The Leadership Challenge (TLC), also known as the Student Leadership Challenge (TSLC), is a widely adopted student leadership framework in Singapore schools.
At Kingmaker, we design student leadership programmes in Singapore that translate TLC principles into meaningful, age-appropriate experiences. In this article, we spotlight two schools (primary and secondary levels) to show how leadership training can be effectively scaffolded across different stages of student growth.
What is The Leadership Challenge (TLC) Framework in Schools?
The Leadership Challenge framework focuses on developing leadership as observable behaviours that students can practise and apply in real contexts. In schools, TLC provides a shared leadership language that helps students:
-
Understand what effective leadership looks like in action
-
Apply leadership behaviours in CCAs, peer leadership, and mentoring roles
-
Align leadership practices with school values and culture
This makes TLC especially relevant for student leadership development in Singapore, where schools aim to nurture confident and future-ready leaders.
Building Leadership Foundations in Primary Schools
Spotlight: Unity Primary School
Unity Primary student leaders learning about the "Model the Way" TLC practice
In November 2025, Kingmaker partnered Unity Primary School for an activity-packed, highly experiential student leadership programme designed for primary student leaders.
The training introduced students to the fundamentals of leadership through The Leadership Challenge, aligned with school values. Through hands-on activities and guided reflection, students explored what it means to lead themselves and others responsibly.
The focus at this stage was on:
-
Developing leadership awareness and confidence
-
Understanding leadership behaviours in simple, relatable ways
-
Applying TLC concepts through action, not just discussion
- Improve communication & collaboration skills
Deepening Leadership Through CCAs and Mentoring
Spotlight: Westwood Secondary School
Westwood Secondary Students discussing their leadership journey in the past 2-3 years
In October 2025, Kingmaker designed a leadership training programme for the Secondary 3 cohort of Westwood Secondary School, focusing on two core TLC practices: Enable Others to Act and Encourage the Heart.
As students prepared to hand over responsibilities within their CCAs, the training helped them:
-
Reflect on their leadership roles as mentors to juniors
-
Apply TLC behaviours in real CCA contexts
-
Strengthen collaboration, encouragement, and shared ownership
By anchoring leadership learning in familiar school situations, students were able to translate theory into practice, such as for CCA leadership handovers.
Feedback from students reflected meaningful growth in leadership awareness and confidence, with a 43% increase in confidence in their leadership ability.
-
“I was not so clear about leading my CCA mates, but now I feel I can handle them with a different perspective.”
- "This is a good programme to gain confidence!"
How Can Student Leaders Apply TLC in Real School Contexts?
Across both primary and secondary levels, students applied The Leadership Challenge framework in ways that were:
-
Relevant to their daily school life
-
Connected to CCAs, peer leadership, and school culture
This progression, from foundational leadership habits in primary school to deeper application in secondary CCAs, shows how TLC supports sustained student leadership development over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Student Leadership Challenge (TSLC)?
The Student Leadership Challenge (TSLC) is an adaptation of The Leadership Challenge framework for students, focusing on practical leadership behaviours that can be learnt and applied in school contexts.
How is The Leadership Challenge used in Singapore schools?
In Singapore schools, TLC is commonly used to develop leadership skills in student councils, CCAs, and peer leadership programmes, helping students apply leadership behaviours in real-life situations. Schools exploring The Leadership Challenge framework often ask how it can be contextualised for their students. Each implementation looks different for different schools, depending on objectives and outcomes, and that's where thoughtful design matters.
