Shaping Confident Leaders in the Junior School

Every year, a new group of Junior School students step forward, ready to lead. We spoke with Mr Anand Chauhan and Mr Jonathan Lee about what leadership looks like in our Junior School, why it matters, and how these roles encourage children to discover their strengths and shape their community. 

What purpose does the JS Student Leadership Team serve? 

Anand: Our Junior School Student Leadership Team exists to give children a real voice in shaping their school. The team is there to guide and support students as they take on these roles, offering new opportunities to learn, grow, and demonstrate their skills in fresh ways. Our work is about empowering every child to discover their own way, to lead – whether through creativity, empathy, teamwork, or public speaking. Because leadership comes in many forms, and every child has the potential to be a leader. 

Jonathan: Being a leader can mean anything that the children want it to be, and this is the purpose of our Leadership Teams. We want them to be leaders of something they are passionate about. We have many, many children who are brilliant, talented individuals with the skills to become leaders of the future. 

Why does Student Leadership matter at Dulwich College (Singapore)? 

Anand: At Dulwich College (Singapore), leadership is central to our learning philosophy. Through our Personalised Pathways, students learn to lead in ways that reflect their own strengths. This matters because leadership is about more than taking charge; it’s about making choices that create positive change. 

It teaches children that their voice counts, and that even small actions can make a difference to others. Student Leadership also connects directly to our Guiding Statements, helping children take part in key priorities such as wellbeing, diversity, and sustainability. This process prepares them to step into the world with confidence, as responsible global citizens who truly Live Worldwise.  

Jonathan: The JS philosophy centres around our children, and this is why Student Leadership and the range of roles are vital to help each individual progress outside of the classroom. 

What is your favourite part of this term? 

Jonathan: I really enjoy seeing the ambition and excitement within the Junior School as our children apply for their chosen leadership role. More closely focused on the Houses, I love seeing all the videos of the House Captain applicants and their visions and ideas that they would bring to each role. 

Each House Captain will learn to lead a cohort of 220 peers in House activities, House assemblies, and most importantly in the dramatic unveiling of House points each week. They will be the figures that our younger children aspire to be like, someone who is a role model for those in their House. 

How do students benefit from these opportunities? 

Anand: The impact is huge. Of course, they gain confidence, communication skills, and resilience. But it’s more than that. They learn how to listen to others, solve problems, and find common ground. They also discover what it means to work as part of a team – sometimes leading, sometimes supporting, always contributing.  

Leadership also fosters a sense of belonging among students. They build friendships across year groups, share ideas, and feel proud of the part they play in their school community. By having the opportunity to connect with Dulwich students around the world, they see themselves as part of something bigger. Most importantly, they learn that leadership is about relationships – listening, collaborating, and learning that together they can make a real impact. 

What future opportunities are there and what does every day leadership look like? 

Anand: There’s a whole calendar of opportunities available. There is Leadership Day, where students apply for ambassador roles they are interested in, and the Leadership Fair, where the students celebrate various achievements. There is also the EiM Student Leadership Conference, where they connect with Dulwich students worldwide.  

However, they are always reminded that leadership isn’t just about the big events – it's also in the everyday choices – helping a friend, showing initiative in class, or being a role model in the playground. Each moment helps our students grow into the kind of leader they want to be.