Student Leadership
At AIS Sharjah, student leadership is a cornerstone of our school community, representing responsibility, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Our student leaders act as role models, embodying integrity and respect while driving positive change across the school. They demonstrate outstanding behaviour, consistent effort, and an unwavering commitment to acting in the best interests of the AIS community.
Student leaders play an essential role in shaping school culture. Each week, they plan and host events that enrich campus life, fostering a vibrant, dynamic, and engaged environment. These activities not only inspire school pride but also strengthen connections across our diverse student body, creating a strong sense of belonging.
All leaders are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and discipline, while exemplifying our school values of integrity, tolerance, wisdom, compassion, and courage.
Leadership Categories
In the Secondary School, leadership is organised under two key categories that foster student growth and engagement.
Pillar Leaders
Leadership organized around five key pillars that reflect the spirit of AIS
House Leaders
Traditional house system promoting community spirit and healthy competition
Pillar Leadership
Our leadership program is built around five key pillars that reflect the spirit of AIS:
- • Academic
- • Cultural
- • Community
- • Sporting
- • Wellbeing
Pillar Leaders are elected through a rigorous process involving written applications, interviews, and speeches, with final decisions made by a panel.
Pillar Leadership Pathways
Pillar Leadership positions include:
- • Pillar School Captains (one per pillar)
- • Pillar School Vice-Captains (one per pillar)
- • Student Pillar Ambassadors (two to three per year level, per pillar)
Pillar Leaders work closely with ambassadors from across year levels to develop and deliver student-driven initiatives. They meet regularly with dedicated teacher mentors to ensure their programs are purposeful and aligned with the school’s vision and values. Oversight is provided by the Pillar Master, ensuring coherence and consistency across all pillars.
This structure provides students with opportunities to lead collaboratively, inspire others, and create meaningful change within the school.
Grade 2 Mini Pillars
Our Grade 2 Mini Pillars programme provides students with meaningful opportunities to develop their confidence, responsibility and leadership skills. Students can join one of three Mini Pillars:
- • Wellbeing
- • Community
- • Sport
As Mini Pillar representatives, students are encouraged to share their ideas and play an active role in planning and delivering student-led activities and initiatives. Through these experiences, they learn to collaborate effectively, take responsibility and make a positive contribution to the wider school community.
Our Primary Pillar Leaders Program
Our Primary Pillar Leaders program provides Grade 5 and 6 students with meaningful opportunities to develop their leadership skills and make a positive contribution to the school community. Throughout the year, students build confidence, responsibility and teamwork as they work towards earning their Pillar Leader badge.
Primary Pillar Leaders are encouraged to use their voice, take initiative and lead by example. Working collaboratively with their peers and staff, they help develop ideas, support student-led activities and contribute to initiatives that enrich school life.
Earning a Pillar Leader badge is more than receiving a title; it reflects a student’s commitment, responsibility and ability to demonstrate the values of their chosen pillar. Through these leadership opportunities, students learn the importance of working with others, taking positive action and using their voice to make a meaningful difference within their school community.
Our Pillars
Five key pillars of AIS
Academic
Community
Cultural
Sporting
Wellbeing
Beyond Campus Leadership
In addition to formal leadership roles, AIS secondary students can broaden their leadership experience through participation in a range of local, national, and international programs. These opportunities provide valuable skills, global exposure, and personal growth, helping our students become well-rounded leaders of tomorrow.
Some of these programs include:
- • Global Leadership Training
- • The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
- • Model United Nations (MUN)
- • Community Action and Service Program
- • Sheikh Sultan Award
- • International Leadership Camps
Leaving a Legacy
AIS Sharjah has a proud tradition of nurturing leaders who make a meaningful impact. For our students, leadership is more than just a role — it is an extraordinary opportunity to contribute, inspire, and leave a lasting legacy within the AIS community and beyond.
