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Puxi Campus G8: “Focusing on Overlooked Voices”: Grade 8 TED Talk English Speech Competition Successfully Held

May 12, 2026

Recently, students and teachers of Grade 8 at the Puxi Campus of Shanghai High School International Division eagerly welcomed an inspiring English speech event. On April 30, the final round of the Grade 8 English Speech Competition was officially held in the auditorium. After several rounds of selection, eight outstanding finalists took the stage and delivered engaging TED Talk-style speeches centered on "important yet often overlooked issues," encouraging the audience to reflect on society, history, and humanity from multiple perspectives.


The competition began with contestants from the S and S+ groups. Through real-life examples and personal insights, the speakers demonstrated remarkable awareness of contemporary social issues. Mili from Class 8(2) explored historical tragedies caused by a limited understanding of radioactive substances, using Marie Curie and radium as examples to raise questions about scientific ethics. Angela from Class 8(3) introduced the contributions of renowned primatologist Jane Goodall while also highlighting the hardships behind her achievements, which deeply resonated with the audience.


Olivia from Class 8(5) focused on environmental protection, drawing inspiration from young climate activist Greta Thunberg and encouraging everyone to believe that "small voices can still change the world." Queena from Class 8(9) discussed an Australian shooting case, reflecting on legal reform and public safety while calling for greater social awareness and action.


Following the S and S+ presentations, many audience members were moved by these globally significant yet frequently overlooked issues and became more aware of the importance of understanding and responding to real-world problems.


The H and H+ group presentations then followed. Jasmine Z from Class 8(3) used a fire accident as a case study to analyze hidden dangers and underlying social problems. Arella from Class 8(8) spoke about a journalist persecuted for exposing the truth, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech and the press. Miyanna from Class 8(10) focused on well-known fast fashion brands, revealing the harsh realities faced by impoverished workers behind inexpensive clothing production and encouraging students to rethink the relationship between consumption and responsibility. Finally, Michelle from Class 8(11) addressed whale conservation, discussing the impact of illegal hunting and environmental destruction on marine life and calling for stronger environmental awareness.


Throughout the competition, all contestants demonstrated confidence, fluency, and outstanding public speaking skills. More importantly, they showed deep reflection on important global issues. Their ideas and emotions strongly resonated with the audience and earned enthusiastic applause.


After careful evaluation by the judges, the final results were announced:


Final Round Winners

S / S+ Group

1st Place: Angela 8(3)

2nd Place: Queena 8(9)

3rd Place: Mili 8(2)

4th Place: Olivia 8(5)


H / H+ Group

1st Place: Jasmine Z 8(3)

2nd Place: Michelle 8(11)

3rd Place: Miyanna 8(10)

4th Place: Arella 8(8)


The Grade 8 TED Talk English Speech Competition concluded successfully with warm applause from the audience. Through their speeches, each participant brought attention to issues that deserve greater recognition and reminded everyone of the importance of expressing ideas, caring about society, and taking responsibility for the world around us.









(Written by 8-9 Lan, Antonia Pan

Pictures by Grade 8 Teachers

Reviewed by Ms. Shen Ying, Michael Laverriere, Shiyu Wu, Hannah Kloeber)