News & Views
Ninth Graders Tackle Global Issues in World Congress
This past week, the Carver Dining Hall was transformed into an international forum as New Canaan Country School’s ninth graders presented World Congress—a capstone experience that challenged students to explore some of the world’s most pressing issues and present their findings in a TED Talk-style format.
Building on the public speaking foundation laid in eighth grade’s American Forum, this two-day event (held on March 5 and 6) tasked students with developing group presentations in key global areas: Security, Environment, International Relations, Health, Economics, and Human Rights. Each team delivered a 20-30 minute presentation, with each student speaking individually for five to six minutes on a specific subtopic.
The result? A thought-provoking, well-researched series of presentations that not only demonstrated students’ ability to analyze complex topics but also their confidence in public speaking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.
Diving Into Global Challenges
Students worked in task force groups, each tackling a major issue shaping today’s world:
- The Security Task Force examined arms dealing and drug trafficking (Clare O’Brien), biological and chemical weapons (Luke Gutierrez), state-sponsored terrorism (Henry Irwin), and nuclear proliferation and disarmament (Avery Brooks).
- The Environment Task Force explored biodiversity loss and deforestation (Nico Rolfert), climate change and extreme weather (Grace Harper), environmental justice and Indigenous land rights (Miles Chandor), and plastic pollution and waste management (Madsie MacLear).
- International Relations Task Force discussed alliances and nongovernmental organizations (Zach England), authoritarianism, autocracies, and nationalism (Chase Bowen), boundaries, borders, and conflict (Charlie Cahill), and space exploration and international cooperation (George Lilley).
- The Health Task Force focused on climate change and food access (Valentino Rodriguez), mental health education and resources (Nathan Berhe), and pandemic preparedness, existing diseases, and vaccinations (Asher Daniel).
- The Economics Task Force explored globalization and international corporations (Henry Seidel), emerging economies, foreign investors, and energy trends (Cristiano Robertson), and tariffs, trade wars, and sanctions (Wiley O’Connor).
- Human Rights Task Force investigated modern slavery and human trafficking (Beatrice duPont), press freedom and protest (Caroline Irwin), and women’s rights (Ella Agulay).
As each group took the floor, students confidently introduced their topics, presented their research, and wove together data, historical context, and real-world examples to bring these global issues to life.
A Test of Public Speaking and Critical Thinking
“World Congress is an example of the dynamic, real-world learning that defines the NCCS experience,” said Upper School Teacher Marshall Johnson who led the event. “By combining research, analysis, and public speaking, students are not only developing essential academic skills but also preparing to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.”
“The format of World Congress pushes students beyond traditional classroom learning,” added Johnson. “The TED Talk-style approach required them not just to understand their topics but also to communicate them persuasively and concisely—a skill that will serve them well in secondary school, college, and beyond.”
It was also an opportunity for ninth graders to hone their leadership and teamwork skills. Task force members had to coordinate their research, refine their messaging, and ensure their presentations flowed smoothly. Clear, effective public speaking was key—an ability they have been developing throughout their years at NCCS.
A Look Toward the Future
As faculty and peers listened intently to their presentations, it was clear that these ninth graders were not just students—they were thinkers, leaders, and problem-solvers. The ability to ask hard questions, analyze real-world challenges, and communicate effectively will serve them well in their next steps at NCCS and beyond.
With World Congress behind them, the ninth-grade class moves forward, ready for their next challenge, equipped with the confidence and skills to make a difference.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
