Grip Student Leadership Conference
On Tuesday the 12th of March three students, two teachers and myself went on a journey to the Grip Student Leadership Conference. When we got there we were one of the first schools there. We signed in and relaxed for 10 or so minutes. When the other schools got there I was shocked to see so many students. As all of us students and our teachers walked into Door 9 I had another shock. The room was huge! I think it could've fit at least 1,000 people! We sat down and got settled into our seats.
Our first session was ‘The People Pathway’ and in this session we learnt about what leaders should focus on when being a leader. Here is some things we learnt; “The people pathway is about knowing which people a leader should focus on. The people a leader should focus on are self, student leaders, school, society and to do this you use character, contribution, culture and cause." We then split up for some snack.
Whilst this break happened another session was on. ‘Top Tips for House Captains’ was about giving advice and tips for how to be the best captain you can be.
1) To create house trust
2) To create house spirit
3) To create house camaraderie
We also learnt about the A.I.R approach. Add, Introduce and Revive. You could achieve this by adding meetings, mascots and handshakes into your school.
After the break, the next session commenced. ‘Character of a Leader’ was about the core of a leader. The core of any leaders their character.
1) Confidence with humility
2) Others focused
3) Reliability
4) Empathy
We then got to choose an elective. A couple of us chose ‘How to Involve more People in School Events’ and others chose ‘How to Maximise my Contribution to my Team’.
I personally chose the first one as I want to get everyone involved. Here is one of the quotes that was written: “The big mistake many student leaders make is trying to involve more people by focusing on the event and not on the people”.
You can focus on people using 3 simple steps;
1) They are the target of the event'. You can target students in many ways such as: make the benefits clear, widen the appeal, promote strategically, be creative and spark interest.
2) ‘They are part of the team’. You can do this by giving people roles. Whether it is being a captain or on the advertising committee they are involved.
3) ‘They trust the student leaders’. You can gain the trust of students by: getting ideas from them, building personal relationships with them, serving at the events and making it AMAZING!
Next up was our lunch break. After this we went straight into electives again. The first elective was ‘How to Create an Amazing School Culture’ and the second option was ‘How to Choose and Advance a Cause’. Once again I chose the first option.
The definition of culture is: “The attitudes , behaviours and customs of a group of place”. To create an amazing school culture, you;
1) ‘Create amazing attitudes’. You can encourage students to see things in a positive light.
2) ‘Create amazing behaviours’.
3) ‘Create amazing customs’.
The long day was almost finished. We had a Q&A with the Grip Student Leadership Team. They all sat on the chairs at the front and were answering our questions. Once the Q&A was finished, we were allowed to take photos on the stage.
This day was so memorable and I will never forget it. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to go to this.
CHARLOTTE TATE
Year 8 Student Leader