Learn with Leaders

We can all name pioneering men and women whose leadership has influenced the course of human history. From the battlefield to the boardroom, there are famous names from the world of politics, science, and technological innovation who have earned their place in the annals of time.

All through history, the world has needed leaders to navigate and bring about change, even in the smallest ways. Their skills - the ability to guide, influence and inspire others - are the tools that have made the difference and motivated others to achieve a common goal.

In today's world, the multi-faceted skills of leadership are just as needed and valuable. From daily interpersonal interactions to pioneering advancements for the future, leaders at all levels play a crucial role in driving progress and innovation. This is why at St.George’s, The British International School, teaching these essential skills is central to our ethos.

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."John Quincy Adams

Building the change makers of tomorrow

There is no one way to turn students into competent leaders, but we have created a pathway that provides all students with the tools to find their passion and step into the world as young adults with essential leadership skills.

We work hard to make problem solving, communication, collaboration, decision making, strategic and creative thinking a key part of our educational offering – taking students beyond the curriculum and equipping them with the necessary resources to become confident, curious, lifelong learners and change-makers. Developing these skills early prepares pupils to take on leadership responsibilities and contribute positively to their communities and society.

The value of collaboration, clear communication and nimble decision-making are instilled in primary and secondary school, teaching pupils from an early age how to work effectively with others, how to communicate their ideas clearly and how to resolve conflict.

We provide dedicated training to support our young leaders, through both the curriculum and through bespoke programmes in collaboration with prestigious and global institutions like Harvard University.

St.George’s School and Harvard Young Global Leaders

Staff and students are benefiting enormously through our collaboration with The Harvard Young Global Leaders programme. It enhances our teaching methods, underlining the relevant and forward-looking leadership development we offer at St.George’s School in Cologne.

Our Harvard Young Global Leaders Summer Camp allows students to develop their skills in design thinking, negotiation, and collaboration and has been instrumental in augmenting our day-to-day offering.

Through strategic thinking and collaboration on projects they are passionate about, students are able to propose innovative solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing the world today – from global inequality to climate change. In this way, the alliance with Harvard embodies the St.George’s approach of ‘British values with a global outlook’ and provides our students and teachers with outstanding benefits they can take into the world, making us a truly global education provider.

Here are just some of the advantages of our Harvard collaboration:

• Enhanced learning experiences: Harvard's educational approach is innovative and research-driven, offering a unique and enriched learning experience, incorporating cutting-edge knowledge and methodologies.
• Access to expertise: Working with Harvard gives us access to experts in their fields: some of the best minds in academia and industry.
• Global perspective: Students are exposed to a global perspective, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
• Career development: It builds the knowledge, skills and aptitudes that are valuable in both academic and professional circles. Motivation and Aspiration: Students are motivated to strive for excellence and aspire to achieve at the highest academic levels.
• Innovative teaching methods: Through innovative learning methods we gain new insights and approaches to teaching and learning.
• Continued learning opportunities: The ongoing collaboration is leading to additional learning opportunities, research partnerships, and professional development for our educators.

Opportunities to build and practise

Fundamental leadership characteristics at the core of a St.George’s education

• Leaders have a clear vision of the future and are able to articulate a compelling and inspiring picture of where they, their team, or their organisation is heading.
• Leadership involves the ability to influence others positively and resolve conflicts. Leaders can motivate, persuade, and guide individuals or groups toward a common purpose.
• Leaders must be able to effectively communicate and convey their ideas, expectations, and vision clearly and listen actively to understand the perspectives of others.
• Leaders are responsible for making informed and timely decisions, often in challenging or uncertain situations, considering the best interests of their team or organization.
• Leaders inspire and motivate others to achieve their full potential. They create a positive and energised environment that encourages individuals to go above and beyond what is expected.
• Empathy and understanding the needs, concerns, and feelings of others is a crucial leadership trait. Empathetic leaders build strong relationships and create a supportive and inclusive culture.
• Leadership involves navigating change and uncertainty. Leaders must be adaptable and open to new ideas, able to steer their team through challenges, and adjust strategies as needed.
• Leaders demonstrate honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior, earning the trust and respect of those they lead.
• Leaders take responsibility for their actions and the outcomes of their decisions. They hold themselves and their teams accountable for achieving goals and maintaining high standards.
• Leadership is not about working in isolation but involves collaboration and teamwork. Leaders build strong relationships, foster a sense of belonging, and promote a collaborative culture.
• Leaders think strategically, and make informed decisions considering the long-term goals and implications of their decisions. They are able to see the bigger picture and make choices that align with the overall vision.
• Effective leaders embrace a mindset of learning and improvement. They seek opportunities to develop their own skills and encourage the growth and development of those they lead.

At St.George’s we want our students to dream, learn and become more – to become the leaders and change-makers of the future, both in business and society. One of the best ways to make this goal a reality is to provide them with opportunities to lead across the school.

In a rapidly changing world with increasing uncertainty in labour markets and the political landscape, we believe that effective, ethical leadership is an ideal worth striving for. We want our students to care for their community, be confident in challenging the status quo and to have courage in challenging injustice wherever they find it.

We believe we can learn from our community and our colleagues in different contexts, and we’d love to hear from you about your experiences of student leadership and how these have shaped the outlook or approach at your school.

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