Leadership

CURRICULUM

We believe that leadership learning, both implicit and explicit, can and should permeate all subjects as well as the general ethos, culture and community of our Academy. Embedding leadership within the curriculum provides our young people with the language and tools to help them develop their leadership skills.

In the regular timetable, Leadership skills are taught as discrete behaviours through the Citizenship Curriculum. Throughout the year, we also organise Leadership Days – intensive learning experiences, which are linked to pupils’ passions, aspirations and development needs. Pupils participate in cross-curricular projects that foster their leadership capacities and provide the opportunity for pupils to apply their leadership skills in real and simulated age appropriate situations.

 

Sports
Sport is an important part of Academy life. Sport is seen as a learning experience and an excellent opportunity to develop character and leadership skills. As well as the obvious physical and mental health benefits, sport helps young people develop wider skills and attributes that benefit them in other areas of their lives. Several studies have shown that participation in sports often leads to improved attainment, lower absence rates, and better numeracy scores. Sport can also enhance self-esteem and deter young people from engaging in anti-social behaviour.

Through our Academy’s sports programmes, our pupils learn teamwork, leadership, self-discipline, focus and competitiveness – all of which will stand them in good stead for their future careers and in their role as community leaders. They also learn important lessons in humility, such as how to lose graciously and the importance of striving for continuous improvement.

The variety of clubs and sports on offer reflect the breadth and talents of our pupils and ensure that all pupils have an opportunity to participate in sports they enjoy and excel in. Our teams compete successfully in major competitions at all levels.

Sports Captain

All of our Academy’s sports teams have a Sports Captain, a member of the team who is elected to a leadership role by their peers because of their ability to motivate others. The Sports Captain is chosen on the strength of their performance, their ability to strategize and assess the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents, and the level of their enthusiasm and commitment. Sports Captains help to lead their teammates to success because they can be relied upon to perform consistently and remain calm under pressure. As with all good leaders, they keep their team’s spirits high, even when things are not going well.

Sports Leaders

Our Sports Leaders are trained pupil volunteers who assist with the delivery of sport and recreation initiatives. Through their volunteering, Sports Leaders are role models for active lifestyles within the Academy and community. Sports Leaders take responsibility for:

  • Increasing participation in sports and healthy lifestyles
  • Promoting sport, and motivating and inspiring others to get involved in sport in the academy, clubs and the local community
  • Being the young peoples’ voice on PE and sport in the academy
  • Leading and delivering sports-related activities to primary school pupils

Through the Sports Leaders’ programme, pupils gain nationally-recognised leadership awards and qualifications. Pupils are connected to the Academy and their community, whist taking on increasing responsibility and developing their confidence and self-esteem.

 

Performing Arts
The Academy has a vibrant Performing Arts curriculum, offering opportunities for creative self-expression and involvement at every level. Performing Arts can have a profoundly positive impact on pupil’s emotional well-being, offering them a respite from the rigors of academia, whilst still encouraging them to develop vital soft skills.

Through Performing Arts, pupils are encouraged to connect with their audience, inspiring them to feel and challenging them to think. They also become well-versed in conveying their messages through verbal and non-verbal communication, whilst considering how their work can be perceived from a variety of different perspectives. All of these skills are vital to becoming an effective and respected leader.

Drama and Theatre

We have regular Academy productions for those interested in drama and theatre, and we encourage all of our pupils to take on leadership roles in Academy plays and productions. All year groups are invited to audition for age-appropriate parts. Those pupils who are chosen to participate in Academy plays and productions develop a sense of personal responsibility and accountability. They have to learn their lines, they grow to understand the importance of showing up to rehearsals on time and not letting others down, as well as the necessity of delivering a compelling performance when it counts.

Pupils also have the opportunity to develop their emotional intelligence – which is essential to being a good leader – by exploring the motivations and mind-sets of their characters so they can deliver their roles with authenticity.

Public Speaking

Pupils are also given the opportunity to engage in debates about issues they are truly passionate about, and are expected to prepare a strong case to support their views. Public speaking and debating gives pupils the opportunity to reflect on the validity and feasibility of their own opinions, whilst listening carefully to the views of others. It encourages our pupils to think on their feet and highlights the importance of standing up for what they believe in through presenting persuasive and compelling arguments, rather than by demeaning other people. This helps to give pupils the conviction they need to become an effective leader.