Newcastle School's Leadership Initiative Cultivates Future Leaders Through Sports
A groundbreaking program at Mayfield West Demonstration School in Newcastle is transforming students into confident leaders by integrating leadership training with physical education. The University of Newcastle-created Learning to Lead program, which involves 19 Hunter public primary schools, allows year 5 and 6 students to teach and mentor their younger peers in year 3 and 4 during sports sessions.
Building Confidence and Leadership Skills
Willow Beal, a year 6 student who aspired to become school captain, found her passion solidified through the program. "I really liked being in a leadership position, it's a lot of fun and I think the people I was teaching had a lot of fun too," she said. "I learnt how to be a good role model, and I learnt how to run things and be like my teachers." This hands-on experience has empowered students to see themselves in leadership roles, with many previously hesitant children now considering positions like school captain.
Program Benefits and Structure
Kris Roberts-Prisk, the school's sports coordinator who has run the program since its 2023 trial, highlighted its significant impact. "I've seen many benefits of this program, one of them is the confidence that the students get to be able to believe in themselves," she noted. The program operates on a two-year cycle, depending on resources and scheduling with other school events, and focuses on helping students identify their strengths and areas for development.
Key elements of the program include:
- Integration into physical education to leverage students' enjoyment of sports.
- Opportunities for older students to lead younger peers in structured activities.
- Emphasis on building self-awareness and trust among participants.
Student Perspectives on Leadership
Vice-captain Jojo Elers shared her insights from participating in year 5, stating, "I learnt about good sportsmanship and how it's not just about sport but about being nice to each other." She believes that being a good leader involves being a caring role model. Similarly, fellow vice-captain Leo Forbes emphasized the importance of encouragement and patience, adding, "They have to be patient as well and they have to be able to listen."
Willow Beal reinforced these views, explaining that effective leadership requires active engagement. "You need to actually work with them and not just stand there and watch them," she said. The program's success is evident in the enthusiasm of students, with many eagerly anticipating their turn to participate, as noted by Mrs Roberts-Prisk: "When the students, who are now in year 5 and 6 came up, the first thing they were asking us was 'when do we do Learning to Lead'."
Long-Term Impact and Future Plans
This initiative not only fosters immediate leadership skills but also prepares students for future roles within the school community. By combining physical activity with mentorship, it addresses holistic development, promoting values like responsibility and teamwork. The school plans to continue the program, adapting it to available resources and ensuring it remains a cornerstone of student growth in the Hunter region.
