by Headmaster Rich Cali
Many people are saying that our country is having a crisis of leadership. The solution that Geneva offers is to look toward the next generation. How do we teach our students now to be leaders later?
After giving them a firm foundation in the grammar stage, we teach them formal logic. Students at the “pert” stage, as Dorothy Sayers called 7th and 8th graders, naturally become adept at argument, but there is a big difference between arguing and argumentation. Argumentation consists of well thought out propositions, founded in good logic. By teaching students logic, we teach them to think critically and to find the fallacies of other’s arguments. Good leaders need to think critically.
Grades 9th-12th, the “poetic” stage, continue to hone critical thinking skills but are also trained in speaking, debate, and writing. Geneva teachers teach using questions that draw students into the conversation and teach them to examine both sides of an issue. The goal for a Geneva upper school student is to be eloquent and winsome in writing essays and correspondence, in speaking publically, and even is disagreements. Good leaders are good communicators.
In all grades and levels, we teach to see the world through the lens of Scripture. We want to train individuals who impact their generation and generations to come with the knowledge, understanding, and wisdom found in the Gospel.
“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
