High school is a great time for exploring your capabilities as a leader. Assuming the role of a leader at this stage of your education enables you to discover and hone your ability to work well with others and familiarizes you with the strategies that maximize your chances of achieving collective success in group-centered endeavors. It also gives you plenty of opportunities to practice navigating situations where you have to deal with people who have different ideas and opinions, an ability that will become quite useful as you pursue your professional goals in the future. In addition to helping you develop skills that are essential to life, taking on the role of a leader demonstrates a certain level of commitment to making the world around you a better place, and this can look good on your college application.
There are plenty of options that you can consider if you’re interested in taking on a leadership position in your high school in Singapore for international students. It’s worth noting, however, that you don’t necessarily have to head an organization to showcase your leadership capabilities at this stage of your life, especially if you’re taking IB Diploma Programme courses or AP classes, which are known for their demanding coursework. There is a concept called “self-leadership,” and it involves making conscious decisions to influence your own thoughts, perspective, behaviors, and actions so that they can empower you to achieve the objectives you’ve set for yourself. Setting goals, using self-leadership strategies, and working hard to complete them can attest to your commitment to being the best version of yourself.
In fact, the continuum of IB programs are designed to help students become self-leaders who are capable of setting and meeting goals and fostering a distinct set of attributes. Among the characteristics that students, including self-leaders and those who showcase leadership skills are expected to acquire through the IB programs are the following:
- Good Communication Skills. IB learners can confidently and effectively express themselves. This skill should aid them in understanding and collaborating with other people.
- A Strong Set of Principles. IB learners are expected to act with integrity and honesty, not just in school but outside of it, and they should have a strong sense of justice and fairness.
- Openmindedness. IB learners can understand and appreciate different cultures and practices, and they are able to evaluate other people’s perspectives and values.
- A Balanced Approach to Risk-Taking. When faced with unfamiliar situations, IB students should display courage and forethought when taking on new challenges and roles.
- Ability to Reflect on Their Decisions and Actions. Understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses and assessing their experiences and decisions are capabilities that IB students should have.
Leading Others in Your High School: What Are Your Options?
If you have time and energy to steer organizations on top of working on your academic objectives, then it’s a good idea to check out the leadership positions offered in your local or international high school in Singapore. Co-curricular activities (CCAs) are an essential part of holistic education in the country as they give students the avenue to explore their skills and interests There are currently 4 major categories of CCAs: clubs and societies, uniformed groups, physical sports, and arts and performing clubs. Among these, there are plenty of individual CCAs that offer a great environment for honing leadership skills among students.
One option that you can consider is running for a leadership position in a club or society that you are active in. Depending on the level of responsibility that you’re capable of shouldering, you can run for a demanding position such as a student council president or a board member, or you could play a more active role in the council of class leaders. If you’re an active member of a club, sports organization, or performing troupe, it’s also an option to vie for a leadership position in these groups and play a key role in directing your priorities and activities for the next year.
If you want to become a part of a uniformed group, you have 9 options, many of which are attracting young people with a strong sense of community and drive to improve themselves and help others. A number of these uniformed youth organizations provide their members with leadership training, fun activities, and the chance to make a difference in their communities. Being part of a uniformed group will give you access to the resources you need to develop self-leadership skills as well as lead others when the opportunity arises.
Aside from the existing clubs and organizations in your school and community, you can also establish a club that caters to a particular interest. It’s an option you can consider if you find that a CCA related to the sport or activity that you like is not offered by your school. This has been done for activities like cheerleading, windsurfing, and any movement to encourage young people to lead a healthier lifestyle.
No matter if you’re training to be the best version of yourself or you’re hoping to develop your leadership skills, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so in your international school in Singapore. Explore your options today.