Student Leadership

Manual
Dear student leaders,

Congratulations on your appointment as a student leader in ACS (International)!

Bearing the title is both a privilege (as many aspire but few have attained the appointment) and a
responsibility. I hope you will serve your term in the appointed role with great enthusiasm and
commitment to exemplify in your attitudes and actions the school IGNITE values.

The next 12 months will be a great learning and growing experience for you as you serve – by leading in
activities and modelling the way for your peers as responsible members of the school community.

This Manual has been prepared to give you information on our expectations and instructions. Read it at
the start of your leadership journey and also refer to it along the way.

The best model of leadership is the servant leadership exemplified by Jesus Christ. Jesus was fully aware
of his Purpose and Practice.

Purpose – He came to serve (to preach the Kingdom of God and bring salvation to humanity) Mark 10:45
Practice – He acted to fulfil His Father’s will and for His glory (John 6:38; 12:27-28) exemplified by
Modelling the Way; Inspiring a shared Vision, Challenging the Process, Enable Others to Act, and
Encourage the Heart* (Gospels)

Best Wishes and may GOD’s blessings be with you,

Mrs Tan Siew Hoon
Vice Principal (Senior Division)

*The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® Model by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner)

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................... 4

AIMS & OBJECTIVES ......................................................................................................................................................... 5

LEADERSHIP MODEL ........................................................................................................................................................ 6

SCHOOL PREFECTS ........................................................................................................................................................... 7

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE/CHART & COMMITTEES .................................................................................................... 8

ORGANISATIONAL CHART ................................................................................................................................................. 8

COMMITTEES: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ..................................................................................................................... 9

SCHOOL DUTIES ............................................................................................................................................................. 10

HOUSE LEADERSHIP ROLES ............................................................................................................................................. 10

STUDENT HEAD OF HOUSE AND HOUSE PREFECTS............................................................................................................ 10

PEER LEADERS................................................................................................................................................................ 11

TRAINING & MENTORSHIP ............................................................................................................................................. 13

METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

RECRUITMENT POLICY & PROCESS.................................................................................................................................. 15

LEADERSHIP COLOURS AWARDS .................................................................................................................................... 16

GENERAL RULES & PROCEDURES ..................................................................................................................................... 17

APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................................................. 18

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INTRODUCTION
Informed by the School Guiding Statement on Student Development – To encourage the holistic
development of our students in Christian character, leadership, service and personal skills based on the IB
Learner Profile and school IGNITE values - Student Leadership development is a calling we take seriously
at ACS (International). The focus on student leadership has been the case since the beginning of the school
when the motto was “Nurturing global citizens and future leaders’.

The first leadership boards started in 2005 were the Prefects and Student Council. In 2011 Ambassadors
became established as the third student leadership board.

When the House System, comprising the eight Houses, was established in January 2011, House Prefects
were appointed to assist the House staff in the House matters.

There are more than 200 student leadership positions available: School Prefects, House Prefects, Peer
leaders, and CCA Captains.

School prefects are appointed senior leaders from Year 5. They are first among our student leaders and
are led by the Head Boy and Head Girl and assisted by four Deputy Heads. The school prefects serve in
one of the subcommittees: Ambassadors, Student Affairs, Student Council and House. They are nominated
by HOHs, and other faculty, and appointed after interviews and leadership training. Prefects are appointed
by the Principal and formally installed into office to serve for 12 months.

House Prefects are selected by Housemasters and House tutors to help in leading the students in their
respective Houses. They support the House by helping with House meetings, inter-House competitions
and mentoring of younger students.

Peer leaders are recruited among the Year 1 to Year 4(FIB/PIB) students and they serve alongside the
School and House Prefects.

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 AIMS & OBJECTIVES
Leadership is not about position or roles; it is about being an influence with noble character, relevant and
timely service, and effective skills.

The Leadership Programme aims to develop students in their character, leadership and service as
expressed in the IGNITE values and IB Learner traits. Therefore, we are committed to mentor and coach
in their leadership development and practice. The intended outcomes are expressed
aas observable practices and behaviours:

I. Citizenship [Principled, Caring, Reflective]

• being clear about personal values and beliefs and behave consistently with these values
• inspire a shared vision to serve or do good to a community
• show respect for social, cultural and community diversity

II. Modelling the Way [Communicators, Caring, Open-minded]

• infuse team/others with energy and confidence
• foster collaborating
• coach or encourage other people
• manage personal and emotional relationships

III. Inspiration [Inquirers, Open-minded, Knowledgeable]

• show positivity in the face of challenges and failures
• celebrate success and managing disappointment
• innovate, experiment, and explore ways to improve
• exude enthusiasm for the work/project/event
• are trustworthy

IV. Achievements [Risk-takers, Balanced, Reflective]

• seek to effectively improve community within and outside
• carry out projects/events to a high standard or successfully
• accomplish significant achievements individually or in group

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LEADERSHIP MODEL
The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® Model by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner outlines the 5 practices
which underpin the observable practices and skills of our leaders. The Five Practices of Exemplary
Leadership, as follows:
● Model the way
● Inspire a shared vision
● Challenge the Process
● Enable Others to Act
● Encourage the Heart

Image By Maja Cakarun

Reference Books
● The Student Leadership Challenge: Five Practices for Becoming an Exemplary Leader (J-B Leadership
Challenge: Kouzes/Posner) by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner
● The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations (J-B Leadership
Challenge: Kouzes/Posner),by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner

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SCHOOL PREFECTS
School Prefects are appointed seniors from Year 5. They are first among our student leaders as student
representatives. They are nominated by HOHs, and other faculty, and appointed after interview and
leadership probation and training.

school Prefects are appointed by the Principal and SLT to represent the student body to the school
leadership and staff; are role models and mentors to students in support of the school ethos; support the
Principal and staff in promoting a high standard of discipline by enforcing the school rules; and represent
the school and House at appropriate occasions.

The School Prefect Board is headed by the Vice Principal, Senior Division and assisted by a team of
teachers. She meets the Exco prefects weekly, and the other teacher mentors meet their respective
subcommittee regularly. The House Prefects report directly to their respective Head of House and the
peer leaders are supervised by two teacher mentors.

See Appendix 8 – Teacher Mentors for Prefect Board

Composition of Prefectorial Board

Executive Committee
• Ambassadors
• Student Affairs
• Student Council
• Heads of Houses

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ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE/CHART & COMMITTEES

ORGANISATIONAL CHART
The Executive Committee (Exco) comprising the Head Boy, Head Girl and four Deputy Heads leads the
whole prefect board and the Peer Leaders. The Exco works closely to lead the board and the whole student
body. They meet the Vice Principal (SD) weekly to discuss matters relating to the board and their role and
contribution to the school.

The Head Boy and Head Girl also directly lead and mentor the Peer Leaders.

The Board Secretary is in charge of the administration and communication of the board as well as plans
the weekly duty roster. As Deputy Head of House, he/she also liaises with the Houses and works closely
with the eight Student Heads of Houses to facilitate communication and cooperation among the various
groups.

Each of the other three Deputy Heads is assigned to head a committee. They meet their committee
regularly and work with the prefects to fulfil their specific roles and organise their projects or events.

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COMMITTEES: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Student Affairs fulfils the school general prefect duties. Students are to act as role
models and mentors, practicing open-mindedness, appreciating their own culture and
being open to perspectives and values to the international community in school. The
Student
Student Affairs aim to communicate and develop a caring community that bonds the
Affairs
school, engaging students with initiatives meaningfully outside of class. These
initiatives and projects include ACSprit de corps, Teacher’s week, student podcast,
TGIF fun activities online and offline and Welcome back to school activities.

The Student Council fulfils the school general prefect duties.

The Student Councillors is part of a very unique, very student-centred, student-

servant-leadership body that works with and works for the school, the parents and the
student population.
Student
Council The Student Council aims to build a sense of family and add excitement, colours and
fun into the students’ life here in ACS (International) through the organisations of
school events such as the Orientations, the Teachers’ Day Celebration, the Year 4 Grad
Tea, the Year 6 Leavers’ Week and the Senior Prom.

See Appendix 7 Orientation for new students (2020)

Student Ambassadors fulfil the general prefect duties and serve the school by
providing ushering and logistical support at school wide events such as Open House,
Parents’ Evenings, Parent-Teacher Meetings, Speech Day and Graduation. The
ambassadors also serve the wider community through partnering charitable
organisations. These local and international community charity projects include
Choice To Run, Plastic Food Wrapper Pouch and Second Hand Textbook project. The
Ambassadors Ambassadors aim and work towards one major school wide fundraising project
every year.

The Ambassadors are reflective, they give thoughtful considerations to their own
learning process and strive to keep up the good image of our school. They are also
risk-takers that consciously supported charity and meaningful causes, connecting the
school to external communities. (See Appendix 5c.1 Open House Briefing Slides, 5c.2
Choice To Run Meeting Minutes, 5c.3 Publicity Poster, 5c.4 Newsletter Article.

The Student Heads of House are members of the School Prefect Board. They lead the
Student Heads House Prefects in contributing to the school life and community. Besides performing
of House and their standard duties as school prefects, Student Heads of House also organise and
House lead their House prefects in their one week per term morning duty at school gates.
Prefects House prefects are appointed by the Heads of House and their House staff. They are
given a specific leading role in sports, culture, charity or year group.

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SCHOOL DUTIES
School Prefects are assigned morning foyer and gate duty. They are stationed at the front gate, foyer and
backgate to check on students’ attire and appearance as they enter the school. Students are reminded or
booked for non compliance to school rules.
During COVID period, they assist in ensuring that students do their safe check in (temperature checks and
Trace Together).
The prefects also take charge of leading the school in the Singapore Anthem and Pledge and the prayer.
They also raise the Singapore flag and school flag. For Wednesday school assembly and Friday Chapel,
they also do stage and escort duty - getting the school ready and ushering the SLT to the stage.
The School Prefects are assisted in these duties by the House prefects.

HOUSE LEADERSHIP ROLES

The House System at ACS (International) provides multiple leadership roles both formal and informal for
students at every year level. All 8 houses formally invest 12 House Prefects including a Student Head of
House. Outside of the 12 formally invested prefects each House can also informally invest up to 15
additional leadership roles across year levels for leadership within the house.
Student leaders in the house support the Head of House and House Tutors in service to their house and
housemates through fulfillment of the Aims of the House system:
• To be the cornerstone of the pastoral care system
• To nurture a united community, house spirit, and leadership development within the House that
permeates throughout the whole school
• To champion the holistic development of students and provide every student with an adult advocate;
specifically focusing on our guiding statements of:
– Student Development, Student Well-Being, Home and Community, Christian Character

STUDENT HEAD OF HOUSE AND HOUSE PREFECTS

The 12 House Prefects (including Student Head of House) are selected each year alongside the formal
School Prefect selection. The selection process is guided by the House Prefect Selection Guidelines. To be
considered for the Student Head of House the student must be a part of the School Prefect selection
application process. The Student Head of House for each house will form an exco committee with the
Senior Exco Deputy Student Head of House.
The make-up and roles of House Prefects can vary amongst houses. In general they are tasked to provide
leadership in their one week per term morning duty at school gates along with in the following areas in
support of the House:
• Vice-Student Head of House
• Leadership in each grade level or division, year level prefects
• Secretary
• Charity or Service
• Inter-House Cup events, Aesthetic, Sports, Academic
• Mentoring
• Pastoral
• House Assembly Planning, Social Media, Videos, Promotions, Activity Planning
• Presenting at House Assembly, Tutor time, and or Pastoral time
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PEER LEADERS
The Peer Leaders is an associate leadership group of the Prefectorial board that consists of Year 1s,2s,3s,
PreIB and FIB students. The Head Boy and Head Girl of the Prefectorial board are directly in charge leading
mentoring them, together with the teachers-in-charge.

Mission statement
We strive to actively support our peers and promote an inclusive and caring culture in the school.

Recruitment criteria
1. Students with the heart to promote inclusiveness and wellbeing of students in the school
2. Students who display positivity and sense of responsibility

Recruitment process
1. Application process open for Juniors, Y3s and Pre IB and FIB students
2. All students who apply are invited to attend interview session with teachers in charge and the Head
boy and Head girl
3. The shortlisted applicants are then sent to Head of Houses for their comments and endorsement
4. Final shortlist made known to the applicants

Roles and responsibilities

1. Support wellness programmes in school
2. Support Prefectorial board in running of school activities
3. Represent voices of junior and middle division in the school

Activities
1. Instagram page that promote wellness
2. Student support for Wellbeing week
3. Wednesday Wellness Day
4. Peer support for new students before school and during lunchtime
See Appendix 1 for Activities for 2021

Meetings
Frequency of once a fortnight during Tuesday whitespace

Training
1. Systematic leadership development programme aimed at developing the Peer leaders for senior
leadership position in senior years
2. Relevant training on wellness matters to support their peers

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Peer Leaders Leadership development

• Work collaboratively with the peers

Year 1 • Able to follow instructions and keep on tasks with the work
• Be aware of the importance and benefits of having strong leadership

• Develop leadership: having strong citizenship, perseverance through challenges

• Develop communication and organisation skills
Year 2
• Practice gratitude which leads to a higher self-esteem
• Willing to take on leadership position

• Able to delegate and lead a group of peers

Year 3 • Having strong communication and organisation skills
• Able to build TRUST among the team

• Being influential and inspiring among the student body

• Having critical thinking, decision making and problem solving skills
Year 4
• Able to accept criticism
• Being reflective and grow from mistakes and failures

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TRAINING & MENTORSHIP

Leadership camp is usually organised for leadership training and

teambuilding. Such an activity can be organised outside school in a
specialised facility like Camp Challenge campsite in Sembawang or
Leadership Camp
held in school.

The camp can be part of the probation programme or for team building
for a new board.

To equip student leaders, workshops like public speaking and design

thinking are held whenever necessary. They also attend conferences
Workshops/Conferences
by Halogen Foundation Singapore and apply for the annual National
Young Leader Award.

The individual Leadership and Team Profiles are used in discussion

with the student leaders individually or in a team as part of leadership
mentoring and coaching. The profiles are to be used at least twice -
Peaks Leadership Profile
once at the start to help student leaders be aware of their strengths
and areas for improvement and once near the end of their term for
self and team reflection.

Our school prefects are IB students whom we hope to develop as

creative and critical thinkers who will make informed decisions for
themselves and their community.
Reading Programme
The Reading Program aims to develop wider reading and reading
fluency and comprehension skills. These are dispositions and skills that
can be transferred to their academics like EE, IA and TOK.

METHODOLOGY
Feynman technique
https://a-wandering-mind.com/2020/09/24/feynman-technique/
This method is introduced to them before the Reading program starts. Focus is why this technique, and
how to use it. This develops their metacognition skills.

Circle Time
Circle Time provides a time for listening, developing attention span, promoting oral communication, and
learning new concepts and skills. It provides them a great platform for sharing ideas.

Books on Leadership and self-improvement are shared with them. They have a term to read and
questions are shared on google doc with them. Students are encouraged to fill up the google doc before
a circle time is conducted for them to share about their insights on the book they read.

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 What is the central idea of this book?

What is the evidence used to support ideas?

Does it have any implications for you in the future?

Any solutions that are proposed?

Any controversies raised?

Is there any specific significant message?

Any learning points for you?

(If there is a character) Choose a character and comment on him/her.

If time permits, the teacher rounds up the circle time and they exchange books with one another for a
2nd book reading session.

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RECRUITMENT POLICY & PROCESS
The recruitment of School Prefects takes place in February, after the IBDP second intake of students have
joined the school for a couple of weeks. A presentation will be given during a school assembly during
which the School Prefectorial Board Organization and appointment process will be explained. Year 5
students are invited to apply, giving an outline of their leadership experience and explanation of how they
aim to serve the school.

The qualities we are looking for in a school prefect is someone who has demonstrated character and
leadership in the following ways:
1. Modelling the way in their behaviour and values (evidently supportive of our school values/ethos
and rules)
2. Inspiring (able to or has demonstrated) to others in positive ways
3. Leading peers with skills and confidence (e.g. House, CCA, CAS)
4. Working collaboratively with team/group (e.g. Class, House, CCA, CAS)
5. Applying himself/herself responsibly to studies (commendable Attitude to Learning and Completion of
Work; academically able and not likely to struggle with IBDP)

The list of prefect applicants is shared with all staff to invite them to write their comments to give feedback
on the students they know. Taking into consideration the staff’s comments, feedback of Heads of House,
and candidate’s school records like in academics and conduct, a shortlist of prefect nominees will be
created and announced. The nominees go on probation, guided by the senior prefects.

Probation includes morning duties, interviews, special projects and other volunteer work. Prefects and
teachers-in-charge involved will write comments on these nominees. Comments from all staff will again
be consulted. Observations of the candidates’ probation performance, teachers’ feedback and comments
from Heads of House are considered before the new board of Prefects are appointed. The most
outstanding among the prefects are invited for interview by the SLT for a role as Head Prefect or
Deputy Head.

Timeline

February (early) Presentation at school assembly + application opens

February (mid) Application closes and applicants lists sent to teachers for their feedback

February (late) Nominees list published + briefing for nominees

Probations starts
March
Circle Time with senior prefects OR Leadership Camp
April (2nd week) Prefect Exco interviews + New Prefect Board appointed

April (late) Investiture for new prefects + Commendation to outgoing prefects

See Appendix 2 Prefect Probation Briefing Slides

See Appendix 3 House Prefects Selection
See Appendix 4 Certificate of Appreciation
See Appendix 5 Investiture Programme (2019)
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LEADERSHIP COLOURS AWARDS
Leadership Colours Award are given out yearly to students. Students submit an application which includes
self reflection and achievements.

1. Objectives of Awards
a. To give recognition to students in their leadership development and practice.
b. To promote exemplary conduct and good leadership.

2. Types of Awards
a. Individual Award will be in the form of the Colours Plaque and a Certificate.
b. Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards are given to deserving students.

3. Criteria
To be CONSIDERED for the award of Colours, nominees must set an example of good conduct and
leadership, in line with general expectation for the age group they are in.

• being clear about personal values and beliefs and behave consistently
with these values
I. Citizenship
• inspire a shared vision to serve or do good to a community
• show respect for social, cultural and community diversity.

• infuse team/others with energy and confidence

• foster collaborating
II Modelling the Way
• coach or encourage other people.
• manage personal and emotional relationships

• show positivity in the face of challenges and failures

• celebrate success and managing disappointment
III. Inspiration • innovate, experiment, and explore ways to improve
• exude enthusiasm for the work/project/event
• are trustworthy

Achievements • successful completion

IV.
(team or individual) • significant achievement/recognition

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The 3 awards given are:

Students who have demonstrated to an excellent level in the four aspects:

• Citizenship
GOLD
• Modelling
AWARD
• Inspiration
• Contribution (within and beyond the school)

Students who have demonstrated a highly commendable level in the four aspects:
• Citizenship
SILVER
• Modelling
AWARD
• Inspirational
• Contribution

Students who have demonstrated a commendable level in the three aspects:

BRONZE • Citizenship
AWARD • Modelling
• Inspirational

GENERAL RULES & PROCEDURES

1. The award is based on the performance of students during the period under review, i.e usually the year
they hold a leadership position or lead a project.

2. HOHs, House Tutors, CCA teachers, teachers will endorse the student reflections before they are
submitted for review by the Vice Principal (i/c Student Development) and the other members of
the SLT.

3. The application is open to Year 6 and Year 4 (IGCSE) students in early August. The results will be
released in early Term 4 before they go on study leave. For the rest of the year groups, the application
is open in Term 4.

4. The awards are presented to the awardees during Speech Day for Y1 to Y4 and at Graduation ceremony
for the Year 6. Year 5 students are not invited for application as most of them start their leadership
role only in late April and would not have served long enough for consideration; they apply when they
are in Year 6.

See Appendix 6 Leadership Colours Application Form

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APPENDICES
Appendix 1 – Peer leaders Activities

Example of activities – July – October 2021

July August September October

Training on Peer Launch of Wellbeing Launch of Wednesday Support for Wellbeing

Support for students Instagram page Wellness Day for Senior week
in times of anxiety lunch (2 weeks)
Start of Junior Division
Peer leaders’ bimonthly
meeting with Dr Achter

Launch of Wednesday
wellness Day for Junior
lunch (4 weeks)

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Appendix 2 – Prefect Probation Briefing Slides

12-month programme/events

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Appendix 3 – House Prefects Selection

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Appendix 4 – Certificates of Appreciation

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Appendix 5 – Investiture Programme

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Appendix 6 – Leadership Colours Application Form

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Appendix 7 – Orientation Programme for new students

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Appendix 8 – Teacher Mentors for Prefect Board

In Charge Tan Siew Hoon

Koh Leng Leng

Zhao Jia
Ambassadors
Penelope Ng
Jasmine Lee

Kent Kor
Student Council Cheryl Seah
Michelle Liew

Praeman B
Student Affairs
Sia Ee Mien

Stacey Low
Peer Leaders
Charles Lee

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