Capstone Project: TASIS Leadership Academy

The TLA is an 18-month leadership development program that unfolds over three phases:

• Phase 1: Seminars (January to May of tenth grade) – Students attend weekly sessions to explore three pathways of leadership and human-centered design. These seminars provide foundational knowledge and skills, preparing students for practical applications.
• Phase 2: Service Trip (June) – During this immersive travel experience, students consolidate their learning from the seminars, apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts, and deepen their understanding of leadership and service.
• Phase 3: Capstone Project (August to May of eleventh grade) – Each student engages in weekly meetings with a mentor to collaborate and develop their chosen project by specifically applying their leadership skills to solve a real-life problem.

What is a Capstone Project?
The Capstone Project allows students to showcase the knowledge and skills they've gained throughout the TLA program. It involves addressing real-world challenges and provides a practical platform for students to demonstrate their leadership capabilities. These projects are also common in universities, business schools, and professional organizations, and they aim to equip students with the tools needed to lead effectively in various contexts.

Benefits of the Capstone Project: 

1. Enhanced Leadership Skills: Students gain a deeper understanding of effective leadership as they work to inspire and motivate others, make strategic decisions, and navigate complex social dynamics.

2. Academic Advancement: Completing such a prestigious program signals to universities and future employers that students are committed to their personal growth and ready to take on more significant responsibilities.

3. Practical Experience: The Capstone Project provides hands-on experience in tackling a real-world challenge, which is invaluable for building confidence and competence.

4. Broadened Perspectives: Exposure to different ideas, challenges, and leadership styles broadens students' viewpoints, making them more adaptable and innovative leaders.

5. Lasting Relationships: The connections made during the program can lead to life-long associations that will offer mutual support, advice, and opportunities throughout their lives.

Transformative Power: Real-Life Impact
The true measure of a Capstone Project’s value lies in its impact. The skills and insights gained not only benefit our students and their school community but also extend to influence broader society.

For instance, one student might lead a successful environmental initiative at school, while another might implement a new inclusivity project that becomes a model for other schools. These transformative outcomes demonstrate the power of a well-designed leadership program to inspire and shape the actions and attitudes of others.

The TLA, with its culminating Capstone Project, fully aligns with TASIS England’s mission to embolden each of our students to flourish as a principled, open-minded, and compassionate member of a global society. It provides a comprehensive path of mentored growth for aspiring young leaders through its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application with an emphasis on service to others. By engaging in the challenges inherent in such a program, students elevate their potential, contribute to the success and innovation of their schools and communities, and learn to lead with confidence.