Building skills that will enable our young people to flourish and succeed throughout their time at school, and beyond, are at the heart of what we do every day. The fast-changing world that we live in means that we must ensure the attributes and qualities our young people will need, both now and in the future, are always at the forefront of our minds. Leadership skills, as an umbrella term, encompass many of the fundamental traits that we believe are important in order to reach one's potential socially, academically and emotionally. The skills and attributes listed below form part of the journey towards pupils successfully preparing for adulthood and being equipped to navigate their next steps once they move on from Lonsdale.        

Throughout each phase of the school, pupils regularly take part in activities designed to build key leadership skills, including: 

• Resilience
• Collaboration
• Emotional intelligence 
• Team building 
• How to be a good role model 

We want Lonsdale pupils to be able to:

• Self-advocate
• Communicate comfortably, effectively and purposefully in both professional and personal contexts  
• Negotiate
• Use their voice
• Listen
• Cooperate
• Be confident
• Take initiative
• Assume responsibility
• Act independently
• Think outside of the box 

Lonsdale School believes pupil voice is essential; it empowers our children and young people to actively participate in their education and the school community. By giving our pupils a platform to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns, we feel a sense of belonging and ownership is fostered, which can boost confidence, engagement, and motivation. When pupils feel heard, they are more likely to feel valued and respected, leading to stronger relationships with teachers and peers. Involving pupils in decision-making processes, whether through surveys, councils, or classroom discussions, helps us to better understand and meet their needs, creating a more supportive and inclusive environment. Furthermore, pupil voice encourages critical thinking, communication skills, and responsibility, preparing pupils for life beyond the classroom.

In addition to the skills that are carefully planned into the curriculum, pupils have the opportunity to engage in more explicit leadership opportunities which you can find out more about by selecting the relevant tabs on the right-hand side of the page.