Brainwaves gives Year 12 students four minutes to speak on any topic of their choice and we mean anything.
This year’s talks ranged from why the air fryer is the kitchen staple to false cultural memories, digital attention spans, childhood in the age of iPads, why humans might benefit from acting more like potatoes, and even why naked mole rats defy the laws of biology. The result was a programme of original, thoughtful and highly engaging presentations, each shaped by the interests and perspectives of the speaker.
As part of our Raising Voices programme, Brainwaves sits at the heart of our commitment to developing oracy across the school. It creates a space where students are trusted to speak about what matters to them, to think critically, take intellectual risks and communicate their ideas with clarity and purpose. What stood out this year was not only the creativity of the topics, but the confidence and care with which they were delivered.
Across the event, students demonstrated the ability to hold an audience, structure an argument and share personal insight with maturity. Talks moved comfortably between humour and reflection, showing how powerful it can be when young people are given the time and space to shape and articulate their own thinking.
Brainwaves reflects an environment where curiosity is encouraged, where difficult questions are welcomed and where students are supported to find their voice and their purpose. It celebrates difference, courage and ambition, and highlights the impact of giving young people the opportunity to speak freely and be heard.
