Leading An Outstanding Languages Department

ABOUT THIS COURSE

These are exciting and challenging times to lead in Languages. This course will consider what excellence in a Languages department looks like, and the role of the Head of Languages in helping to achieve and maintain such excellence. It will examine strategies for successful recruitment of students, for optimising teaching and learning, for managing teachers experienced and inexperienced, and for establishing and maintaining a position for Languages within a school. It will conclude with an overview of what the working year of a Head of Languages involves, and of the opportunities and challenges the job presents at various stages in its life cycle. It will offer constructive, pragmatic advice derived from experience, and will aim to incorporate lively discussion and question-and-answer sessions. Delegates will leave equipped with effective practical strategies and ideas. This course is designed for current Heads of Languages and for anyone interested in holding such a position or in contributing to the management of a Languages department.

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BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

• Considered what makes a Languages department excellent, and the role of the Head of Languages in achieving excellence
• Looked at a range of strategies for improving and maintaining recruitment of students
• Looked at ways in which a Head of Languages can develop and improve teaching and learning within the department
• Enhanced their ability to lead, support and nurture teachers in the department
• Examined the yearly workload of a Head of Languages and the life cycle of the job
• Reflected on strategies for dealing with the challenges and making the most of the opportunities presented by a Head of Languages position

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PROGRAMME

What Is A Successful Languages Department?

10.00am

• The position of Languages within a school: Variables, challenges and opportunities
• The quality of teaching and learning
• Managing staff towards happiness and fulfilment
• Expectations and outcomes: Senior leadership, the intellectual environment, public exams and progression to higher education

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Student Recruitment

10.30am

• Key Stage 3: Curricula to attract and retain students
• Engaging interest in language & Literature work at GCSE
• Stretch and challenge without intimidation
• Beyond the classroom and the curriculum: educational visits and trips
• Languages in a digital world

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Break

11.30am

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Leading Outstanding Teaching and Learning in Languages

11.45am

• Implementing effective strategies to ensure a consistent and effective experience for all learners in light of recent curriculum changes
• How a Head of Languages can model outstanding teaching and learning
• Developing curricula and schemes of work
• Making effective use of assessment and assessment data
• Using a range of monitoring tools to track performance, recognise underachievement and motivate learners
• Selecting appropriate pathways for learners

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Lunch

12.30pm

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Staff Development: How To Support and Develop Your Staff

1.30pm

• Strategies for managing your staff, from experienced to inexperienced teachers and NQTs
• Making observation and appraisal processes as effective as possible
• Involving others in decision-making, planning and delivery
• Making the most of departmental meetings
• How to introduce change: Reducing resistance and addressing concerns
• Matching your curriculum and your staff and to your team

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Break

2.40pm

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How It Works: The Head of Languages

3.00pm

• Managing one’s time and workload: Variables and the work-life balance
• The pros and cons of delegation
• Planning ahead and finding time to do so
• Preparing for Inspections
• Department evaluation – Driving up improvements to enhance performance
• Maintaining freshness and enthusiasm: Professional and intellectual development
• Peaks, troughs and the long run: responding to success and failure
• Working with the SLT; The confidence to champion and compromise

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Depart

3.40pm