Tāwari ākonga
Maria Montessori’s work did not talk directly about teaching “leadership”, but it was clear that she envisioned leadership as an organic outcome of adolescents being given opportunities to engage in authentic responsibility and meaningful work, collaboration, social contribution and the support to develop their own autonomy and purpose. In Tāwari we have made an intentional effort to provide leadership opportunities to Year 13s as a means to that end.
Yr 13 ākonga comments…
“I have had many leadership opportunities this year, I have learnt so much about knowing when you need to listen to others or just make quick decisions, for example when I’m organising sport with 9-12s and it starts to rain, my team and I are on a time crunch to work together to find alternatives. It’s amazing how much you can grow just from learning how to step up and be confident.” – Emily D
“We were given the opportunity to be a part of the Matariki organising committee. This involved: prepping and cooking the kai for the feast, setting up for the events, and being MCs. From this experience we learned the importance of communication, resilience, and organisation in leadership.” – Dilynn, Beatrix, Callum
“Leadership is a very important aspect of Year 13. This year, we went on a leadership camp overnight in the Orongorongo valley. We did leadership exercises like games and discussions to understand different leadership styles and applications of leadership in real life as well. The reason why I think this is important is because next year we are going out into the world, and we need these skills to become leaders in our future jobs and other possible applications of these skills.” – Brendan
“Throughout this year, I have participated in many different aspects of leadership. The most important was the Leadership Camp, this was because I had to get out of my comfort zone and lead a team-building puzzle. I saw that if I was able to push myself and take a lead on a problem, I’d have success in doing so. This year has helped me to build and improve my role as an adult, but also a leader.” – Marlow
“I have the opportunity to be great leader because I am running the quiz show.” – Matthew
So, why is it important that Year 13s have leadership opportunities?
1. Preparation for Adult Life
15–18yrs is a critical time for preparing adolescents for real roles in the real world. Adolescents need real and meaningful work that contributes to their communities.
2. Community and Social Development
By learning in an environment that also functions as a community, adolescents will develop leadership skills via decision-making, negotiation, and cooperation. The inevitable natural consequences of their choices will also develop emotional intelligence and accountability.
3. A Moral and Ethical Compass
Teens need opportunities to put their own thoughts into action, rather than just doing what they are told. Reflection on those actions, and the inevitable feedback from peers, leads to a stronger ability to reason right from wrong – and why.
4. Work as a Pathway to Purpose
Montessori saw meaningful work as essential. In Tāwari the leadership opportunities are real for the community. Leadership grows from service, contribution, and responsibility- not dominance or hierarchy, and this needs to be role modelled by kaiako too.
Montessori aimed at nurturing leaders of character, not just managers or achievers. Something the world today still needs.
