Leadership resources

When student leaders hear “no” too many times, it can crush their motivation, but often the issue isn’t the idea itself, it’s timing, safety, or budget. In this article, Michael Walter explores how shifting from a “no” to a “not yet” mindset can help students refine their ideas and better understand the real-world process of innovation. The post offers a clear, seven-step framework for creating a review process that supports creativity while building feasibility, viability, and ethical awareness. A must-read for teachers who want to empower student leaders without losing school oversight.

An official practice guide from Victoria’s Department of Education that outlines how to empower student voice and leadership in schools. This guide provides research, strategies, and case studies showing how giving students real input improves engagement and outcomes.

This short video by John Spencer introduces the LAUNCH Cycle, a student-friendly design thinking model that empowers young people to creatively solve real-world problems. It walks through each phase of the process, from sparking curiosity and asking questions, to prototyping, iterating, and sharing with an authentic audience. The LAUNCH Cycle is a flexible, hands-on approach that can be applied across subjects and year levels, making it a powerful tool for developing leadership, empathy, and problem-solving skills in students.

An article offering five strategies to encourage student reflection – journaling, storytelling, mind mapping, blogging and podcasting – as tools to deepen understanding and growth.

Explores the application of design thinking in classrooms to enhance teaching and learning.

Yelling "everybody listen!" can get old pretty fast, and it's a surefire way to lose your voice. In this video, Felicity explains 5 creative ways to get the attention of the group.

This online resource is a practical, step-by-step guide designed to support busy teachers running student leadership programs. It includes ready-to-use templates (like student application forms and meeting agendas), planning checklists, activity ideas, and videos from experienced educators sharing their tips and insights. Available for $395 (incl. GST), the toolkit offers ongoing access and is regularly updated based on teacher feedback, making it a valuable, time-saving resource for leadership coordinators.

This article introduces Project Santiago, Yellow Arrow’s curriculum-based leadership program designed for Years 9 and 10. Rather than offering leadership as a one-off workshop or camp, this program embeds leadership development into the timetable, making it accessible to a wider range of students. Through hands-on activities, reflection, and real responsibility, students gradually grow in confidence and capability. With flexible, ready-to-use resources and examples from schools like Clonard College, this blog shows how leadership can become a subject, one that transforms not just individual students but the whole school culture.

The Design Kit Methods from IDEO.org offers a rich collection of human-centred design tools that can help student leaders develop problem-solving, empathy, and creative thinking skills. These methods guide students through key phases of the design process, such as discovering insights, generating ideas, and testing solutions, making them ideal for leadership programs focused on social impact or student-led projects. With clear instructions and a focus on collaboration, this resource supports young leaders to design with purpose and lead change in their school or community.

A toolkit for Years 5–12 students to plan service-learning projects. Guides educators and students through identifying issues, planning, acting, reflecting and celebrating.