Stonar School hosted the annual Globeducate Student Leadership Summit last week, bringing together 38 aspiring young leaders from 17 schools across the world. Students aged 16 to 18 from Globeducate schools in Canada, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the UK gathered to explore leadership, communication, and teamwork - and to make new friends and connect with fellow Globeducate sudents.
On the first day, students delved into Belbin's leadership roles, gaining insights into their own leadership styles through a personality test. They also learned the importance of effective communication and honed their skills by analysing examples of public speaking that didn´t impress them.
Day two took the group to the historic city of Bath, where they put their newfound knowledge into practice. Students were tasked with researching and guiding a section of a city tour, showcasing their ability to communicate effectively and lead their peers. Back at Stonar, they participated in a series of fun and challenging teamwork activities, further developing their leadership skills.
The final day featured a workshop on leadership styles, followed by a presentation assignment. Students selected an iconic leader and created a presentation highlighting their leadership qualities, drawing on the knowledge they had gained throughout the summit. The day concluded with a lighter session on personal presentation and etiquette.
Charlotte Bennett, Director of Partnerships at Stonar School, and lead teacher of this event for more than five years said:
"The Globeducate Student Leadership Summit provides a valuable opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills, build relationships with peers from around the world, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of effective communication and teamwork.Each year, I am continually impressed by the students who attend the Summit, and this year proved to be no different. A programme of events is only as good as the students who participate, and this year's cohort has made the summit an absolute pleasure to deliver and be part of. Well done to everyone who was involved."
Charlotte I, Stonar's Head Girl, Senior Student, said:
"It has been a pleasure to be part of the host school for this event and I have enjoyed taking part in every bit of the Summit. Watching everyone sharing experiences with friends from around the world, discovering their own leadership potential, and learning from their unique styles has been truly inspiring. It's been a privilege to showcase Stonar's campus – particularly introducing everyone to our horses! The competition was exciting, but the true victory was in working together towards a common goal."
Ivana B from Agora Portals International School, said:
“My experience at the Student Leadership Summit was incredibly enriching and memorable. I loved meeting intelligent students from around the world, learning about different cultures and academic systems. Also, I developed essential skills like communication, public speaking, and teamwork, which have inspired me to grow as a leader. Overall, this summit has motivated me to continue improving and has left a lasting effect on my perspective and future goals. I am so grateful to have been chosen for this experience, and I want to thank you for everything you've done to make it so memorable. The connections I made and the skills I learned will stay with me for ever.”
Students reflected on their experience on returning to school and commented on the benefits they had felt from the experience, including meeting students from different countries, gaining new vocabulary and skills, connecting with other Globeducate students, learning new problem-solving techniques, and about the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness in leadership. Students commented on stepping outside of their comfort zones and on having fun at the same time.
To find out more about the Globeducate Leadership Summit and Globeducate Events, click here.