“Leadership is an action, not a position. - Donald McGannon”
This weekend 10 pupils from our Junior High Talented Pupil Programme have embodied this belief, as they have proactively participated in the COBIS Global Catalyst Leadership weekend.
Based on the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals, this leadership training weekend was the launch of a 30-day competition, where pupils from around the world compete to design and lead their own projects based on these global goals.Over the last 3 days our pupils have received leadership coaching from global experts in the field of change management, covering a range of different topics, including styles of leadership, communication and ways of empowering others. Our pupils have debated and discussed with other pupils from all around the world including America, Europe and Africa. Their ability to converse in English was incredible, as they had to also overcome the challenge of understanding different accents and expressions from the international participants. Our pupils demonstrated all our school values throughout this weekend, but of particular strength was the courage they showed. Speaking to new people is a very difficult task, but our pupils all showed courage in often being the instigators of conversations. They were the first pupils to speak in each activity confidently and openly sharing their ideas and opinions, whilst also trying to question and encourage other pupils from around the world to respond.
The ability with which our pupils were able to critically analyse the big issues our planet is currently facing demonstrated their understanding of themselves not only as Chinese nationals, but also as citizens of the world. The United Nations 17 global development goals tackle issues such as poverty, climate change, access to education and wellbeing - all topics with which our pupils were able to clearly explain and start providing suggestions about how concerns in each area could be tackled. Over the next 30 days our pupils will all be designing their own projects based on the United Nations sustainable development goals. I look forward to sharing these with you soon.
Malantha (9D)
I have learnt lots of things this weekend, such as Sustainable Development Goals and the term 'spring'. Although it was really different for the first two days, the breakout room sections really encouraged me to speak confidently.
William (8E)
After the Global Social Leader sessions, I found I had learned more about the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals and the understanding of the term "sustainability". In addition, the sessions taught me about how a good leader operates and how to be a positive leader. The three day curriculum was very useful and coaches were really friendly. The Global Social Leadership weekend was extremely inspirational for me.
Andy (8A)
I think I have learned a lot in this weekend. I met many people from around the world, learning a great deal from each other during the courses, and I am looking forward to the 30-day independent challenge.
Jerry (9A)
I was amazed we were talking to people from 32 different countries.
Fairy (9D)
During these three days learning, I realise how a small step change the whole world. We should all be taking notice of the sustainable development goals. The teachers there were inspiration and gave us a lot ideas.
We are now taking applications for Huili School Hangzhou. Please scan the QR code to submit an enquiry form or call our admissions team on 0571-82396388.