Helping shape leaders of tomorrow

Redcliffe State High School is helping its leaders of tomorrow, by preparing them today.

The school’s Leadership Aspirant Program encourages and supports students from Years 7-11 who aspire to become future school leaders.

Tristan Ellul, Head of Year 12, said the program is for those who want to lead, get involved in the structure of the school and engage with the community.

“We saw a gap where we have leadership in Year 12 and Year 9 with our senior and junior leaders. We want to build the capacity to get to that point.”

Terms one and two focus on connecting, how students have led, leadership skills, strengths, weaknesses and teamwork Term three prepares students for formal leadership roles.

Students are given the chance to speak publicly, work on CVs, prepare for interview questions and help at parent-teacher interview nights and Friday fun days.

Tapping into potential

Teacher Mark Grosert saw the opportunity for a program to help prepare students for leadership with roles and responsibilities in the school.

“We also needed to give the opportunity to develop application artefacts, prepare speeches, build CVs and promote themselves. That wasn't happening,” he said.

Students now become more involved in school activities, community events and leadership opportunities to build “confidence, capability and school presence”.

“We've got a lot of strong leaders that don't engage with school leadership. The footy boys are leaders on the field, leaders in the community - that's what I want to tap into.

“It's an opportunity for students to show they are willing and able to do things we require as a leader, because it's not an easy job. We have high demands on our leaders.”

Deputy Principal Rachel Kelly described the Aspirant program as a “really great opportunity to teach students what leadership is and how can we support them.“

Understanding leadership, that's the first challenge,” the Deputy Principal said “and students being able to see what they want to be.“

As students get to understand what leadership looks like in school and the broader community, they know what they're signing up for."

Learning from experience

Student Ayva Marsh said the program had taught her the “leadership qualities I have to have to move into next year”.

“The biggest lesson I've learned about being a good leader is not taking it all on yourself. You have to work together.”

Daniel Tavake said:

“Hearing the key attributes and benefits of becoming a leader, I couldn't help but put my hand up to do it. These opportunities don't come very often.”

Eliza Wood believes the program showed her that “working together is the most important step because alone you can make a difference, but together it's so much more impactful.”

Jesse-James Schuster’s advice to other students is “do it” and Michael Robinson believes it would be a great experience to “become a leader”.

Find out more about Redcliffe State High here.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Redcliffe State High School and proudly endorsed by Moreton Daily. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Moreton Daily possible.