Junior School
Grade 7 leadership programme
Grade 7 is a special year for our Junior School girls, with many exciting opportunities for them to grow through our leadership programme. It is a wonderful opportunity for self-discovery and self-development but, more so, to gain valuable experience with regards to self-knowledge, knowledge of human nature, cooperation, teamwork, human relationships, and much more.
There are so many areas in life that require astute leadership ability, and we believe that the critical aspect of this programme is to ingrain at an early age, in every girl, the relevant leadership tools and skills.
At St Mary’s DSG, we believe every girl is a leader. At the start of her Grade 7 year, every girl receives a bronze leadership badge in recognition of the leader we see in her. We then afford her the opportunity to develop her leadership skills through her commitment to all aspects of school life and in service to her community.
Grade 7s are introduced to formal leadership roles within our schooling environment, and each girl is assigned an opportunity to lead in a specific ambassador committee, where she can develop and use her leadership skills, and build confidence, responsibility and empathy.
The girls are expected to carry out their duties responsibly and according to the schedules provided by the ambassador committee teachers, who also give guidance. Their Reach-in ambassador committees change every season, so they have an opportunity to gain experience in more than one aspect of school life.
We recognise that girls often face challenges when it comes to leadership, such as societal expectations and gender stereotypes. We therefore work to remove these barriers and provide opportunities for them to discover more about themselves and further develop their skills and attributes.
Every term, the students are encouraged to serve the broader community. They can get involved in organised charity projects or arrange their own community service as an individual or part of a group. The expectation is that they give of their time, and not only goods or financial assistance.
Every season, their duties change so they can gain experience in more than one aspect of school life and get the chance to interact and build connections with different group members.
Towards the end of each term, the girls are invited to submit their leadership portfolios as evidence of their commitment to the programme, as well as their growth as leaders. The portfolios are reviewed by a panel of teachers who consider all the information to determine which girls are eligible to be awarded their next level leadership badges.
Our programme is inclusive and specifically designed to create a culture where all the girls are encouraged and supported in their leadership aspirations. It aims to inspire all to step forward as self-disciplined, resilient and courageous individuals. At the core of the programme vision is a passion for personal growth and development.
