The recent student leadership training for Senior School Voorschoten (SSV) and Senior School Leidschenveen (SSL) leaders placed strong emphasis on communication. This focus was woven throughout the day, with many of the new leaders actively practising these skills and committing to applying them in their new roles.
During the training, participants explored the essential qualities that define effective leadership. Anna, one of SSL’s charity leaders, reflected:
“I enjoyed meeting new people and learning new skills.”
Later in the day, Mr Heuff gave a presentation which offered clear insights into the key qualities of great leaders and practical ways to implement them. Romy, SSV’s CCA student leader, shared her takeaway:
“In order to be a good leader, you need to learn good communication skills.”
Together, these reflections capture the spirit of the programme: building on existing strengths while striving for growth. With their dedication to enhancing communication and leadership skills, BSN student leaders are well‑positioned to form a dynamic and inspiring team for the school community.
Throughout the day, the Senior Leadership Team had us participate in engaging activities that helped us develop key leadership skills, ensured our team-building experience went smoothly, and strengthened our understanding of how to work effectively as a team.
Nuate, the Year Group 13 leader at SSV, thought:
“The game was very interesting and a great opportunity to show the importance of communication as well as patience within a team.”
Additionally, we were taught about the most famous leadership types and how they can impact team morale and motivation. This was very important because it highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of team building: management style. Sophie, the wellbeing ambassador at SSL, said:
“It was very interesting learning about the different leadership types because I had never really thought about it before”
Finally, in the afternoon, we had the opportunity to organise and write down all the ideas we had for our role. This required us to work with the other student leaders to delegate and present some of our ideas, and to make sure everyone was up to date on whatever plans we had. This was a great taster session of what working in a team will look like for us over the next year. Louisa, the Year Group 7 leader at SSV, said:
“I thought it was pretty fun to be able to plan important school events and think of who I will be working with in order to achieve that.”
Overall, the activities and workshops organised throughout the day allowed us to learn and deepen our understanding of what makes a successful leader, as well as how to be a good team player, by highlighting the most important aspects of teambuilding, such as communication, collaboration, and planning skills.
Lola Kate
Deputy Chair Ambassador
I attend the SSV campus, and I am currently in Year 12. I am originally from Arkansas, USA. I enjoy playing sports and am interested in business psychology and marketing.
Alexis
Deputy Chair Leader
I am a senior Student Leader and a Year 12 IB student at the SSV campus. My mom comes from Germany, and my dad comes from a little French island called Réunion. I enjoy playing sports of all kinds, but my main sport is tennis. In my free time, I also play the piano.
Inspiring Changemakers
There are many leadership opportunities for students at The British School, from the earliest Years to the Sixth Form. In Senior School, students can apply to become a student leader or an ambassador—clearly-defined roles with a tangible influence and impact, that are fully supported with training from the school’s Senior Leadership team throughout the year. Beyond these formal roles, there are plenty of additional ways that students are encouraged to develop and demonstrate leadership qualities; through embodying BSN’s character profile, stepping outside their comfort zone during a trip, developing skills and teamwork in a CCA, and positively impacting others through Service Learning.
