The Rugby team at the
International English College in Chavagnes is getting a great reputation in the area for two things. Firstly, the team is winning matches and showing that even small schools can compete. Secondly, some of the other teams' supporter and even coaches have noted the "leadership" qualities of the players. I think that in a small school environment, students have a greater chance of taking responsibility for many different types of activities and for the older boys to be good role models for the younger ones.
Leadership must be taught, and I am a firm believer in leadership training, even at the younger levels. The world is in great need of competent, moral and ingenious leaders. School and home are the breeding grounds for leadership skills.
Some aspects of leadership training involve respect for those who are under one's care, such as the "captains" of the various "houses" for the boys. Sport, of course, encourages leadership skills and even reveals the hidden talents of some boys who may not shine in the classroom environment. Many times, however, those youth who are leaders in academia are also leaders in sports. Rugby, being a traditional English sport, is being played in French schools as well, which surprised me. Of course, I am waiting for the "summer game", cricket to start up, then I shall really pay attention to the matches....
