At Upper Batley High School, we believe that leadership is not simply about having a title or being in charge. It is about taking responsibility, showing initiative, supporting others and making a positive contribution to the community around us.

 

Through our Skills Builder programme, we explicitly develop eight essential skills: listening, speaking, problem-solving, creativity, staying positive, aiming high, leadership and teamwork. We are incredibly proud that UBHS has achieved Skills Builder Flagship School status, which is above the Gold status and recognises our commitment to embedding these skills throughout school life and preparing our learners for future education, employment and life.

 

As John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” This reflects our belief that leadership can be demonstrated in many ways, from supporting a classmate and working collaboratively to taking responsibility and showing resilience when faced with a challenge.

 

We see these qualities developing across UBHS every day. Our Year 10 learners have been developing their employability, communication and teamwork skills during work experience, while our Year 7 learners have participated in ‘Restart the Year’ workshops, helping them reflect, reset expectations and establish positive habits. Meanwhile, our Year 11 learners are visiting sixth forms and colleges to explore their next steps and make informed decisions about their futures.

 

Alongside these experiences, our wider enrichment programme gives learners opportunities to take on responsibilities, work with others, represent their school and contribute to our community. These experiences help develop maturity, self-belief and an understanding that leadership is as much about listening, kindness and collaboration as it is about taking the initiative.

 

At UBHS, we want every learner to recognise that they have something valuable to offer. By creating opportunities to practise these essential skills, we are helping our young people grow into confident, responsible and ambitious individuals who can make a difference, wherever their future takes them.

 

Aman Singh Kang