RIS Student Leaders in Action!

At RIS, student agency and leadership are at the forefront of our educational offer. We believe that empowering students to take ownership of their learning and environment is essential for their growth.

This philosophy begins in the classroom, where children are consistently encouraged to take action during their PYP enquiries. Whether they are designing solutions to a local problem or driving their own research questions, this approach helps them take ownership of what they are learning and respond to the world around them with confidence and curiosity.

The Student Council

Outside of the classroom, the Elementary Student Council is a vivid example of how students develop leadership skills and actively contribute to the school community's success.

 

Our council is comprised of two enthusiastic representatives from each class, spanning Year 2 to Year 6. This group of ten students meets regularly to discuss two main goals: improving the school for their peers and organising a variety of events to promote school spirit and support charitable causes.

Our students are not just passive participants; they are active leaders in shaping their school experience.

Council members start by gathering suggestions from their classmates. They then analyse this feedback, vote on the most impactful initiatives, and present their proposals directly to staff and administration. This process teaches them the vital link between identifying a problem and proposing a viable solution.

 

Currently, the student council is working on organising two stalls for the Christmas Fair on December 12th. They want to include something that could appeal to both children and their parents, while also raising money for a charity they care deeply about, the WWF. 

During their time in the Council and through these initiatives, these young leaders develop essential, transferable skills that are necessary for their future success in secondary school and beyond. Some of these skills include: public speaking and communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, teamwork, and accountability.

By offering these genuine leadership opportunities, our school provides more than just an education—it serves as a training ground for engaged global citizens. The student council contributes to making RIS an environment where student voice is heard, ideas matter, and the inherent ability to lead is nurtured from a young age. We are incredibly proud of the work our student leaders accomplish, and we look forward to supporting their continued impact.

Ms. A De Vita _ Year 4 teacher