As part of our vision and ethos, we are keen to ensure that children leave King’s with a strong sense of their own mission and calling. When they are ready for the outside world, we want our students to leave with a desire to serve and to become the next generation of leaders. The Leadership Arc aims to develop the academic, professional and character skills needed to be successful in life, so that all students can make the most of their abilities and interests and fulfil their true potential. Throughout their seven years at King’s, all students will undertake a curriculum that is rich in the development of leadership, citizenship, character and enterprise.

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

John F. Kennedy

• Leadership is a Complex Science: It important to learn about determination to change, the need for vision and inspiration, the ability to take calculated risks and to work effectively as a team. Students develop these key leadership attributes through our unique ‘character’ ASPIRE development programme, and through our DRIVE business and enterprise programme.
• The “Stretch and Flow” process: Students are “stretched” out of their comfort zone by being exposed to new content and situations. That new knowledge can then be applied into more challenging experiences and situations, creating a sense of ‘Flow’.
• Principles of Leadership Theory: Leadership theory, through a weekly programme of classroom based and experiential learning experiences are provided for all King’s students through an innovative and highly sophisticated leadership programme. A mix of structured time in the classroom allows students to learn and absorb. Skilled leadership “facilitators” then provide a practical perspective of leadership through our annual residential programme to the Brathay Leadership Centre, as well as a plethora of leadership based enrichment activities.
• Exposure to Positive Role Models: Younger students have the opportunity to learn from, and interact with, recognized King’s student leaders every day through our vertically structured mentoring and academic tutor system. Here, they watch and learn from the best to then model the same leadership behaviours to new students as they themselves become the next generation of student leaders.
• Multiple Sources of Learning: The curriculum is designed to enable participants to learn from multiple sources. Structured time for reflection every week allows them to learn from and about themselves through one to one mentoring with their Academic Tutor. Experts in leadership share new knowledge and ideas in both the classroom and outdoor settings and a programme of ‘world of work’ speakers share their life and professional ‘flight paths’.
• Theory into Practice: Facilitators provide perspectives on leadership ranging from John Adair’s Action Centred Leadership Theory to Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. We also teach students underlying principles from theories of human motivation, including ‘self-deception’ through our partnership with the Arbinger Institute, and apsects of Self-Detemination Theory, through our partnership with a leading Russell Group University. Then, taking advantage of Brathay’s physical surroundings, nature provides opportunities for students to put leadership theory into practice.
• Leadership Doesn’t End When the Academy Does: Every student commits to continued learning on their own through our innovative 5 level leadership competency framework. Each level includes a ‘Service’ award in leadership through community service within the wider area. The King’s framework is also aligned to Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award in Year 9, Silver Award in Years 10 and 11, and Gold Award in Years 12-13.