speakers was probably the most interesting but
difficult part, as I wanted them to be as diverse and
intriguing as possible, so reached out to organisations,
charities, used personal contacts and even emailed
seven Nobel Prize winners. By the end of December
we confirmed our last speaker and finally could
concentrate on the final details of the event.
The night of the TEDxYouth@SevenoaksSchool was
a big success, I was told. Our guest speakers ranged
from an Economics professional, a South Sudanese
refugee, and a lawyer, to an interactive imagery
specialist and others.
I was very glad to hear that people found the talks
original and inspiring. However, what I valued most
is the fact that with a group of 30 very different
people, students, staff and different individuals, we
managed to come together and create something
special out of a single idea.
I am very grateful to the school for their trust in
this student-led initiative. It was incredibly difficult
to incorporate organising the TEDx into our very
demanding IB course, yet I am confident to say
that the skills I learnt through that process and the
friends and acquaintances I made enhanced all
I have learned through the IB syllabus.
Sophie Neuber, Upper Sixth
For Sophie Neuber, organising the TEDxYouth@Sevenoaks School
conference was a challenging but incredible experience.
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TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES
SEVENOAKS SCHOOL 2016-2017
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