"Insight into Leadership" is exactly that, a 3 day leadership event, based on a model from Greensward Academy, that will now be an annual joint-venture between the 6th forms at Maltings Academy and New rickstones Academy. Students from both year 12s are asked to work in teams to form their own companies. They then have to design a product according to a brief, decide on company names, logos and finance, bid in a live auction for a good location from which to market and 'sell' their product to year 7.

This year around 150 students took part in the event which also includes team-building activities and unexpected challenges including memos, complaints and last minute changes of plan. The whole event is designed to give our students a real insight into the different styles of leadership and the challenges that the 'real world' may present.

The event takes a lot of organisation and we would not be able to run such an event without the help and support of ex-students, staff and local businesses.

The 2010 winners were "Just Shake" with their chocolate do-it-yourself milkshake. Congratulations to the team for making £49,900 in total.

Comments from students:

"Overall it was actually quite good. It exceeded my expectations, I wasn't enthusiastic on day 1 but I grew to enjoy it"

"It helped improve my communication skills and make new friends"

"I thought it was well run and it was great fun to take part in"

"Our observer was awesome and it's been better than I expected. I didn't expect to learn so much or enjoy myself so much"

Comments from observers and staff:

"It was a pleasure to work with such nice committed people"

"Students took it seriously and showed a very mature attitude"

"Students worked well independently with little instruction"

"It was competitive and fun"

For photographs see gallery <click here>

Insight into Leadership 2011 will take place at New Rickstones Academy. If you are a member of the local community and would like to be involved in next year's event, please contact Mrs W Langwith in the 6th form.