London
Thursday 20 June 2013

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Course Description & Aims

This course is designed for existing heads of science, those newly appointed to the role and those who are currently applying for head of department posts or are considering doing so.  The course will cover the vital aspects of inspirational leadership and effective management to create a highly successful science team.  Particular attention will be paid to self-evaluation and meeting OFSTED’s requirements.  Guidance will be provided on how to reliably monitor the effectiveness of the science provision and proven strategies for bringing about improvements will be explained in detail.  You will receive the most up-to-date guidance on the best curriculum pathways for your students to ensure outstanding results together with the correct levels of motivation, challenge and engagement for students of all abilities.

What are the benefits of attending this course?

By attending this course delegates will be equipped with a clear knowledge and understanding of what constitutes an effective science department.  They will be shown the most reliable methods of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the department and will be shown proven strategies for improvements.  There will be plenty of time for delegates to raise questions and seek advice for their particular circumstances.

• Be confident to reliably assess the effectiveness of the department
• Know a range of strategies to improve the effectiveness of the science provision
• Find out about the latest inspection issues and how they will affect science leadership
• Understand different ways to improve the examinations results while retaining the department’s integrity
• How to prepare for outstanding outcomes with Ofsted under the new September 2012 framework
• Know how to monitor the quality of teaching and learning in lessons and the effectiveness of each science teacher
• Know how to recruit good science teachers
• Understand how to create a supportive and unified science team
• Appreciate how to mange resources cost effectively
• Be aware of how to ensure that all health and safety requirements are met

Who should attend?

Existing heads of science, those newly appointed to the role and those who are currently applying for head of department posts or are considering doing so

Resources & Materials

On arrival at this course you will receive a specially prepared file containing detailed notes, teaching materials and resources which will be of immediate practical benefit in the classroom.

Course Leader: Howard Dodd

Howard Dodd is an educational consultant who for the last thirteen years has been lecturing in Science Education at the University of Exeter.  Before this, he taught science and A-level physics for fifteen years in a variety of secondary schools.  He is a Principal Examiner and QCA scrutineer for A-level Physics.  He is an OfSTED Inspector of Science, ICT and post-16 Physics, and has a national reputation for providing high quality in-service training courses.

Programme

10.00 – 11.15am: Leading the science department – the big decisions

• How to improve the department’s exam results: GCSE and AS/A level
• Planning the curriculum – KS3, KS4 and post-16
• Choosing the best GCSE curriculum pathway for your students
• Departmental self evaluation: how close are you to OFSTED’s definition of an outstanding department under the new 2012 inspection framework?

11.15 – 11.30am: Discussion: coffee break

11.15 – 12.45pm:  Monitoring the quality of teaching and learning

• How to evaluate a lesson and give feedback in a productive manner
• Reviewing the examination results and identifying strengths and weaknesses in provision: teaching, scheme-of-work, entry decisions
• Monitoring marking and the work in students’ books
• Routinely collecting feedback from the learners
• Regularly monitoring learners’ progress and taking action sooner rather than later
• Sharing best practice and creating an open and supportive culture in the science department

12.45 – 1.45pm: Lunch and informal discussion

1.45 – 2.45pm:  Creating an effective and unified science team

• How to stretch and motivate your team
• Reviewing the department’s short, medium and long term objectives – encouraging innovation and risk taking
• Sharing responsibilities fairly: timetabling, allocation of classes, assessments
• Celebrating successes and accepting a shared responsibility for any disappointments
• How to find and retain good science teachers

2.45 – 3.30pm: Ensuring that all legal requirements are met

• Managing the departmental budget
• Meeting all health and safety requirements: danger chemicals etc
• Records of risk assessments, accidents and other incidents

3.30 – 3.45pm:  Applying for head of department posts

• How to find a suitable post
• Writing your CV and the letter of application
• Preparing for the demonstration lesson and interview
• How to decide if you want the job!

"Feel very inspired to go and make some positive changes and feel I understand the system more."
February 2012