How Catholic Schools Encourage Leadership Through Co-Curricular Programs

Catholic education is all about providing students with a holistic education that includes both academic excellence and the development of essential character skills, including leadership.

Beginning during primary school, Catholic schools provide students with a wide range of co-curricular programs designed to develop leadership, among other important interpersonal skills.

The Link Between Co-Curricular Programs and Student Leadership

The University of Notre Dame Australia conducted a study on Student leadership in Catholic schools in 2013. In this study, 8 principals from Catholic secondary schools were interviewed on how leadership qualities were developed and displayed in students.

According to the study, a tangible link was identified between student involvement in school activities and the development of leadership skills - all eight Catholic school principals emphasised the importance of co-curricular programs in enabling students to exercise their leadership skills through either running or participating in activities. These school activities ranged from campus ministry to sports programs and cultural interest groups.

Co-Curricular Programs That Encourage Leadership in Catholic School Students

Each Catholic school in Australia offers a unique selection of co-curricular programs, tailored to the school's resources. The co-curricular programs in Catholic schools are designed not only for holistic enrichment, but also play a big part in encouraging leadership development among students.

Sports

Team sports like basketball, cricket, rugby, football, and netball are full of opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. As participants work within the team, they are presented with opportunities to take the initiative to lead and support their peers, whether it’s by setting a strategy for the team or by teaching a teammate who needs help.

There’s a common misconception that leadership opportunities in sports programs are limited only to students who are assigned leadership roles within the team (e.g., basketball captain). Coaches guide each participant toward developing leadership regardless of their position in the team.

Performing Arts 

Performing arts programs include dance groups, theatre, and music ensembles. The performing arts are a great activity to encourage leadership in students, as participants are faced with the challenge of performing on stage.

In group performing arts, students come to understand that everyone in the group plays an essential role in making the performance come together. With this understanding, students are encouraged to lead one another, whether by providing constructive feedback or leading rehearsals to improve the performance as a whole. 

Interest Groups  

Interest groups are formed around key areas of interest among students who come together to share knowledge, experiment, and learn from one another. The chess club, photography club, and math club are examples of interest groups where students can learn from and teach each other.

Interest groups offer mentorship opportunities; senior students in the group are often encouraged to guide younger members in improving their understanding and skills. Eventually, younger students will become senior members of the group and take on the role of mentors themselves, creating a cycle of leadership development.

Social Justice & Community Groups

Catholic schools have a deep connection to the local community, and focus on emphasising the importance of this connection to students through community service activities. Catholic schools organise opportunities for students to give back to the community through social justice programs that provide for those in need, mental health initiatives, and environmental sustainability programs.

Whether it’s helping out at a soup kitchen or cleaning up rubbish from the local community park, these community service activities help to foster leadership in students, especially when they are given the responsibility of organising the activity. Under the guidance of teachers, students are tasked with identifying a need in the community and creating a plan to address it. Everything from contacting key community leaders to gathering the necessary resources is left in the hands of students, allowing them to take ownership of the activity and exercise leadership in the process. 

At Catholic Education Office Northern Territory, we ensure that each of our 18 Catholic schools has ample resources for a range of co-curricular programs designed to encourage leadership. As members of the Catholic faith, it is our mission to shape young leaders through holistic education. We tailor our curriculum and activities to ensure that each student receives the right guidance and opportunities to become leaders among their peers and in their community.