Student Leadership Programme
Student Leadership Development @ STC
Introduction
At CHIJ St. Theresa's Convent, leadership development of all students is aligned to its vision of developing a community of leaders and learners for God and for others. Accordingly, the leadership development programme is organised at two strata:
- Leadership for all Theresians; and
- Leadership for Theresian Student Leaders.
The Theresian Student Leader is recognised as the leader of leaders. She must: - have gone through the formal selection process mandatory for all student leaders;
- hold a formal appointment; and
- have attended at least two of the three Student Leadership Modules in her 4 or 5 years at St. Theresa's Convent.
Structure and underlying principles
Student leadership development in STC seeks to cultivate the leadership potential of our students to its fullest. Throughout their secondary school life in STC, Theresians will have opportunities to equip themselves with leadership skills and apply their learning through service to the school and community. By developing strong personal mastery, social-emotional competencies and social responsibility in Theresians, STC aims to shape our students into leaders of good character.
Qualities of the Theresian Girl as a Leader and the Theresian Student Leader
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As Leader, an active contributor & a concerned citizen who is rooted to Singapore 1. She models a sense of belonging to the class, school and country; 2. She advocates racial & religious harmony and appreciates diversity; and 3. She contributes to the betterment of the community & environment, with special reference to the disadvantaged. |
As Theresian Student Leader, 1. She guides her peers and exerts a positive influence on them; 2. She upholds racial & religious harmony and promotes cohesiveness amidst diversity; 3. She spearheads initiatives for the betterment of the community & environment, and inspires her peers to respond to the needs of the disadvantaged. |
Developmental Approach
The Student leadership development E4 approach is used to engage different segments of students. E4 represents – Engage (leadership development for all), Encourage (leadership development for the disadvantaged), Enthuse (leadership development based on specific interests) and Enlighten (leadership development for student leaders selected to take up positions in the highest tier).
A. Tier 1 : To Engage and Encourage all Theresians in leadership development.
The Student Leadership Programme takes a values-based approach that emphasises the individual's ability to work effectively with others to create community change. There is progression in the leadership development of all Theresians, which is illustrated in the table below:
| Level | Description | Activities |
| 1 | Developing the Self | Leading through participation in isolated activity/event |
| 2 | Leading and Working in Teams | Leading through spearheading and contribution in group work |
At the Self level, Theresians recognise the need to be proactive in their actions. They are able to identify their short and long term goals. This allows them to be learners and leaders who can influence their peers positively.
At the Team level, Theresians recognise the need to collaborate and accommodate during group work so that they can perform more effectively as a team to achieve common objectives and goals.
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are given equal opportunities to participate in leadership programmes through subsidy from the financial assistance scheme and opportunity fund.
B. Tier 2: To Enthuse and Enlighten Theresian Student Leaders on their leadership journey
Students who have excelled in the first two stages of leadership development will move on to the next two levels as officially appointed Theresian Student Leaders.
| Level | Description | Activities |
| 3 | Serving and Leading in School | Leading in planning and implementing school-wide events |
| 4 | Serving and Leading in Community | Leading in initiation and spearheading projects for the wider community |
The 3-module Student Leadership Programme (SLP) is premised on the following:
A student's leadership potential needs to be developed over time to nurture effective leaders
- A range of different leadership situations would stretch the leadership potential of our top Student Leaders.
- The School will identify and promote a wide range of opportunities for student leaders to grow and develop their leadership potential.
From Secondary 1 to Secondary 3, Theresian Student Leaders will attend one SLP module per year. Module 1 and Module 2, which are non-hierarchical, will be conducted on alternate years for all Theresian Student Leaders, largely from the lower secondary levels. By the end of her first two years in STC, each Theresian Student Leader would have completed both modules (the order of the modules attended would differ for consecutive cohorts, as Module 1 alternates yearly with Module 2). In her third year in STC, she would be given the opportunity to complete Module 3, which is conducted every year for Secondary 3 Theresian Student Leaders.
Post-Training Assignments
Theresian Student Leaders who have completed at least one module of the 3-module SLP are expected to undertake the following activities as part of the fulfilment of their post-training requirements:
They will:
1. Plan and lead the implementation of one of the following:
- Secondary One Orientation Camp
- School wide VIA
- Tana River Life Foundation Service Programme
- IFD Sports Carnival / House activities / Habits For Life modules
- Teachers' Day Celebration
- Prom Night
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2. Assist teachers in the organisation and implementation of one of the following:
- Total Defence Day
- Racial Harmony Day
- National Day Celebrations
- Student Leadership Investiture
OR
3. Plan with teachers and assist in the implementation of one of the following:
- The Leadership Challenge (TLC) training for all Theresians
- Leadership development programmes for cluster primary schools (training for monitors and sports leaders)
- STC's sports carnival for cluster primary schools
- External leadership events such as the Red Cross Donation Drive or Special Olympics Family Day.
- An overseas community service programme
Assessment
The assessment stage involves both the student leaders themselves and the leadership teachers, who will conduct mid and end-term reviews on the student leaders’ performance.
Overview of the 3-module student leadership module to develop Theresian Leaders
The desired outcomes and values-based curriculum of the 3 modules are as follows:
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Module 1 |
Module 2 |
Module 3 |
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Leadership through Experiential Learning |
Leadership in Society |
Leadership through Service |
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Desired Outcomes |
The Theresian Student Leader will be able to:
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The Theresian Student Leader will be able to:
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The Theresian Student Leader will be able to:
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Nature of Training Activity |
4-day 3-night Outdoor Experiential Learning Camp. |
4-day 3-night residential camp with training in public speaking, grooming, dining etiquette, team building games, visits to organisations & forums with corporate leaders |
Overseas Community Involvement Project in regional countries to meet the needs of the disadvantaged through the various forms community service |
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Pre-Training Activities |
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Training Activities |
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Post-Training Activities |
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