Built on the three foundations of self-knowledge, self-empowerment and self-leadership, the Ivy House Award is a 20-session programme designed to bring transformative personal and professional learning to Sixth Form students. The programme is delivered through a combination of engaging digital content, personal journal activities and discussions facilitated by Teacher of History and Politics, Mrs Rachel Phillips-Morgan who has herself successfully completed the executive programme this year. We hear from two girls who have successfully completed the programme about what they got out of the experience.

Having completed the Ivy House programme over the last year, I have really noticed what a substantial impact it has had on my approach to School life and the perception I have of myself. The programme is well configured with videos and practical activities every week, with each session focusing on a separate aspect of leadership. The topics covered varied from what type of person we are to how we can make use of our own talents to let us become successful leaders, as well as how to best utilise the opportunities we have at School. This programme has been incredibly helpful, especially when starting to do work experience or thinking about universities, since it allows you to explore your own strengths at a deeper level whilst identifying your weaknesses and working out how to find a path that is right for you. Therefore, I highly recommend taking part in the Ivy House programme as it is a great foundation for any student who would like to develop a better understanding of themselves and his or her leadership skills.

Lavinia, UVI student

I was one of the lucky 12 girls to be chosen for the Ivy House pilot programme, which consists of two parts – the Storyboard and the Game Plan. Part one was all about self-reflection. Through the countless quizzes, exercises and questions, I became more aware of myself – how to take ownership of my life by transforming my behaviour and thinking in such a way that I would reap the positive effects. I was really forced to consider what I wanted my ‘brand’ to be and the idea that life is all about ownership. One of the main things I took from this section was that one should always learn to become a self-leader. Part two of the programme forced me to put all my self-reflection into a Game Plan. This is essentially a plan you make for yourself for after you have finished the programme. I believe it will be useful for me to look back on and see how this may have impacted my life.

Throughout the programme, we were all able to share our thoughts and reflect on each section. This was really valuable as it gave me an insight into other people’s thoughts, which I was able to evaluate. Overall, the most impactful thing I took from the programme was that I became more self-aware and I was able to reflect on what qualities I had that could be developed to make me a good leader.

Tolu, UVI student

Find out more about the Ivy House Award here