TEDX Youth CoNference 2026
The following talks were given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a Rossall School. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Rethinking Giants | Erin Devine | TEDxRossall School
Erin takes us on a fascinating dive into some of the challenges leading scientists have faced in their lives, all through the allegory of David and Goliath. Erin is Year 13 student applying for degrees in Natural Sciences, with a passion for Physics.
The Pandemic: My Journey | Sofia-Belle Greenaway | TEDxRossall School
Here, Sofia-Belle tells a story of the pandemic through the eyes of a 7 year old, and how her family were doubly challenged when her father was diagnosed with cancer. Sofia-Belle is a Year 8 student, and one of our youngest speakers on the day. Here she speaks about her experience of the pandemic and how she and her family dealt with the news of her father's cancer diagnosis.
Thick Skinned | Buster Bell-Carr | TEDxRossall School
Here, Buster uses real-life examples of resilience, finishing his speech by reflecting on his own childhood illness. Buster is a Year 11 student, completing his GCSE exams in the UK. Here he speaks about role models who have shown particular strength when faced with issues of health. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Hovering Helicopter Parents | Thishani Shanthakumar | TEDxRossall School
A talk that focuses on upbringing and the fine balance between care and confinement, exploring the nature of the language of parenting from the child's point of view. Thishani is in Year 13, studying for her A Levels. Here she talks about the concept of Helicopter Parents and the impact they can have on children. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
How to Thrive with a Learning Disability| Ayla Duran | TEDxRossall School
Ayla looks at resilience through the eyes of a learning disability - something her sister was born with. In this heart-warming speech, she talks about how much she has learned from her sister, as well as raising awareness of the challenges of a hidden disability. Ayla is in Year 10 and has just started studying for her GCSEs. In this powerful speech, she reflects on her older sister's learning disability and how she is an inspiration to those who know her.
What’s in a Name? | Toluwani Akinlotan | TEDxRossall School
Toluwani powerfully explores the very nature of identity, tackling the issue of names and pronunciation. She takes us through a journey starting with her own name and looks at the 'Anglicisation' of identity. Toluwani is the Head Girl of Rossall School and is preparing for a career in Law. Here, she talks about the power of a name.
Stumps, Struggles and Strength | Mason Meisuria | TEDxRossall School
As an elite cricketer, everything was going well for Mason until he suffered a bilateral stress fracture during a game. Just like that, his whole future was in the balance - as a teenager, this caused significant stress and here, Mason takes us on his journey of recovery. Mason is an elite cricketer balancing this alongside preparing for his GCSEs. In his speech, he reflects upon the impact a stress fracture can have on the mind, as well as the body.
‘Me, My Dads and Adoption’ | Lara Dixon | TEDxRossall School
Here, Lara reveals the personal journey of her relationship with Anorexia - a powerful and raw account of how it took hold of her as a teenager.
Lara is a Year 13 student who wants to pursue Art History at university.
Strength, Faith and Adversity | Fabian Bosson | TEDxRossall School
Here, Fabian reflects on the true nature of bravery and resilience by focusing on his mother, who raised him and his brother whilst balancing career and education. Fabian is a student in Year 12 - here he powerfully depicts the role a parent can have in upbringing.
Losing Control; Finding Direction | Rosie Cahalin | TEDxRossall School
Rosie takes us on a very personal journey of rejection, ranging from her GCSE results, to Sandhurst applications, and how these setbacks have shaped her into the person she is today. Rosie is in Year 13, looking to study Politics and International Relations at university.
The Smart Kid | Oskar Newell | TEDxRossall School
Here, Oskar reflects on the pressures and isolation of being the 'Smart Kid', looking at the dangers of labelling within a school setting. With typical humour and a twist on stereotypes, he encourages us to embrace who we are. Oskar is a student in Year 9 - here, he speaks about his experiences of being the 'smart kid' and the challenges of this gift.
Behind the Bottle | Olivia Crone | TEDxRossall School
In a phenomenally powerful talk, Olivia discusses the psychology behind addiction, focusing much of her talk on those who are left to support those with addiction. Olivia is a student in Year 13 with ambitions to study Psychology at University.
That Failing Feeling | Kristen Beswick | TEDxRossall School
Kristen opens up about what happened when her dreams fell apart and her personal relationship with failure. Kristen is a student in Year 13 with a real interest in Sport Science.
Two Halves make a Whole | Sophie Carter | TEDxRossall School
Sophie reflects on her childhood and growing up with dual-nationality. Here, she explores the challenges of being misunderstood, feeling disconnected to both cultures, but also the strength she has gained through this. Sophie is a student in Year 11, half-Vietnamese and half-English.
Shifting Tides, Changing Outlines | Linus Mehedi-Raynor | TEDxRossall School
Here, 13 year old Linus gives a brief outline of some of the countries most affected by rising sea levels, including talking about the impact of climate change on some parts of the UK. Linus is a student in Year 8, passionate about Geography and the World.
The Golfer | Molly Campbell | TEDxRossall School
Here, Molly gives a raw and powerful speech on the dangers of being labelled as one thing, in this case a 'golfer'. She talks through her own challenges with mental health, pressure, and living up to expectations. Molly is a student in Year 12, studying English Literature and Sport Science.