Manuel Ortega
Student Council Coordinator
In the dynamic world of high school education, the significance of student leadership cannot be overstated. At Northbridge International School Cambodia, we recognize the important role that leadership plays in shaping well-rounded individuals and preparing them for success beyond the classroom.
As one of our key priorities, we are committed to providing our students with ample spaces and opportunities to develop their leadership skills. Let us dive into the importance of student leadership in high school.
Student leadership offers a platform for personal growth and character development. By assuming leadership roles, students are presented with challenges that foster self-confidence, resilience, and effective communication. They learn to navigate diverse perspectives, make informed decisions, and take responsibility for their actions. These experiences not only shape their character but also enhance their ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead in various settings.
High school is an ideal time for students to acquire and develop essential leadership skills. Through leadership opportunities, students learn to set goals, manage time, prioritize tasks, and delegate responsibilities. They develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Moreover, effective leadership requires strong interpersonal skills, such as active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution, which students can cultivate through practical experiences.
Student leadership empowers young individuals to have a voice and make a difference. It encourages them to identify issues within their school community and take proactive steps to address them. By nurturing initiative and encouraging student-led initiatives, NISC fosters an environment where students feel empowered to initiate positive change. This not only enriches the school experience but also instills a lifelong commitment to making a difference in the world.
Leadership in high school often entails working with diverse groups of individuals toward a common goal. Through collaborative projects, students learn the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and effective communication. They understand the value of leveraging collective strengths and appreciate the benefits of inclusive leadership, where everyone's contributions are valued and respected.
Participating in student leadership activities significantly enhances students' college and career readiness. Admissions officers and employers seek candidates who demonstrate leadership skills, as it reflects qualities like initiative, responsibility, and the ability to work well with others. Leadership experiences during high school provide students with compelling stories and examples to share during college applications and job interviews, setting them apart from their peers.
At NISC, we firmly believe that student leadership is a cornerstone of a balanced education. By fostering a culture of leadership, we equip our students with the skills, values, and experiences necessary for their personal and professional success.
As we offer spaces and opportunities for our students to develop their leadership abilities, we are confident that they will emerge as confident, responsible, and visionary leaders who can positively impact their communities and shape a better future for all.
The readers of this article have all likely experienced a ‘traditional’ exam setting. Rows of desks, pen and paper, and exam papers that are primarily constructed to test knowledge and recall of the course content. There is certainly some value to an exam paper that assesses a student’s knowledge, but ultimately, knowledge and recall represents a very narrow range of the skills actually needed in the modern world. Recognising this, the IB has taken an revolutionary look at assessment in the middle years, with the eAssessment.
