BINUSIAN Talks: Inspiring Ideas, Empowering Voices

What does it mean to have the courage to speak up and share your ideas with others?

At BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya, this question came to life through the BINUSIAN Talks event, where students from Grade 2 to Grade 7 stepped forward to share their thoughts, experiences, and values with the school community.

Communicator is one of the key attributes of the PYP IB Learner Profile. It emphasizes the importance of expressing ideas confidently and creatively in different ways, while also listening respectfully to the perspectives of others. Through BINUSIAN Talks, students were given an authentic and meaningful opportunity to develop this essential skill.

The objective of the event was to provide a platform for students to showcase their public speaking abilities while fostering a culture of learning and inspiration. As this was the first BINUSIAN Talks event at BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya, participants were guided throughout the speech preparation process.

At BINUS, students are guided by the core values known as SPIRIT:

• Striving for Excellence – Doing our best to achieve high-quality results
• Perseverance – Staying strong and not giving up when facing challenges
• Integrity – Being honest and doing the right thing
• Respect – Valuing others and appreciating differences
• Innovation – Thinking creatively to improve and grow
• Teamwork – Working together with trust and collaboration

Using these values as a foundation, each student selected one as the focus of their speech. They shared meaningful reflections and real-life experiences, demonstrating how these values are practiced in their daily lives. This process encouraged students not only to speak, but also to think deeply, reflect meaningfully, and connect their learning to real-life situations.

To support their preparation, students followed a clear process – from selecting a topic and explaining its importance, to sharing personal experiences and reflecting on their learning. They were given time to draft their speeches, receive feedback from teachers, and participate in regular practice sessions. Each speech was delivered within three to five minutes, encouraging students to communicate their ideas in a concise yet impactful way.

“Your voice is heard, your story matters.”

On the day of the event, many students felt nervous as they stood before an audience of parents, teachers, and peers. One student even experienced a sore throat, making it more challenging to speak clearly. However, their determination and preparation helped them overcome these obstacles.

At first I was very nervous, but after practicing, I felt more confident, especially when joining other competitions and speaking in front of others.”
— Chelsea, Grade 3

Each speaker delivered their message with courage and sincerity. They shared inspiring stories about perseverance, striving for excellence, and overcoming challenges. These personal experiences not only reflected their individual learning journeys, but also inspired others to believe in themselves and continue improving.

Perseverance:

“At first, it was hard for me to ride a bike on two wheels. But I kept trying and didn’t give up until I could ride it successfully.”
— Cara, 2

Integrity:

“Imagine you accidentally spill a mug of water during an argument and blame your friend. That is not integrity. But if you admit your mistake and clean it up, that is integrity.”
— Renata, Grade 7

Teamwork:

“Even a very talented player still needs teammates to pass the ball, defend, and score. When players trust each other and work together, they have a better chance of winning.”
— Zaeem, Grade 3

The event also supported the development of approaches to learning, particularly communication skills and social skills. Students practiced organizing their ideas, speaking clearly, and engaging with an audience. They also learned to listen respectfully and appreciate the perspectives of others.

The assembly concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, where our principal (Alexandre Nenes) and vice principal (Richel Langit-Dursin) presented certificates to all participants in recognition of their effort, courage, and growth.

Through BINUSIAN Talks, students learned that their voices matter. More than just a public speaking event, it became a meaningful platform for students to express themselves, build confidence, and inspire others. The event truly reflected the spirit of being a BINUSIAN – continuously learning, growing, and striving to become better every day.

By:

Ms. Debby Selvianita
Early Years Co-Teacher
BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya