Middle/Subject Leadership Programme

Most teachers will be expected to take on responsibility for leading one or more curriculum area at some point. This can be daunting, especially in the light of the current Ofsted framework, but it can also be a first step towards developing the leadership skills which may eventually lead to promotion and career development.

This programme aims to support participants to 'find their voice' as a leader and provide them with:

• opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to lead a curriculum area effectively in a primary school
• time to reflect and practice
• the ongoing support and encouragement which comes from working with a network of other developing leaders

The course is structured over five sessions, plus an on-site visit from one of the course tutors (between sessions 2 and 4). Gap tasks will support participants to put learning into practice.

It is an expectation that participants commit to the whole programme.

Sessions

Session 1 on 15 November 2024 - Talking the talk

Participants will learn what is meant by curriculum intent and how to talk about it clearly and succinctly. They will also reflect on their own strengths and areas for development.

Session 2 on 10 January 2025 - Principles of effective monitoring         

Through coaching, participants will develop an understanding of deliberate practice and how it can be used to support their own leadership and professional development. The session will explore different types of monitoring and prepare participants to undertake some monitoring activities in their own school.

Session 3 on 14 March 2025 - Policy into practice

Participants will learn about curriculum implementation - and how middle leaders might influence what happens in the classroom. There will be a particular focus on understanding the importance of pupil voice.

Session 4 on 2 May 2025 - So, what do you know...?           

Through coaching, participants will reflect on their monitoring experiences. Deliberate practice will support them to talk about implementation and impact in a clear and structured way.

Session 5 on 26 June 2025 - What next?

Participants will reflect on their own learning and development through a short presentation to the group. The session will support leaders to look forwards and begin to plan for next steps.