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On the morning of Thursday 24th May an esteemed convoy of Future Foundations coaches swapped their busy London surroundings for the calmer market town of Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire. For the third time, we headed to the beautiful grounds of Bishops Stortford College to conduct a Leadership day. The programme was delivered to 120 year 12 students designed with the intention of developing participant’s leadership and teamwork skills by increasing confidence and establishing a clear vision for Sixth Form. The programme was Course Directed by Jason Moore and assisted by me, whilst the Future Foundations coaches were Henderson, Shane, Mark, Olivia, Patrick and Amrit.

The Primary Aims of this programme were to:

  • Encourage students to take personal responsibility for their own learning, take academic and personal opportunities and highlight the benefits of doing so.
  • Help students identify life goals and work back through life stages that will take them there; challenging them to identify current achievement needed for future success and their part in it.
  • Develop and apply leadership styles and skills.
  • Challenge students to find innovative solutions to school and local issues or opportunities establishing a culture of creative, engaged and proactive Sixth Formers.
  • Build the students’ confidence, initiative, teamwork, pro-activity and commitment towards their vision through working together on team building tasks.
  • Special topics sessions encouraging students to broaden their perspectives, gain new skills and consider leadership roles and projects inside school.
  • Prepare students for the transition from Lower to Upper Sixth, helping them to build their personal profile and successfully present themselves to admissions tutors and employers in the future.

The programme launched bright and early at 9am, with Course Director Jason giving an energetic and motivational plenary focused on the importance of taking risks and grasping opportunities when they arise.  We instantly acquainted students with the idea of taking risks in the form of a ‘spider box’. After a bit of acting and a few dramatic gasps from Jason and I, we had convinced our spectators that something suspicious lay within the container. We used this as the perfect opportunity to ask for a volunteer to take a risk and brave the unknown. It was great to see that so early into the programme, that so many people were ready to take risks. Our Volunteer was glad to find a £10 note inside the box. We made use of the activity to showcase how rewarding taking risks can be!

This year students selected two sessions to attend based on the special topics we had provided.

The Big Debate: Where the young people developed and pitched enterprising ideas on a minimal budget in a short amount of time.

Creative Entrepreneurship: Where the students developed their debating skills through a passionate debating competition.

Risk Taking: Where our participants were challenged to step out of their comfort zone in front of their group and take a risk. They were challenged to think on the spot and have the ability to put themselves in the best light for their ideal interview called the Elevator Pitch.

Your Personality: Where the students learned about their personality types and how use it in a leadership role.

A very insightful experience, it installed a new mindset into us and emphasised the importance of confidence and practicality.

Participant

Inspired my future aspirations.

Participants

Committed to take personal responsibility for your future.

100%

I feel more confident than I did at the beginning of the programme

91%

I feel more able to bring my ideas to life

84%

It was very eye opening of what I can do.

Participant