Leadership isn’t something that can be learned solely from a textbook—it requires hands-on experience. Silicon Valley International School (INTL) provides avenues for students to step into leadership roles early, students can practice the art of communication, decision-making, and collaboration while building confidence and resilience. INTL High School students have the opportunity to take chances, make meaningful decisions, and even learn from their mistakes without fear of significant consequences. These experiences not only prepare them for future challenges but also allow them to discover their unique strengths and abilities as leaders. Whether advocating for their peers, organizing activities, or navigating outdoor challenges, INTL students have countless ways to step up, take charge, and make a meaningful impact.
Class Council Student Delegates: Amplifying Student Voices
Every INTL High School grade level has Student Delegates who represent the grade in the Class Council, a vital role that ensures student voices are heard by school administration and the parent community. Delegates serve as liaisons, bringing forward feedback in the form of celebrations (things going well) and goals (areas for improvement) from their classmates to individual meetings with school administration and in an open forum with faculty and parent delegates. Working with school leadership, they seek to enhance the student experience, both inside and outside the classroom.
This role requires strong communication and organizational skills, as delegates balance the interests of their peers while working collaboratively with adults. By taking on this position, students learn how to articulate their ideas effectively, mediate differing perspectives, and develop solutions that benefit the entire school community. Class Council Student Delegates are not only advocates but also bridge builders, fostering transparency and trust between students and school leaders.
Student-Led Clubs: Where Passion Meets Purpose
Upper School students at INTL have the opportunity to bring their passions to life by founding and leading student-led clubs. From role-playing games to student newspapers and coding clubs, these activities reflect the diverse interests of the student body and provide spaces for exploration, growth, and connection.
Running a club develops initiative and responsibility. Club leaders recruit members, plan meetings, and organize activities, all while ensuring that their club remains active and interesting. This hands-on experience teaches students how to engage others, manage time, and collaborate with peers, all critical skills for leadership.
Clubs also encourage creativity and innovation, giving students a platform to think outside the box and design projects or activities that bring their interests to life. By taking charge of student-led clubs, INTL students not only explore their passions but also build a sense of community and shared purpose within the school.
DoE Adventurous Journey: Forging a Path
The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DoE) International Award program, offered at INTL, is another way Upper School students cultivate leadership skills while challenging themselves physically and mentally. A key component of the program is the Adventurous Journey, where students embark on hiking expeditions that require teamwork, perseverance, and problem-solving.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." This spirit of forging new paths comes to life during the Adventurous Journey, as students take on leadership roles by planning routes, managing supplies, and working as a team through various challenges. These outdoor experiences not only teach resilience and adaptability but also inspire students to step into leadership with confidence, carving their own path in unfamiliar and sometimes unpredictable environments.
Upper School Student Council: Building School Spirit
The Student Council is at the heart of Upper School student life at INTL, planning and executing events that bring the community together. From organizing dances and spirit weeks to launching charity drives and social initiatives, the council members play a pivotal role in fostering school culture.
Leading the Student Council involves managing budgets, brainstorming creative ideas, and coordinating logistics, all while ensuring that events reflect the interests and values of the student body. Council members practice skills like event planning, teamwork, and project management, all of which are essential for leadership in any setting. The representatives from the high school, particularly the juniors and seniors, hold significant leadership roles within the community. They lead the study council and serve on executive committees in roles such as treasurer, communicator, and project executor. Additionally, our high school leaders delegate tasks to middle school council members, guiding and mentoring them as they develop their leadership skills.
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders
At INTL, leadership development is woven into the fabric of the high school experience, ensuring that students not only excel academically but also grow as individuals who can inspire and lead others. The leadership opportunities at INTL go beyond building impressive résumés and college applications; they shape students into empathetic, confident, and resourceful individuals ready to lead in the global community. With every event organized, hike completed, and club meeting run, students are empowered to step into their full potential as the next generation of global leaders.
