Learning for Life Programme (LLP) – Community Youth Leadership

Discover the journey of developing our Meridian Student Leaders: https://tinyurl.com/hmslrm

The school’s Learning for Life Programme (LLP), Community Youth Leadership, is a platform to nurture leaders in all Meridians.

1.    Principles of Leadership

The school integrates the Five K&P Practices of Exemplary Leadership in nurturing compassionate leaders.

The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® is a functional leadership model offered by James Kouzes and Barry Posner (1987) in their book, “The Leadership Challenge.” It reveals a cluster of behaviours identified through a thematic analysis of what people did when they were at their “personal best” in leading others. The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership are namely Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act and Encourage the Heart.

2.    Student Leadership Model

The Student Leadership Model at Meridian Secondary School is designed to be aligned with the Kouzes and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, the four beliefs, and The Meridian Way. At every tier of leadership development, students are provided with opportunities to make meaningful contributions to both the school community and the wider community.

1.    Student Leadership Progressive Development Model

Meridian Secondary adopts an age-appropriate and progressive three-stage leadership training programme:

• Self-Leadership

• Team Leadership

• Thought Leadership

TIER 1

Cohort leadership engages the wider student body by equipping our students with knowledge of K&P principles through a foundational programme. This programme not only helps them develop their own skills and values but also provides opportunities to apply and enhance their leadership abilities through various platforms such as CCAs and VIA projects.

TIER 2

At Tier 2, students receive further training and participate in a broader range of community projects, enhancing their leadership skills through their roles as Student Councillors, CCA Leaders or Peer Support Leaders. This often involves organizing activities for their peers (e.g. Peer Support Leaders conducting class bonding games) or for their juniors (e.g. Sec 3 Student Councillors facilitating Sec 2 VIA projects), fostering a sense of team leadership.

The Leadership Primer is specially designed for Tier 2 Student Leaders, focusing on developing skills such as public speaking and event facilitation. Regular check-in sessions offer continuous guidance and support. Uniquely, our school encourages students to self-nominate for these leadership roles, promoting initiative and self-development.

Student Councillors

CCA Leaders

Peer Support Leaders   

TIER 3

At Tier 3, members of the Student Leader Executive Committee embody thought leadership by inspiring a shared vision of student leadership that resonates with all students. They play a pivotal role in nurturing the leadership development of their peers and driving innovation to create value for the community. To further enhance their capabilities, the Executive Committee members are given opportunities to participate in nation-wide events and are nominated for national-level awards (e.g., National Young Leaders Fellowship).

3.     Student Leadership Functional Titles

*All Student Leaders strive to be positive influencers for fellow Meridians

4.    Leaders Room

The Leaders Room serves as a dedicated space for Student Leaders to convene, collaborate, and strategize. It provides an environment where the leaders can brainstorm innovative ideas and foster a sense of unity among their peers. This room functions as a hub for nurturing leadership skills, enabling students to chart a course for positive change within the school by fostering creativity, teamwork, and the development of initiatives that benefit the broader Meridian community.

Department Teachers

Highlights (2024) 

Sec 1 Orientation

The Sec 1 Orientation serves as a vital platform for leadership development, acquainting all Meridians with Kouzes and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership while extending a warm welcome to the Meridian community.

Sec 2 VIA

The Sec 2 VIA serves as a platform for Sec 3 Student Councillors and Sec 2 Peer Support Leaders to practise their leadership skills by employing the Design Thinking methodology to facilitate the planning and execution of Sec 2 VIA activities for the Secondary 2 classes they are assigned to. With guidance provided, all Sec 2 students will gain experience in planning and executing a schoolwide event.

Student Leader Executive Committee Nomination and Head Student Leader Election

The Student Leader Executive Committee Nomination and Head Student Leader Election is a platform that enables Sec 3 students to advocate for themselves and their ideals.

Trailblazers Summit

The Trailblazers Summit is a programme designed to foster team learning and empathy among student leaders by increasing their awareness of environmental literacy. As part of the training, students participate in either the NParks Learning Journey or the WWF Learning Journey, and conclude their experience at the MSS Go Green Festival https://tinyurl.com/2024MSSGGF.

Leadership Primer

The Leadership Primer programme is curated for Tier 2 student leaders (i.e., Peer Support Leaders, CCA Leaders, and Student Councillors), with the goal of improving fundamental leadership skills across all Student Leaders.

Student Leaders Investiture

The Student Leaders Investiture honours and applauds new appointment holders while fostering a community of leadership, inspiring growth and development among all student leaders.