Leadership Academy
Developing Leadership has always been at core to SHSSN and last year was a busy and productive time for SHSSN Secondary Leadership Academy students. This year 50 students have become members, each volunteering and leading at various events and competitions both in and out of school. Schools represented this year are Meadow High, Oak Wood, Park Academy West London and Swakeleys School for Girls. It is great to have so many schools involved and offering their students leadership opportunities that help develop their self-confidence, self-esteem and communication skills that in turn help with their schoolwork, friendships, CV’s and personal development.
Students will have the opportunity to take on leadership roles at their own schools but also at local primary schools, helping at their taster weeks where they help coach the primary students, whose ages ranged from Year 1 to Year 6. Tasters this year have included Taekwondo, Rugby, NFL flag, Athletics and Cricket. Previously we have also worked with British Cycling, and Hayes Hawkes Learn to ride sessions where our leaders helped the primary students to learn to ride, some of them for the first time.
Students also get the opportunity to help at:
- Primary & Secondary Competitions that lead through to the LYG or West London Finals
- Festivals that target students who don’t usually get the opportunity to take part in inter school events
- Events that target SEND students
- Change4Life Primary Clubs aimed at increasing the participation and healthy life-styles for students
- Transition Clubs that support pupils struggling to transition from Primary to Secondary School
- Leadership Conferences that help other pupils learn about leadership skills and how to use these to lead back at their schools
- Student School Games organising crew/committees
- London Youth Games Finals and/or West London Finals
Quotes:
"I just wanted to say a huge thank you for bringing your leaders on Tuesday to our Sporthall Athletics competition. One school teacher made a point of coming to speak to us to say how fantastic the leaders were, which is a huge credit to them. Very rare this happens!"
"Organised very well as usual! The young leaders were also very efficient and great at what they were doing. Great event."
"Throughout the week I have been lucky enough to work with a number of young leaders who have supported sessions that have involved over 600 Hillingdon primary school children! Every single one of these young leaders has contributed to making the sessions a success. I have been so impressed by their commitment, confidence, maturity and ability to just get stuck in! They have been a pleasure to work with and they are all a real credit to themselves and the schools they represent."
Our Leaders have volunteered at the London Youth Games (LYG) Finals at Crystal Palace, assisting with the running of various competitions. Lots of them have gained the Games Force Award for event management. The have also helped at LYG inclusive events, including Wheel Chair Tennis, Boccia, Panathlon and Inclusive Tennis. They receive fantastic feedback when helping at these events and are personally asked back to help again the following year.
"We honestly would not be able to run our events without such enthusiastic and skilled leaders, so please pass on a massive thank you to all of them."
"The leaders were excellent and he looks forward to working with them again."
