Outstanding Leadership of a Science Department

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Leading in Science can be both exciting and challenging. However, it’s no secret that leading a Science department comes with unique complexities. The curriculum is intricate and there are shortages of qualified subject specialists and you’ll bear the responsibility of ensuring health and safety compliance and overseeing practical work involving large teams and non-teaching staff. In this new course, we’ll consider what it takes to achieve excellence in a Science department and the pivotal role of the Head of Science in maintaining this excellence. Delegates will take away practical and actionable strategies on how to tackle day-to-day challenges, develop the team and work towards a shared strategic vision. Whether you are currently a Head of Science or aspire to hold such a position, this course is designed to cater to your interests and needs, unlocking the tools and insights to lead with confidence and success.

---

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

• Consider what makes a Science department excellent, and the role of the Head of Science in achieving excellence
• Look at ways in which a Head of Science can develop and improve teaching and learning within the department
• Look at a range of strategies for improving and maintaining progression of students into A-Levels
• Enhance your ability to lead, support and nurture teachers in the department
• Examine the yearly workload of a Head of Science and the life cycle of the role
• Reflect on strategies for dealing with the challenges and making the most of the opportunities presented by a Head of Science position
• Understand the importance of key documents and processes including inspections, appraisals and observations

---

PROGRAMME

Leadership and Vision: The Qualities and Skills of an Outstanding Head of Science

10.00am

• Exploring the different skills needed to be personally excellent as a teacher, effective as a manager and inspirational as a leader
• Exploring different styles of leadership and understanding when each style is effective and what the pitfalls might be
• Why vision comes before strategy. What do you do well? Where are the gaps?

---

Effective Techniques to Drive Department Improvement

10.30am

• What is an outstanding Science department? Who says so?
• Planning for accurate department self- evaluation
• Evaluating your department and acting upon this effectively
• Preparing your department for Inspections - how can you make sure you are ready?

---

 

Break

11.20am

---

Outstanding Leadership in Teaching and Learning: High Expectations, High Challenge, High Reward

11.40am

• Implementing effective strategies to ensure a consistent and effective experience for all learners in light of recent curriculum changes
• Developing curricula and schemes of work modelling outstanding teaching and learning
• Making effective use of assessment and assessment data
• Understanding when to be restrictive and when to allow creative autonomy
• Track performance, recognise underachievement and motivate learners
• Selecting appropriate pathways for learners: recognising exceptional circumstances and balancing the needs of the student and school/college

---

Lunch and informal discussion

12.40pm

---

Staff Development: Supporting the Development of your Staff

1.40pm

• 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
• Developing curriculum expertise in your department
• Matching your curriculum and your staff and to your team
• Strategies for maintaining the highest quality of teaching and student performances over time
• Making the right appointments and coaching for successful performance
• Professional development: what type, how and who?
• Implementing and managing departmental systems and paperwork
• Making the right appointments

---

 

Break

3.00pm

---

How it works: the Head of Science

3.05pm

• 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
• Before and after: staying abreast of developments in primary and higher education
• The life cycle of the Head of Department
• Maintaining freshness and enthusiasm: professional and intellectual development
• Peaks, troughs and the long run: responding to success and failure

---

 

Depart

3.45pm