Student leadership roles at The British School in The Netherlands are diverse and geared towards the success and development of each student. The empowerment that students experience in these roles is exemplified in the successful events they organise and the relationships they build.
Taking up a leadership role encourages students to strengthen their communication and organisation skills while building their confidence to become strong leaders during their school time and beyond. Leadership opportunities at the BSN start from Junior School and continue all the way up to larger Leadership opportunities in the Sixth Form.
Leadership in the Junior Schools
From early on in Junior School, children are encouraged and supported in taking up Leadership opportunities. Students are voted in as Class Representatives and can then be selected to participate in the Student Council.
The Student Council is the voice for the entire student body, communicating with teachers on behalf of their peers to improve the school.
Leadership in the Senior Schools
In the Senior School, students can take up the role of Community and International Ambassador, where they are responsible for connecting with parents and guests of the school. They guide them on tours or accompany them to events.
If a student has volunteered to be an International Ambassador, they will represent their native country/language. In this role, they talk to new students who speak the same language and who might not feel comfortable communicating in English.
Some students have connected with local ambassadors who have subsequently come to speak to the students about the importance and role of ambassadors for each country.
Leadership in Sixth Form
Each year, a group of Sixth Form students are selected to lead in key areas of school life. These Student Leaders are responsible for representing each Year group of the school and are involved in projects such as:
- Leading charity work
- Discussing environmental and sustainability issues
- Promoting innovative and educational uses for technology
- Upholding the House System
- Supporting change through student's voices
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Programme
The Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme is a medium for personal and social development, a journey of self-discovery, and an opportunity to learn and explore outside of the classroom during the IB Diploma Programme. Students are required to undertake a series of experiences based on CAS and reflect upon their personal growth during this journey.
Find out more about the IB Programme at SSV.