At Haileybury Rendall School, Years 5 and 6 students benefit from a wide range of learning and leadership opportunities that prepare them for success.
The program is designed to meet the needs and interests of every student while consolidating core literacy and numeracy skills.
During Years 5 and 6, students are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities for personal development and leadership that are offered at the School. These experiences help them to explore personal interests and build valuable life skills such as organisation, teamwork, negotiation and problem solving.
Students in Years 5 and 6 can participate in the Student Leadership Team, with Year 6 students also offered additional leadership and school captaincy roles.
“As leaders and role models, Year 5 students help support younger students during House activities, sports carnivals and musical performances, and they take great pride in presenting at our regular Assemblies,” says Lisa Doyle, Head of Junior School.
Environment Captain Emily says that her role has allowed her to learn “responsibility and following through” on commitments.
Vice-Captain Charlie says that his leadership role has enabled him to learn how to better organise his time and that he enjoys encouraging “other students to get involved in clubs and different aspects of school.”
The student leaders also learn to be collaborative and take on board feedback and ideas from their peers. Part of this process includes sending out surveys to their peers to encourage ideas and gauge interest in different activities.
The are many other activities that are designed to foster both personal skills and learning. Highlights of the Years 5 and 6 experience include School camps and the school musical. Students also nominate favourite activities such as choir, the lunchtime Games Club, the Sustainability Club and House activities.
The impact of these opportunities can be hugely empowering. Lisa recalls, “One Year 5 student, initially shy and reluctant to speak in front of others, joined the leadership team and volunteered to present at an Assembly. The confidence gained from this experience not only improved their public speaking skills but also inspired them to nominate for a leadership role in Year 6.”
