At this point in the year, our Year 2 pupils - at the very end of KS1 - are invited to apply for the role of House Captain. This is an exciting first step into leadership that many of our Year 1s look forward to as they move up, knowing they can apply right at the start of Year 2. House Captains help count house points, hand out award badges, and lead chants in assemblies. Just as importantly, they act as excellent role models and sports ambassadors, promoting fair play, teamwork, and a positive attitude across the school.
Why leadership in KS1? Giving children responsibility early nurtures confidence, organisation, communication, and resilience. Leadership opportunities provide real contexts for learning: counting points strengthens maths; leading chants and giving notices builds oracy and English; supporting teams connects with PE and PSHE. Children experience voice, choice, and agency, seeing that their actions can make a genuine difference to others.
House Captaincy is just one pathway. Across KS1 we encourage leadership through:
•Classroom roles (e.g., line leader, tech monitor, eco champion, librarian) that develop independence and responsibility.
•School Council, where pupils represent their class, gather ideas, and help drive change on issues that matter to them - playground improvements, charity projects, and sustainability.
Whether wearing a House badge, chairing a class discussion, or tidying the book corner, our youngest leaders are learning to serve their community with pride. We can’t wait to see Year 2 pupils step forward, speak up, and lead the way this term.
By Annelize Engelbrecht
Year 2 Class Teacher
