Sixth Form Leadership Conference

The week before half term, our Year 12 participants of the Leadership Foundations Course run by ‘STEP’ joined several other secondary schools across Harpenden and St Albans at a Leadership Conference. Olivia Chalkley has written of her experience of the day.

“Following a deeply encouraging series of workshops run by STEP over the past month, thirteen year twelves attended the STEP Leadership Conference at Verso Vineyard Church on Tuesday 13th February. The day included an introductory quiz, a lively game of bingo – where two of our own students won the top prizes – and an inspiring keynote address. Joined by students from over ten other schools across St Albans and Harpenden, we valued the opportunity to meet like-minded young leaders and hear diverse perspectives on leadership in practice.

Students selected three workshops from a choice of five, exploring topics such as servant leadership, conflict management, and building a trustworthy and constructively challenging support network.

One student shared: “The Careers Equation was my favourite session. The session leader gave us an equation: Skills + Passion + Impact ÷ Environmental Fit, and she explored how these aspects should factor into choosing our future careers; how to feel comfortable in a work environment, and how to become a better leader overall. Identifying our strengths and discussing them in teams helped me collate new perspectives on leadership and widen my connections.”

The Christian ethos of STEP shone throughout, ultimately pointing students towards Jesus Christ as the model of servant leadership.

Overall, the conference encouraged students to reflect thoughtfully on their leadership style, develop practical skills, and consider how they can lead positively within school and the wider community.”