Learning for Life Programme (LLP) – Community Youth Leadership

Discover the journey of developing our Meridian Student Leaders: https://tinyurl.com/hmslrm

The school’s Learning for Life Programme (LLP), Community Youth Leadership, is a platform to nurture leaders in all Meridians.

1. Principles of Leadership

The school integrates the Five K&P Practices of Exemplary Leadership in nurturing compassionate leaders.

The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® is a functional leadership model offered by James Kouzes and Barry Posner (1987) in their book, “The Leadership Challenge.” It reveals a cluster of behaviours identified through a thematic analysis of what people did when they were at their “personal best” in leading others. The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership are namely Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act and Encourage the Heart.

2. Student Leadership Model

The Student Leadership Model at Meridian Secondary School is designed to be aligned with the Kouzes and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, the four beliefs, and The Meridian Way. At every tier of leadership development, students are provided with opportunities to make meaningful contributions to both the school community and the wider community.

3. Student Leadership Progressive Development Model

Meridian Secondary offers a multi-path, three-tier leadership training programme that allows students to develop leadership skills through Self-Leadership, Team Leadership and Thought Leadership. While the programme encourages students to progress through each level, they may be recognized for Tier 3 leadership roles based on their achievements, even if they have not completed Tier 2.

TIER 1

Cohort leadership engages the wider student body by equipping students with an understanding of the Kouzes and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership through a foundational programme. This programme not only helps students develop their own skills and values, but also provides opportunities to apply and enhance their leadership abilities through various platforms, such as CCAs and VIA projects.

TIER 2

At Tier 2, students undergo further training and engage in a wider range of community projects, enhancing their leadership skills through their roles as CCA Leaders or Peer Support Leaders. These roles often involve organizing activities for their peers (e.g., Peer Support Leaders conducting class bonding games) or for their juniors (e.g., conducting leadership workshops), fostering a sense of team leadership. Regular check-in sessions provide ongoing guidance and support.

CCA Leaders

Peer Support Leaders  

 TIER 3

At Tier 3, members of the Student Leader Executive Committee embody thought leadership by inspiring a shared vision of student leadership that resonates with all students. They play a pivotal role in nurturing the leadership development of their peers and driving innovation to create value for the community. To further enhance their capabilities, the Executive Committee members are given opportunities to participate in nation-wide events and are nominated for national-level awards (e.g., National Young Leaders Fellowship).

Student Leadership Functional Titles

4. Values and Dispositions

Meridian’s leadership programme focuses not only on providing opportunities for positional leadership development, but also on encouraging students to take initiative, foster personal growth, and positively impact others. We aim to develop students into change agents who help others grow, going beyond just holding leadership titles.

 This is achieved through two main initiatives:

1.     Executive Committee (ExCo) – Any Secondary 3 student can apply to join the ExCo, where they will take on roles that help influence and create value for the Meridian community.

2.     Visionary Volunteers programme – This programme recognizes students for their contributions and achievements through a star-based system (1 Star, 2 Stars, or 3 Stars), highlighting their dedication to helping others and making a difference in the school community and beyond.

5. Leaders Room

The Leaders Room serves as a dedicated space for Student Leaders to convene, collaborate, and strategize. It provides an environment where the leaders can brainstorm innovative ideas and foster a sense of unity among their peers. This room functions as a hub for nurturing leadership skills, enabling students to chart a course for positive change within the school by fostering creativity, teamwork, and the development of initiatives that benefit the broader Meridian community.

Department Teachers

Highlights (2024) 

Sec 1 Orientation

The Sec 1 Orientation serves as a vital platform for leadership development, acquainting all Meridians with Kouzes and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership while extending a warm welcome to the Meridian community.

Sec 2 VIA

The Sec 2 VIA serves as a platform for Sec 3 leaders and Sec 2 Peer Support Leaders to practise their leadership skills by employing the Design Thinking methodology to facilitate the planning and execution of Sec 2 VIA activities for the Secondary 2 classes they are assigned to. With guidance provided, all Sec 2 students will gain experience in planning and executing a schoolwide event.

Student Leader Executive Committee Nomination and Head Student Leader Election

The Student Leader Executive Committee Nomination and Head Student Leader Election is a platform that enables Sec 3 students to advocate for themselves and their ideals.

Trailblazers Summit

The Trailblazers Summit is a programme designed to foster team leadership and empathy among students by encouraging self-initiated advocacy projects. In 2024, these projects culminated at the MSS Go Green Festival (https://tinyurl.com/2024MSSGGF).

Student Leaders Investiture

The Student Leaders Investiture honours and applauds new appointment holders while fostering a community of leadership, inspiring growth and development among all student leaders.