Developing Our Future Leaders
Leadership begins with action
At Bracken Ridge State High School, we believe leadership is not simply a titleit is demonstrated through a student’s choices, actions, service and positive influence.
Guided by our motto, Strive to Accomplish, our Student Leadership Program provides students with opportunities to develop the confidence, character and practical skills needed to make a positive difference at school and in the wider community.
Every student can be a leader. While formal positions are available across several year levels, students are also encouraged to demonstrate everyday leadership through their learning, relationships, participation and service to others.
Values that guide our leaders
Our Student Leadership Program is built around the BRSHS 5Cs:
- Commitment — being dependable, persistent and willing to follow through.
- Cooperation — working constructively with others to achieve shared goals.
- Courtesy — communicating respectfully and representing the school positively.
- Consideration — listening to others and making inclusive, thoughtful decisions.
- Common Sense — exercising sound judgement and acting safely and responsibly.
- Student leaders are expected to model these values consistently in their learning, communication, decision-making and service to the school community.
Developing leadership capabilities
Throughout their leadership journey, students develop five key capabilities:
- Inspire — motivate others and lead through positive example.
- Innovate — generate ideas and find creative solutions.
- Communicate — listen, speak confidently and represent others effectively.
- Organise — plan activities, manage responsibilities and work towards measurable outcomes.
- Commit — demonstrate reliability, perseverance and dedication.
- These capabilities help students turn the school’s values into action. They are embedded throughout the application, selection, mentoring, project-planning and performance-review processes.
Leadership opportunities across the school
BRSHS offers a progressive leadership pathway that enables students to build their experience as they move through secondary school.
Opportunities include:
- Student Council Representatives in Years 7, 8 and 10
- Year 9 School, Arts, Community and Sports Vice-Captain positions
- Year 10 Student Council Executive positions
- Year 11 House Captain and School Leader positions
- Year 12 School Captain, Student Council Chair, Arts Captain, Community Captain, Sports Captain and Instrumental Music Captain positions
- School Leaders may also contribute through specialist areas such as the Arts, culture, community, sport and the Year 7 Buddy Program.
All positions are open to the most suitable candidates and are not gender based.
Learning through authentic leadership
Our students develop as leaders by taking responsibility for real activities and projects. Depending on their role, students may:
represent BRSHS at formal school and community eventslead assemblies, celebrations and school initiativessupport the Year 7 transition and buddy programspromote participation in sport, the Arts and community activitiesrepresent student ideas through the Student Councilstrengthen house spirit and school cultureorganise fundraising and community-service activitiescollaborate with students, staff and community partnersdesign and deliver a project that creates a measurable positive impact.This practical approach allows students to learn through experience, reflection and service.
Passion Projects
Senior student leaders are encouraged to pursue an Area of Passion connected to their interests and responsibilities.
Passion Projects challenge students to identify an opportunity, develop a plan, collaborate with others and deliver a meaningful outcome. Projects may include a community fundraiser, cultural or environmental initiative, wellbeing campaign, special event, sporting activity or Arts program.
Through these projects, students learn that effective leadership is measured not by the position held, but by the positive impact created.
Recording leadership growth
Students in Years 8–12 who apply for formal leadership positions are required to maintain a Leadership Log.
The log records:
- the activity or initiative undertaken
- the leadership capability demonstrated
- the school values put into action
- the impact achieved
- verification from a staff member.
This process encourages students to reflect on their development and build a genuine record of leadership, participation and service.
Mentoring and support
Student leadership at BRSHS is a supported developmental journey.
Senior leaders and Vice-Captains are connected with staff mentors who assist them to:
- establish achievable goals
- plan projects and activities
- develop their leadership capabilities
- navigate school processes
- balance leadership responsibilities with learning
- manage workload, wellbeing and emerging challenges.
- Mentors meet with student leaders regularly throughout each term. This provides structured support while encouraging students to become increasingly confident, independent and accountable.
A fair and rigorous selection process
Formal student leadership positions are awarded through a transparent process that may include:
1. A written application supported by an updated Leadership Log.2. Staff endorsement based on demonstrated school values and the quality of the application.3. An interview for designated senior positions.4. A speech to the relevant school community.5. Preferential voting or selection by an appropriate school panel.
Candidates are considered on their reliability, communication, understanding of the role, leadership experience, contribution to the school and capacity to balance leadership with learning.
Successful leaders are formally inducted at the school’s Leadership Induction Ceremony.
Growing leaders for the future
The BRSHS Student Leadership Program prepares students for more than a school position. It develops the personal qualities and transferable skills needed for further education, employment and active community participation.
Through service, mentoring, collaboration and authentic responsibility, our students learn to lead ethically, communicate confidently and act with purpose.
At Bracken Ridge State High School, we are developing future leaders who are ready to Strive to Accomplish—for themselves, for others and for their community.
Source: Bracken Ridge State High School, Student Leadership Program 2027.