Student Leadership
There’s only one way to learn leadership.
Take a responsible risk and be a leader. Then do it again. And again. And again.
That’s why we support our students by providing them with leadership opportunities at every age and all year long. We know that if we want them to be leaders, they need chances to lead.
Of course, they also need guidance and encouragement. And that’s where our supportive community comes into play. Students at KCS know that when they put themselves out there, they’ve got the full support of their peers, teachers, and families behind them.
To ensure that every child has the chance to be a leader, we have built leadership opportunities into our curriculum and daily life.
Junior School Leadership
At the KCS Junior School, Grade 8 students are responsible for leading Friday chapels and assemblies. Grade 7 and 8 students can serve as House Captains and organize community and spirit-raising events throughout the year. And all Grade 6-8 students take part in a formal leadership program where they initiate and follow through on organizing activities for the school community.
Our Grade 6 students have the opportunity to participate in the Recess Leaders program where they organize games and activities to support our younger children with play and conflict resolution during Be Active.
Older students can also acquire leadership experience through many of our extracurricular activities, where they can serve as club and team assistants or peer tutors.
Senior School Leadership
At the KCS Senior School, student leadership is woven into the curriculum and the weekly timetable for all students. Courses go beyond the Ministry curriculum by intentionally developing student agency and challenging students to apply learning in ways that make an authentic impact beyond the classroom.
In addition, all Senior School students participate once a week in KCS By Design (KBD). In KBD, students help build the school experience by following a design thinking process in one of the following areas of their choosing: academics, arts, athletics, citizenship, and school spirit.
The KCS Path Program is another distinct opportunity for students to exercise leadership, thanks to the annual expectations that students link their Path topic to a citizenship initiative. Thanks to these foundational aspects of our program, all Senior School students have limitless experiences in student leadership.
Of course, leadership doesn't have to be scheduled. Leadership can be helping a friend with finding a lost backpack or setting a good example by listening when others are speaking. At KCS, we take the time to acknowledge and celebrate these leadership moments that happen each and every day. Because being a leader is all about doing the right thing, no matter how small.