Key Information
Congratulations on being accepted for the School of Leadership this year. We are so thrilled to have you with us and we can’t wait to see what God is going to do over the week.
This page contains a few things you need to know before you come, so grab a cup of tea, take a seat and have a read!
The Site
The School of Leadership is taking place at the beautiful Poplars in Ledbury. There is so much space to wander around, explore and even a pool to cool off in!
You will need to arrive on site at 2pm on Wednesday 24 August. If you are coming by car then use postcode HR8 1QY. If you are planning on coming by train, Ledbury station is a short drive away. Anyone getting a train can be picked up at 1.45pm from the front of the station so please do make sure your train arrives before then.
The School of Leadership will finish at 12pm on Monday 29 August. We will be offering lifts to the station.
What to Bring
These are some essentials you will need for the week as well as a few suggestions you might want!
Towel
Tea Towel
Bedding (a duvet and pillows are provided but you will need a duvet cover or sleeping bag, a sheet and a pillow case)
Swimwear
Warm clothing for walks and a late-night fire
Clothes suitable for outdoor games and sports
All your usual clothes & toiletries including sun cream
Board games (If you have any favourites like Monopoly Deal, Articulate, cards etc)
Torch
Bible
Notebook and pen
Any medication that you require such as inhalers etc.
720 Reference
The 720 Reference is an in-depth reference process which will enrich your understanding of yourself and how you lead and can grow in leading. In order for us to give you in depth feedback at the School of Leadership we need you to ask at least five people (preferably seven or eight) to fill out the 720 reference form in advance so we can collate the information. In the past we have found there are always a couple who don't make the hand in date and you need a minimum of four to make the feedback valuable for the School of Leadership.
The form is filled out online - you can have a look at it here. Detailed instructions are included at the end of this email as to what you need to do to make this happen.
Please think carefully about who you ask to fill out a 720 so that you can get thorough, detailed answers from people who really know you and have journeyed with you (and who will say what they really think!). Here are some examples of people you might ask:
Parents
Close friends
People who volunteer for Onelife
People we work with through Onelife from other organisations
Siblings
People who have led you
People you lead
Church leaders
Teachers/coaches
All of the references are confidential and will only be seen by the person who will give you the 720 feedback. During the School of Leadership you will have a time with one of the leadership team to walk you through the feedback and highlight the things that have come up.
What to do now:
Send personalised emails as soon as possible – use the following example, but of course make personal changes where you see fit.
This summer I am attending the Onelife School of Leadership – a week-long residential designed to develop young leaders, especially in character formation, relational and emotional intelligence and leadership capacity. In advance of attending I have been sent some pre-course preparation to complete. The first piece of of pre-course preparation is called the 720 feedback, a key element in growing my character and leadership gifting during the course and which i'm emailing to ask for your help with.
A 720 degree reference is designed to give an individual critical feedback about their character, skills, opportunities, strengths and weaknesses - both in their personal and working life. Please would you take the time to fill out a 720 form for me. I am asking you because you know me, have journeyed with me and I trust you will say what you really think.
If you are happy to complete this for me, please go to onelifeleaders.com/720 and fill out the form.
Forms need to be completed by the end of July. This is so Onelife can collate the information from you and other references I have asked in order to feed back to me on the School of Leadership. All the references are confidential so I will not see the replies myself, though I will meet with one of the Onelife team during the week to process some of the things that are highlighted through the reference process.
If you are unable to help me at this time please let me know as soon as possible.
For more information about Onelife and the School of Leadership please visit onelifeleaders.com.
Thanks so much for taking the time to help me and invest in my development,
Make a note in your diary to email again in seven days’ time just to encourage them to fill out the reference if they haven't already.
Myers Briggs
One of the sessions we go through during the week is called Myers Briggs. This is a personality test that can help you understand how you work and how you can work even better within a team setting.
To get the most out of the session, take this online quiz now and note down the four letters you are given at the end, e.g. INTP.
You’ll learn more in the session (and don't worry, there are no wrong answers!)
A Typical Day
Each day is slightly different at the School of Leadership but there is a mix of worship, teaching, practical sessions, free time and of course food! Here is a sample of what a day might look like.
8:00am Breakfast
8:45am Devotional Time
9:30am Teaching Session
11:00am Break
11:30am Teaching Session
1:00pm Lunch
2:00pm Process Groups
2:30pm Teaching Session
3:30pm Free Time
5:00pm Teaching Session
6:30pm Dinner
7:45pm Evening Activity
9:30pm Free Time
10:15pm Hot Chocolate
You’ve made it to the end!
Thanks for reading this and if you have any questions, then please email the team and we will do our best to answer them!