The Waikato Management School (WMS) Leadership Course concluded on the 24th of June this year. This is a university paper which HBHS Year 13 students applied to do. Students studied the coursework on top of their usual academic courses and responsibilities. The course is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring leaders to learn the theory and deep-seated knowledge behind being a successful leader. 

The course in particular focuses on five leadership practices, all of which are crucial to creating a great leader. These included inspiring a shared vision, modelling the way, challenging the process, enabling others to act and how to encourage the heart. These practices are explained in online lessons and Zoom meetings students must attend - along with three on-site days on the university campus. This course provides invaluable experience to anyone willing to apply themselves - and also counts as a first-year university paper for students studying at the University of Waikato.

Personally, I have seen myself become a better leader over the five-month duration of the Leadership Academy, and I highly recommend it to Year 12 students this year to apply to join in 2025.

This year's group was Adithya Bandaru, Masami Sorensen, Aaron Edwards, Caiden Paea, Ivan Angweya, Aveer Virk, and Joshua Fabunmi.