Life-changing learning
Cobham Hall is one of a small number of schools that have recently introduced a pioneering leadership enrichment programme specifically for Sixth Form students. The Ivy House programme was founded by Elke Edwards, who ran Blue Sky, a leading executive development business in Europe for 20 years. Her team worked with senior leaders at over 40% of the FTSE 100, and whose clients include Nike, Shell, Deloitte, BBC and Google. Elke has harnessed her extensive experience in developing the Ivy House Award for an educational setting, to give “promising young people the kind of life-changing learning that is normally only available to a handful of senior executives – at a time when it can really make a difference.”
Self-knowledge, self-empowerment and self-leadership
The Award is structured as a series of weekly sessions and is built on the three foundations of self-knowledge, self-empowerment and self-leadership. The first set of sessions focus on ‘The Storyboard’ with pupils thinking about their own unique story and creating their own personal brand, with the second set of sessions then moving on to ‘The Game Plan’, which involves ways to make a positive impact, build relationships and understand your own leadership potential. The programme is delivered through a combination of engaging digital content, personal journal activities and discussions facilitated by Dr Drumm.
Develop a professional network
Upon graduation, students are able to join a network of Ivy House Graduates and participate in events to help them develop their professional network as they proceed on their journey through Higher Education and beyond. Graduates will also receive a certificate and a digital badge which they will be able to add to their CVs and LinkedIn profiles.
Prepared for an ever-changing world
Dr Drumm, Director of Studies, adds that “it is clear from global business leaders that students need to be more prepared for an ever-changing world. Tomorrow’s workforce will need to learn new skills and continually adapt as the landscape continues to change. To help students navigate this world successfully, it is crucial that we encourage our students to become life-long learners and to equip them with the skills and confidence to help them make the right choices in order to best they can, whichever field or career they pursue. The Ivy House Award is an outstanding opportunity for our Sixth Form students to develop highly sought-after and valuable skills and qualities that will mark them out as exceptional candidates to universities and beyond.”
