For those who don’t know already, there’s a new kid in town and his name is TED.

Since the beginning of Term 3, English Teacher and Learning and Teaching Librarian Mrs Lily Young has been busy selecting a number of thought-provoking and relevant TED Talks to be screened in the Library at lunchtimes on Tuesdays for all boys and staff. TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) represents a set of conferences run all around the world allowing people with interesting ideas to share their thoughts and voice their theories. 

With over 40 attendees so far, including staff from across all departments, Dr Hirst, Mr Corcoran and Non-teaching staff members from Human Resources and ICT, it would be an understatement to say that Tuesdays with TED at Newington has turned into a bit of a must-do.

Everything from how to start a movement, to collaborating with others in an online community, and how to overcome the schoolyard bully is covered in these talks, and boys have the unique opportunity to view these talks and debate some of the ideas with other students and their teachers who have also come along for the show.

The response from the boys has been overwhelming to say the least. 

“I really enjoy the TEDTalks on Tuesdays for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the topics offer very interesting perspectives on all aspects of the world and life. They often offer interesting tips, ideas and cool activities. For example a TEDTalk prior was about an online translating website that I now use to improve my Italian skills. Secondly, the videos offer a refreshing break from intense school work allowing the mind to wander and think. The conversations that are created are often intriguing and it is something unique to see students and teachers collaborate over ideas presented in the video. I think Ted Talks is an interesting and unique club with extremely large potential for growth.” – Adam Goodman (11/LE)

“I love going to the Tuesday TEDTalks in the Library because it is a great forum for ideas to spread between people who would not usually meet. Staff, teachers, and students join on a large range of ideas from: how to start a movement and what is leadership all the way to whether elite sportsmen and women are actually getting more athletic or are new records  due to technological advancements. Some of the younger kids tell me that they started going for the free food, but they come back because they are truly interested. The TedTalks are a great example of Newington’s holistic approach to education.” – Edward Treolar (12/FL)

If you’re keen to come along in the future, here are some of the topics on the calendar. 

• Zombies, cockroaches and other strange parasite tales
• How our brains can fool our bodies
• Canteen ladies and their secret superhero lives (A Book Week special screening in Week 7!)
• How I overcame my bullies at school

 If you missed out on a week, or want to re-watch a TEDTalk there’s a list of links on SPACES here.