Thursday Takeover: Transforming Lunchtimes into a Dynamic Hub of Leadership, Creativity, and Co-Curricular Excellence at AKS

13/02/2025 Senior School

With around 70 co-curricular clubs running throughout the week in the Senior School alone, scheduling an event without disrupting something else is no easy task. To solve this, we broke the system, reimagined our approach, and built something new.

Enter Thursday Takeover - a dedicated lunchtime each week where no other co-curricular activities take place. The day has become somewhat sacred, ensuring that every student has the freedom to step out of their comfort zone, explore new opportunities, and engage in meaningful activities without conflicting commitments.

As the program evolves, students are increasingly taking ownership, shaping and steering initiatives. Thursday Takeover is fostering a dynamic culture of creativity, confidence, and collaboration, reflecting the heart of school life at AKS.

What Makes Thursday Takeover Special?

Each week, a different event takes centre stage, rotating on a carousel throughout the term:

House Events – Led by House Leaders, fostering teamwork and school spirit.
Student Leadership Committee – A powerful platform for student voice, led by our Head and Deputy Heads of School.
Model United Nations – Thought-provoking debates on global issues like over-tourism and child obesity.
Lunchtime Lecture Series – A platform for students and staff to present on inquiry-based topics, sharing knowledge, experiences, and ideas to inspire others.
Inspirational Speakers, including OAKS Alumni – Guest speakers from various fields, including former students, sharing their journeys, challenges, and insights to motivate and empower.
Sports Leaders Program – Focused on learning the art of officiating, helping students develop confidence in decision-making, leadership, and fair play.

Looking Ahead

The success of this initiative lies in its ability to grow. As students continue to take the reins, Thursday Takeover promises to evolve into a fully student-led program, further amplifying its impact.

Created and led by Assistant Head, Faye Marland, she reflects on the success of the past term:

"The enthusiasm and engagement we have seen from students have been incredible. By creating a dedicated space for leadership excellence, we are not just running activities—we are empowering students to take ownership of their learning, their passions, and their future."