Ten students from Barnes Wallis Academy spent some time at RAF Cranwell on their third session of Level 2. This session provided a series of activities that allowed the students to look at things from a leadership perspective. To begin with they were tasked to all cross a line together. They soon established that the task would perhaps be more achievable if someone took charge. James ultimately steered the group to the greatest success by providing clear, step by step instructions for all to follow. He established four movements to be carried out upon his four counts of “1, 2, 3, 4.”
The group were then asked to look at who inspired them and why. They discussed what qualities they had and whether any of those qualities meant that their chosen person was or could also be a leader. Various inspirational people came to the forefront including family members and friends as well as rappers Eminem and XXX Tentacion and sport stars David Beckham and Valentino Rossi.
The students went onto develop their thoughts further, suggesting what qualities would make a good and/or inspirational leader. They thought hard about this and some of the following points were given as what a good leader would be able to do:
The question was asked, “Was Hitler a good leader?” This brought about some good discussion relating to leadership and followership….what do you think?! Some of the group were then tasked in leading others to lower a pole. Many of the previous points came into play here such as clear communication and encouragement. Consideration for the needs of the group became more and more important as certain members of the group were then blindfolded. Some leaders shifted towards kinaesthetic communication as well as verbal, whilst one blindfolded leader also considered the feedback from his group more. 
“They have explored the qualities of a leader much further today. Their thought processes have gone much deeper than just a “buzz” word that you might expect to hear.” Nicola Ingamells, JETLO
After lunch in the mess (an experience all of the students enjoy…food glorious food!) they made their way outside into the cold. Sgt Richard Nauyokas led the students through marching drills on the parade square. 
Its impact could be seen not only within the session itself but also within their reflections afterwards. Having been looking at team work, leadership and followership, their exposure to a parade square experience with an authoritarian style of leadership was powerful. The group reflected upon the impact it had on them as followers (with various discussion points of discipline, respect, achievement) and also how/ when they may adopt a similar style in future.
Speaking about how the Parade Square activity had helped the group, Liam 14, noted it helped with:
“Concentrating and listening to the speaker”
while George, also 14 said:
“I haven’t heard anyone shout like that before, I didn’t get it to begin with…”
On returning to the warm indoors, students focused on the voice projection elements of this style in an “I say, you do” activity, giving some students the opportunity to find their “big” voice. It helped Tia to think of her voice as separate to herself and delivering her voice as it was expected to be heard.
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