The Learning Curve

Recently, our Head Boy and Head Girl, Raphaël and Eveline, had the incredible opportunity to attend the annual Student Leadership Summit at Stonar School in Bath, England. This prestigious event brought together 38 students from 13 Globeducate schools worldwide, all of whom hold leadership positions in their respective schools.

The Student Leadership Summit is designed to challenge students' thinking and leadership styles, fostering personal growth, skill development, and international friendships. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in a variety of seminars, workshops, and interactive activities, covering essential leadership topics such as public speaking, communication, problem-solving, and professional etiquette.

Raphaël shared his thoughts on the summit: “The Leadership Summit I was fortunate to attend was a truly phenomenal learning experience. Both leadership theory and practical management experience will have stuck with me into my next opportunities. On top of that, I got to meet so many great people and forge friendships I won't forget. The organiser, Ms. Bennett, was an amazing host, and it felt like everyone there just wanted us to have a good time and succeed. Plus, Bath and its architecture were splendid.”

Eveline echoed the sentiment of camaraderie : “The Stonar Student Leadership Summit was nothing if not memorable. I particularly enjoyed the “Etiquette Dinner”, during which I learnt how to politely eat a bowl of soup, something sorely lacking from my A level education.
After only 4 days, I felt as though I had a personal connection with each person around me and had made unforgettable memories. I already have plans to see several people again in their home countries, which speaks to the close-knit group which is formed over the week at Stonar.”

Evelyne expressed: it provided a fantastic learning opportunity for Raphael and I to expand our leadership and management skills, learning to become efficient, valuable leaders while making connections with like minded peers

Key highlights of the summit included:

• Leadership Development: Students explored Belbin leadership characteristics, helping them understand their dominant leadership styles and how to build effective teams.

• Workshops and Interactive Activities: Participants took part in group tasks, etiquette training, team-building challenges, and scenario planning events.

• Guest Speakers: Sessions focused on the importance of honesty, integrity, and effective communication in leadership.

• Cultural Exchange: Students experienced British culture firsthand, visiting the historic city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They also participated in traditional British customs, including afternoon tea and etiquette lessons.

 

The choice of Bath as the summit location added an extra layer of significance to the event. Known for its stunning Georgian architecture and rich history, Bath provided a picturesque setting for the summit. The city’s charming streets and historic landmarks offered students a beautiful backdrop for their learning and a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in British culture.

Raphaël and Eveline returned with invaluable experiences that will undoubtedly shape their leadership journey and contribute to our school community. Their time in Bath was not just about learning; it was about building lasting friendships and gaining insights that will inspire their peers.

We look forward to hearing more about their experiences and the valuable lessons they’ll share with us!