Skip to main content
Westwood Secondary School

Student Leadership Programme

Apply via DSA to join Westwood Secondary's Student Leadership Programme and grow into an active, values-driven leader who serves and inspires others.

Last updated 6 July 2026

DSA Student Leadership

Westwood Distinctive Programmes

Student Leadership Programme

About

Westwood believes in developing student leaders who have the courage to lead and the passion to serve. We endeavour for every student to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to reflect, make responsible decisions, feel empowered to act and impact positive change within their spheres of influence. 

Development

All student leaders will have the opportunity to learn and apply Student Leadership competencies

  • Comprehensive training and opportunities to apply Westwood’s Leadership Philosophy: The Leadership Challenge (TLC) by James Kouzes and Barry Posner

  • Be the agent of change and voice of the student body, bridging the gap between students and school management so as to create a school environment that is caring and enabling

  • Form a network of support with student leaders across different leadership segments, schools and countries through sharing of best practices and collaborative projects

Desired Outcomes

Through 3-4 years of active participation in the opportunities and experiences provided by the school, Westwood’s DSA students will become active citizens who are passionate about making a difference to society and who have the skills and aptitude to create that impact.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should show evidence in having:

  • keen interest in leadership and advocacy, coupled with exemplary passion, determination and potential in serving the school community

  • experience in student leadership bodies and/or active involvement in leadership activites, co-curriculum activities or community service

  • a strong sense of responsibility and able to balance academic and non-academic commitments

  • core values of integrity, compassion, resilience, innovation and continual learning

  • confident communicators who are able to positively influence their peers

Application Procedure

  • Applicants who apply for DSA in Westwood’s Student Leadership will submit a portfolio by email to the Teacher-in-charge, Ms Melissa (melissa_manuela_rama_shan@schools.gov.sg). The portfolio must be submitted no later than 10 July 2026.

  • The portfolio should include a write-up and introduction of the candidate's leadership involvement and abilities. 

  • Additionally, candidates should provide a reflection (no more than 150 words) of their leadership journey thus far. 

Shortlisted students will be invited for an in-person interview held in either July or August 2026. The interview panel will ask questions on the following (non-exhaustive):

  • Knowledge of leadership philosophies and advocacy

  • Elaborate and reflection on leadership experiences in primary school

  • Balancing of various commitments

  • Experiences that demonstrate the core values of integrity, empathy, resilience, continual learning and strong sense of responsibility

  • Personal vision as a student leader