In a world where children are encouraged to speak up, think boldly, and care for the planet they’ll inherit, leadership doesn’t begin in adulthood, it begins in Primary school.
The seeds of confidence, empathy, and responsibility are sown early, through everyday moments: guiding a friend, solving a conflict, asking questions, or daring to try something new. When young learners are trusted with responsibility and surrounded by a community that believes in them, they begin to see themselves not just as students, but as contributors to something bigger.
This belief in nurturing “leaders with heart” sits at the core of the Primary experience at The International School @ ParkCity (ISP). For Ms Sharon Wellington, Head of Primary, leadership isn’t a badge or a title – it’s a mindset. And it’s one that grows naturally when children are given genuine opportunities to step forward. Beyond the Primary School, this is mirrored and built upon as the students journey through the Secondary School and Sixth Form as well.
“Student-led initiatives are at the heart of how we empower young learners at ISP,” Ms Sharon shares.
Our Prefects, Digital Leaders, Sports Leaders, Class Buddies, House Captains, Library Prefects and Sustainability Ambassadors are wonderful examples of how Primary students can take more responsibility and contribute to our school community meaningfully.
Leadership Beyond Titles
The impact of these roles goes far deeper than confidence-building. “For the students in these roles, the impact is transformational… they see firsthand that their ideas can create real change,” she explains. Whether they’re guiding younger peers in safe digital habits or leading energy-saving campaigns, students learn that they have a voice and that it matters.
These initiatives make our students more aware, more caring, and more proactive… It strengthens our culture of responsibility, respect, and environmental stewardship.
Younger children start modelling what they see, while the whole-school approach which includes self-nomination, coaching, and the annual Student Leadership Summit, seeks to ensure, as Ms Sharon puts it, that “every role carries meaning, purpose, and real impact.”
Learning Habits That Shape Character
Beyond leadership opportunities, ISP emphasises the habits behind success: communication, resilience, reflection. “Our Learning Habits are woven into everything we do… they are the foundation of our pedagogy,” Ms Sharon explains.
Students practise these daily through enquiry-led lessons and hands-on collaboration. Growth is tracked through journals, discussions, and teacher observations, while celebrations like the much-loved “Legendary Learner” initiative highlight not just academics but character.
Children quickly internalise that how they approach learning is just as important as the final outcome.
A Second Home for Families
A huge part of raising confident young leaders is giving them space—to explore, play, try, fail, and try again. “Learning does not end when lessons finish… Our environment encourages exploration, creativity, and connection throughout the day,” Ms Sharon says.
Families spend afternoons in the EYC Garden, take part in community events, and dive into CCAs ranging from robotics to unicycling.
For many, CCAs become the space where lifelong friendships are formed.
Every Child Seen, Every Family Supported
ISP’s personalised wellbeing and learning support ensures that no child falls through the cracks. “Every child deserves to be seen, supported, and understood, and this is a non-negotiable part of Primary life,” Ms Sharon affirms.
Parents are key partners in this journey. “We have always seen parents as equal partners in education,” she shares, highlighting the PTA, parent representatives, and community-driven celebrations like International Week.
A Simple, Powerful Aim
In the end, Ms Sharon captures ISP’s vision best:
At ISP, our aim is simple yet powerful: to help every child feel confident, curious, and deeply valued… It is a joy and a privilege to watch our Primary students grow into leaders with heart, purpose, and a genuine love of learning.
This post is sponsored by The International School @ ParkCity (ISP).
ISP is a non-selective, co-educational international school following the UK Curriculum catering for students from 3 to 18 years old. It is located in the award-winning township of Desa ParkCity. Their primary school curriculum is carefully designed to promote high standards, whilst ensuring a love of learning and enjoyment of school. By the time their students move into Secondary, they already possess confidence, empathy, resilience, deep friendships and a strong sense of identity – qualities that prepare them not only academically, but personally, to become successful, happy, leaders of tomorrow.
To find out more, register for their upcoming Primary Open Morning on 28th January 2026 or 12th February 2026 to learn more about the school, meet the teachers, chat with students and explore the ISP campus.
