Leading the way at Belmont Academy

Aug 28 2009 by Julie Simpson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THE NEW sixth year at Belmont Academy returned early after the holiday to take part in a two-day leadership course delivered by Miss Carol Nisbet and her team from the Excellence Academy at Kilmarnock College.

Day one began with a keynote address by Harry Garland, the executive director of children and community for South Ayrshire Council.

In his speech, Mr Garland identified the key attributes he believed good leaders had to possess – qualities that the session of workshops and plenary sessions sought to develop and reinforce.

Reaction from the participants has been hugely positive – when asked “What did you get from the course?”, there were quotes such as:

l “Helped people realise anyone can be a leader.”

l “Fantastic – the interactive activities were fun and educational.”

l “Fun! Great learning experience! The course teaches leadership in a fun, informal and entertaining way.”

l “Numerous valuable leadership skills that will be of help in sixth year and beyond.”

We look forward as a school to seeing the developed leadership skills in operation throughout the session.