By James Penstone, Secondary Principal
19 April 2024
Celebrating Student Voices and Our Commitment to Effective Oral Literacy
I am pleased to share some reflections on the recent initiatives at our school that emphasise the critical role of effective spoken communication skills in education.
As I last reported here, a couple of weeks before the Spring holiday, we hosted an environmental symposium, connecting with six other schools. During this event, we highlighted the importance of not only understanding environmental issues but also the ability to articulate these concerns compellingly to a large audience.
This belief was vividly brought to life when a young student from another school, challenged by the language barrier in particular and public speaking in general, courageously stepped up to represent her school. When asked why she chose to speak, her response echoed my earlier words: we must develop such essential presentation skills if we are to effectively communicate our passions.
Time and time again at ICS, I witness our students confidently presenting their thoughts, inquiries, arguments, and solutions through various forms of spoken presentations. In the Grade 5 Primary Years Programme Exhibition, for instance, many students devoted considerable time to rehearsing their presentations. For some, this marked their first high-stakes experience of speaking before a large audience, comprised of both their peers and adults.
Recently, our community witnessed the impressive talents of some of our students at the second annual TEDxICSZurich event. Seven of our secondary students took to the stage, tackling complex topics with poise and enthusiasm. From the science of happiness found in blueberries to ethical hacking, each presentation was not just a lecture but a showcase of deep personal engagement with the topics.
Each of the seven students spoke with eloquence and deliberate care, showcasing a skill which is still highly valued in today's world despite the dominance of online media: the ability to communicate effectively through spoken word to an audience. We are thrilled to have hosted our second TEDx event, and I sincerely hope that more students at our school will seize these opportunities to hone their presentation skills. This is crucial not only for their personal growth but also for making a positive impact in their future communities.
Kind regards,
James Penstone
Secondary Principal