Student Leadership at Scarborough Public School
Overview
At Scarborough Public School, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to grow into a confident and capable leader. Our leadership approach is embedded within the development of students' Personal and Social Capability, as outlined in the Australian Curriculum General Capabilities:
- Self-awareness and self-management: building confidence, resilience, and adaptability.
- Social awareness and social management: fostering communication, collaboration, ethical behaviour, and leadership.
We provide a range of student-led and teacher-guided leadership opportunities, with some roles filled by student nomination and others by staff identification of students with high potential. These students are supported through a structured environment that includes coaching, mentoring, and real-world opportunities to practice and refine their leadership skills.
As a small school, Scarborough benefits from an intimate and inclusive environment that allows organic, cross-year and cross-stage interactions. This fosters authentic relationships and peer mentoring opportunities that strengthen leadership growth in everyday school life.
Year 6 Leadership Role
Each term, two Year 6 students are selected to serve as formal school leaders. This rotational model allows every Year 6 student to experience leadership in a meaningful way. Our leaders:
- Represent the school at on-site and community events.
- Lead school assemblies and participate in public speaking.
- Receive one-on-one coaching and feedback from staff.
- Develop self-confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills.
This model ensures students have multiple opportunities to practice leadership in real-world settings while being supported with personalised mentoring.
Kindergarten Buddies
As part of a school leadership initiative, Year 6 students are paired with Kindergarten buddies to support their transition into school and help them settle into their first year of learning. These senior students act as mentors and role models, offering guidance, reassurance, and friendship through regular interactions and activities. Their consistent availability helps Kindergarten children feel safe, welcomed, and connected within the school community. This buddy system not only fosters confidence and social development in the younger students but also encourages leadership, responsibility, and empathy in the Year 6 leaders.
School Representative Council (SRC)
The School Representative Council gives students a voice in shaping their school experience. Each semester, one student from each year group is elected or nominated to join the SRC. These students work together to plan and lead a range of initiatives, such as:
- Fundraising for local and global causes.
- Organising school spirit events.
- Improving student wellbeing and school culture.
- Acting as representatives of student feedback and ideas.
SRC members meet regularly to collaborate, problem-solve, and advocate on behalf of their peers—developing skills in responsibility, communication, and ethical leadership.
Element and Statement
Need Students with high potential in the physical domain need structured opportunities to extend their athletic and leadership capabilities.
If we... Offer advanced physical and leadership experiences to students identified as having high potential...
Then... Their athletic performance and teamwork skills will improve through targeted support and mentoring
So that... These students are recognised, extended, and supported to develop excellence in sport and leadership.
By investing in early leadership development, we foster confident, capable students who thrive in both individual and team settings.