“Leadership is not just about leading; it is about serving others with empathy and compassion.”— Mr Mike Sharpe, former Deputy Head of Junior School
Every day unfolds with endless possibilities in the Junior School.
Early exposure to leadership roles helps children develop character traits such as responsibility, empathy, resilience and integrity.
As a School, we provide the opportunity for the cultivation of leadership skills in our young boys. From the formative years in Prep through to the adolescent years of Year 6, the importance of fostering leadership qualities cannot be overstated. In our modern world, where adaptability, resilience and initiative are regarded as quality attributes, nurturing the seeds of leadership in the Junior School is not just desirable but imperative.
The journey of leadership begins with self-discovery. Self-confidence is necessary for leaders to take risks and accomplish their goals. By encouraging young children to take on roles, whether it is leading a classroom activity, participating in group projects, or even reporting the daily weather, the teachers foster a sense of self-assurance and belief in their abilities. Through positive reinforcement and constructive feedback, children learn to trust in their capacity to lead, which in turn leads to an increase in confidence and self-esteem that will serve them well throughout their lives. When children see their peers taking on leadership roles, it inspires them to do the same. Positive role models can encourage other children to step up and become leaders themselves.
Good leadership relies on good communication. The boys are encouraged to speak with good intentions, honesty and kindness to inspire trust in others. They have extensive opportunities in the classroom to express their thoughts, articulate their ideas and listen attentively to others by engaging in collaborative endeavours, such as group discussions, peer mentoring and team-based activities. The Public Speaking Competition is an example of where our Prep to Year 6 boys develop essential communication skills. Providing opportunities to collaborate and delegate tasks in a team setting is an essential skill that they can develop through leadership roles.
In the Junior School, we provide a nurturing environment where the boys can learn to set goals, make decisions and take ownership of their responsibilities. In their final year in the Junior School, the Year 6 boys have a certain amount of responsibility placed upon them. Whether they have an “official” leadership position or are simply the oldest cohort, the boys need to understand the importance of their roles as student leaders. They have a responsibility to younger boys as role models and buddies. The younger boys often look up to the older boys with awe and admiration. They closely watch and copy the behaviour of the older boys who have various leadership roles, such as class monitors, peer mentors, House Captains or monitors. Through such responsibilities, the boys learn the impact of their actions.
Outdoor Education Week (OEW) addresses the importance of empowering the boys and the contribution leadership skills make towards improved student outcomes, health and wellbeing. The OEW program is designed to develop the boys’ ability to interact effectively with others and increase their opportunity for leadership within the context of outdoor activities. When boys can master a skill or overcome a challenge, they believe in themselves more, especially if they perceive the task as difficult. For example, the Year 5 boys paddle in kayaks up the Tallebudgera Creek. When you see them being able to navigate around bends while paddling upstream, they are often beaming with pride. Leaders often face challenges and obstacles that require creative problem-solving. By engaging in leadership roles, children learn to think critically and find solutions to various problems.
In all year levels, the boys learn to celebrate diversity, embrace differences and extend a helping hand to those in need. Through acts of kindness, collaboration and peer support, they cultivate a culture of inclusivity and belonging. The boys take active roles in their School community and develop positive skills in the process. This is demonstrated by the various charity events the boys hold within the School and the visits to aged care facilities where they perform music concerts. Encouraging leadership skills empowers children to become agents of positive change in their communities.
The importance of developing leadership skills from Prep to Year 6 cannot be overstated. By nurturing the seeds of leadership through confidence-building, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, responsibility, empathy and preparation for the future, we empower the boys to become compassionate, capable and resilient leaders of tomorrow. Leadership skills taught in all year levels provide the boys at the Junior School with a strong foundation for success in various areas of life. We prepare the boys for future success in academia, careers and community engagement. From effective communication and problem-solving to teamwork and resilience, the experiences gained at Toowoomba Grammar School lay the groundwork for a lifetime of achievement and fulfilment.
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