Investing in Young Leaders

Posted at 8:32 am on 18th October, 2022

Wellacre’s Student Leadership Conference

Wellacre’s Vice Principal, Mr Pemberton, welcomed the Year 11 Senior Prefects and House Team Leaders for the school’s annual Student Leadership Conference. 

Mr Pemberton, Vice Principal Welfare and Wellbeing, said:

“Student Leadership is really important at Wellacre, we have a wide variety of opportunities on offer for students to make positive contributions to school.  Through training and opportunities, we aim to encourage our students to flourish and develop in their respective roles.”

  

The conference, aimed at Wellacre’s young leaders, covered what makes a good leader,  effective student leader characteristics, the importance of their role and the shared vision for Wellacre. Students reflected on leadership through discussion.

  

Oliver, Year 8, said:

“A good leader is being someone who people look up to and making decisions which benefit everyone.”

  

During the session, students had the opportunity to develop and put into practice their leadership, teamwork and communication skills.  The fun, interactive team building activities, which saw them working in House teams, helped students learn the most effective way to work well with others in order to get the best results.  

Student Leaders will use everything they have learned to deliver leadership training to their Form Representatives after the half-term and pass on all their skills and knowledge.

Mr Pemberton added:

“At Wellacre, students in a leadership position can really help to drive positive change. They encourage student voice and collate lots of ideas to present to the Student Executive Council for discussion and action.” 

Each student was asked to pen a Leadership Pledge; a personal goal to strive for in their role as Head of House or Sports Captain, for example.  The pledges included helping students to become better leaders, making everyone feel safe at Wellacre, ensuring no-one feels out of place, and inspiring the Wellacre community.

Head Boy George said:

“I learned that leadership isn’t about confidence, it’s a mix of skills and qualities that combine to make a great leader. My leadership pledge is to encourage more students to become involved in extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities.”