Student Leadership Development

Objectives

At Westwood, we aim to develop in every Westwoodian leadership knowledge, skills, and competencies to:

• Engage in a continual process of self-reflection and self-regulation.

• Lead self and others to make positive contributions to improve the lives of others.

• Handle complexity and ambiguity in the world with confidence.

We believe that effective leadership is demonstrated through The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership:

1. Model the Way – Lead by example and act with integrity.

2. Inspire a Shared Vision – Create and communicate a compelling future.

3. Challenge the Process – Encourage innovation and embrace change.

4. Enable Others to Act – Build trust and empower teamwork.

5. Encourage the Heart – Recognize efforts and celebrate achievements.

In addition, in times of constant change, Adaptive Leadership—part of the E21CC competencies—is crucial. Adaptive leadership nurtures students to embrace change, challenge the status quo and adapt, grow, and lead effectively in evolving contexts.

Desired Student Outcomes

Through intentional leadership development, our goal is to cultivate adaptive leaders who:

• Embrace change by anticipating future needs and continually seeking opportunities to challenge the status quo.

• Empower others to commit to developing innovative solutions for future challenges while ensuring opportunities for students’ voices to be heard.

• Tackle challenges effectively as a team, embracing risks and viewing mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth.

• Be open to feedback, lead by example, and recognize and celebrate team contributions, sharing rewards to inspire others.

Programmes

Westwood’s 4-year student leadership development programme is grounded in three core beliefs:

• Every student has the potential to grow as a leader.

• Leadership is a journey, not a destination.

• Leadership development must be intentional.

We adopt a spiral approach to leadership training, where each year students experience the three Leadership Domains – Self Leadership, Team Leadership, and Thought Leadership. They undergo explicit teaching in customized training programmes such as Cohort Leadership Trainings, followed by opportunities to apply learning in authentic contexts within and beyond school.

Students are also empowered to take on leadership roles in organizing events such as the Secondary One Orientation, Teachers’ Day Celebrations, Prom Night, Student Forum, and other school-wide initiatives and projects.

These experiences enable students to collaborate in teams, sharpen communication and interpersonal skills, build resilience, and strengthen their ability to adapt to challenges.

Student Leadership Structure

While all students experience baseline leadership development, specific student leader segments receive tailored training and close monitoring. At Westwood, there are four defined student leader segments: Student Councillors, CCA Leaders, Peer Support Leaders and Class Chairpersons.

These segments are represented by the Student Leadership Board (SLB), which works under the guidance of the Student Leadership Development Committee to:

• Advocate – Gather and share student feedback, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard.

• Drive Change – Identify areas for improvement, propose solutions, and follow through.

• Mentor – Guide junior leaders and share constructive feedback.

• Lead Events – Facilitate major school programmes and work with peers and teachers to ensure success.

• Build Culture – Model school values and lead campaigns that foster a caring, inclusive environment.

Peer Support Leaders facilitating The Zones of Regulation booth, helping students with special needs understand and manage their emotions at Starlight Camp 2025.

CCA leaders at their townhall session, exchanging best practices and initiatives to boost engagement and commitment to their CCAs.

Student leader-initiated Welcome Back to School activity, designed to help students reconnect with their peers, settle into the new term, and kickstart the school year with energy and positivity

Student leader-initiated Sports Jersey Day, designed to spark conversations, build camaraderie among students, and celebrate school spirit through shared interests.