What happens when young voices are given a platform, a purpose, and the confidence to speak? At BISS Talks 2026, the answer was clear, powerful ideas, courageous storytelling, and truly inspiring performances.
As part of the Key Stage 3 pastoral programme, all students were invited to prepare and deliver a short talk on a topic they felt truly passionate about. This project began during form time in Term 2 and encouraged students to explore a diverse range of interests from personal reflections to global issues.
This year’s topics were both thoughtful and inspiring, including The Power of Books, Endangered Marine Life, William Shakespeare, How to Be Confident Without Being Perfect, Step Up or Step Aside, Values, The Story We Tell Ourselves Later and The Power of Three Simple Words.
Over several weeks, with the support of the pastoral team and the English and EAL departments, students developed their ideas through research, writing and rehearsal. Each student then presented their talk to their form group, where peers voted for the speaker who would represent them in the finals. The standard across all groups was exceptionally high, making selection a real challenge.
On Wednesday, all Key Stage 3 students gathered in the Auditorium for a special extended assembly celebrating the BISS Talks finalists. Each finalist delivered a powerful and engaging talk in under four minutes. The event was a fantastic celebration of student voice, confidence, and intellectual curiosity.
We are delighted to recognise the following students who represented their forms:
Year 7 Finalists:
• 7I – Yeju
• 7S – Swastika
• 7P – Gracie
• 7U – Molly
Year 8 Finalists:
• 8B – Sophie
• 8I – Wesley
• 8S – Theo
• 8P – Dhilan
Year 9 Finalists:
• 9B – Ponyo
• 9I – Rex
• 9S – Leeluke
• 9P – Anika
After an exceptional series of presentations, we are especially proud to announce the three overall winners of BISS Talks 2026:
• Year 7 Winner: Yeju (7I)
• Year 8 Winner: Dhilan (8P)
• Year 9 Winner: Anika (9P)
