Student Leadership Programme

Student Leadership Programme @ Dunearn 

At Dunearn Secondary School, we believe that every student has the potential to lead.  Leadership begins with understanding oneself, develops through working with others, and grows through serving the community. Through a structured and progressive approach, Dunearnites build the confidence, character and skills to make a positive difference in school and beyond. 

Our Approach: Student Agency in Leadership  

Student leadership at Dunearn moves students from participating in activities to taking genuine ownership of their roles and responsibilities. Every Dunearnite begins by developing the skills to lead themselves. Students may then progress to formal leadership roles where they guide and support others. As they grow in confidence and readiness, they take on greater responsibilities, initiate ideas and lead programmes that contribute to the wider school community. 

Throughout this journey, teachers serve as mentors while students are empowered to lead with confidence, exercise positive influence, and turn their ideas into action. 

Discover the Leader Within 

Our cohort-wide leadership workshops ensure that every Dunearnite has the opportunity to develop as a leader, regardless of whether they hold a formal appointment. 

Students develop their leadership competencies progressively across three stages: 

Secondary 1: Self-Leadership 

Students discover their strengths and values while developing confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. They learn to manage their emotions, make responsible choices, and take ownership of their personal growth. 

Secondary 2: Team Leadership 

Students learn to work effectively with others. They practise communicating clearly, appreciating different perspectives, managing differences constructively, and drawing on one another’s strengths to achieve shared goals. 

Secondary 3: Thought Leadership 

Students explore issues that matter to the school and the wider community. They consider different perspectives, develop meaningful ideas, communicate with them with confidence, and turn these ideas into positive action. 

Serve with Passion, Drive the Change 

Students who are ready to take their leadership further may serve as Class Leaders, Peer Support Leaders, CCA Leaders, or Student Councillors.  

Student leaders receive role-specific training, mentoring, and opportunities to learn through experience. In-house training is complemented by selected external workshops and inter-school programmes. Through these experiences, students develop essential competencies in communication, teamwork, conflict management, decision-making, and project management. 

Learning and figuring it out together; one straw at a time!

Leadership Opportunities 

Class Leadership 

Class Leaders work alongside their Form Teachers to build a positive, inclusive, and supportive class environment. Serving in roles such as Class Chairperson, Class Vice-Chairperson, Sports Leader and CCE Leader, they encourage participation, support class activities and strengthen the sense of belonging among their classmates.  

Peer Support Leaders 

Peer Support Leaders form the class leader's community and help to promote student well-being and a caring school culture. They look out for their peers, encourage positive relationships, and support school-wide efforts related to well-being, cyber wellness, and anti-bullying. 

CCA Leadership 

CCA Leaders help shape the direction, culture, and spirit of their CCAs. Working closely with their teachers, they support training and activities, motivate their peers, guide younger members, and prepare their teams for performances, competitions and school events. As they progress, CCA Leaders take on greater responsibility in planning, decision-making, and team development. 

Student Council 

Student Councillors represent the student's voice and lead programmes that enrich school life. They are involved throughout the planning process—from generating ideas and developing proposals to presenting their plans and bringing them to life.  

Their contributions include reviewing ideas received through the Student Suggestion Scheme and leading key programmes such as the Secondary 1 Orientation, Student Leaders’ Investiture, Teachers’ Day celebrations and Open House. 

With guidance from their teacher mentors, Student Councillors learn to make thoughtful decisions, respond to challenges, and work effectively as a team. 

Leadership in Action 

At Dunearn, students learn to lead by taking responsibility, working with others, and contributing to meaningful programmes and initiatives. As they demonstrate readiness, they are given opportunities to take on greater responsibilities and make a broader impact. 

Here, leadership is more than an appointment. It is the courage to step forward, the heart to uplift others, and the determination to turn ideas into action. Dunearnites find their voice, grow with purpose and make a difference as they serve with passion and drive the change within themselves, the school and the wider community.