Jointly reported by:
Sr2ScB Yee Sue Wei
Sr1ScC Chloe Chan Po Yi
On the 1ˢᵗ of March 2024, more than 300 students who hold leadership positions in the 68 clubs and societies attended a leadership workshop organised by the Co-Curricular Department of Kuen Cheng High School.
The day-long workshop started at 8 a.m. sharp on the basketball court with an icebreaker, where 34 randomly selected presidents had 10 minutes to form a team of ten with no two people from the same club in their team. The presidents’ social skills were put to test as they scurried around the court to form their teams. After settling down and choosing their vice presidents, secretaries and treasurers among themselves, three questions were posed to the teams. Participants were challenged to brainstorm the definition of a leader, what distinguishes a leader from a manager, and the role teacher-advisors and presidents play in their clubs and societies. After a few volunteers shared their groups’ opinions, the first session was wrapped up successfully.
Groups sitting in circle while brainstorming ideas
Held in the auditorium, the next session was a seminar titled “Crises in Schools” hosted by Mr. Pang Chung Seong of the Discipline Department. Serving the objectives of heightening students’ safety awareness and their adaptability in the face of crises, Mr. Pang shared a brief seminar on crisis management in schools. According to him, crisis management involves two parts, namely prevention and intervention. Leaders should identify potential hazards when planning an activity, and know the school safety guidebook well. As for intervention, leaders should step in when a crisis occurs and seek help from teachers or any adults. The seminar was summed up at 9:30 a.m. with a quote “Leadership is more than holding power, it is also about bearing important responsibilities and obligations.”
After a short break, the second seminar began. Two speakers representing Heriot-Watt University, namely Prof. Kenneth and Prof. Joel, were invited to conduct the seminar on leadership. A brief self introduction was made and Prof. Kenneth proceeded to ask participants to imagine themselves having to survive on a stranded island. He then gave everyone five minutes to decide which four items were to be brought in order to survive. Soon the time was up and Prof. Kenneth asked which 4 had been chosen. Those who answered were also given another question: Who did you observe taking the initiative and leading role? If so, what qualities did that someone possess? Satisfactory answers were given and the two professors introduced seven main types of leadership styles: Democratic, Autocratic, Laissez-Faire, Transformative, Transactional, Bureaucratic and Servant. They also emphasised that each leadership style has its pros and cons, there is no best way to lead a team.
An interactive session by Prof. Kenneth of Heriot-Watt University
After a lunch break, everyone headed to their respective classrooms to experience a workshop. Each position was briefed on their job particulars and certain procedures. Ending with a quote “Do the right thing at the right time with the right mentality.”
Students presenting their ideas gathered
With the eventful day coming to a close, the teachers of the Co-Curricular Department shared about their new plan starting this year. Each club or society has to send representatives to do community service. Which entails activities such as workshops, volunteering and many more. The Co-Curricular Department has partnered with UTAR (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman) to provide ample opportunities for clubs or societies to get in contact with the general public.
At 2:55 p.m. sharp, all participants were required to fill in a satisfaction survey. Upon completion of said survey participants were free to leave. That was the end of the insightful workshop.
Group photo