No products in the cart.
The Head of History Playbook: Essential Strategies for New and Aspiring Heads of History
Course Code: T0454 £299.00
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Based on James’ book “The Head of History Playbook”, this brand-new course explores the areas of running a successful secondary History Department that they don’t tell you about at interview.Drawing on over two decades of classroom experience and senior leadership, this course provides clear, practical strategies for balancing excellent history teaching with strong exam outcomes. It is specifically designed for new and aspiring Heads of History who want to lead with confidence and build high-performing, successful departments.
Delegates will explore how to build an exciting vision for the subject, manage staff and expectations effectively, and navigate the everyday challenges of middle leadership. The course will also focus on how to build a supportive environment for your team and create a culture for student success too.
Packed with honest insights and immediately applicable ideas, this course moves beyond theory to provide a clear blueprint for success. Whether new to the role or experienced, participants will leave with practical tools to strengthen their department and lead with clarity and purpose.
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING
- Develop a clear and compelling vision for your History department
- Strengthen your confidence in leading staff and managing expectations
- Gain practical strategies for balancing excellent teaching with exam success
- Build a supportive and high-performing departmental culture
- Leave with actionable ideas to implement immediately in your role
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- New Heads of History in their early years
- Aspiring Heads of History and second in departments
- Teachers with leadership responsibilities in History
PROGRAMME
10.00am: Creating the Vision and Making the Best Start- “Why not me?” - Reflecting on your strengths as a teacher and leader and building confidence in your role
- Establishing a clear and purposeful vision for your department - Why is it so important?
- The “three P’s” – protect, promote, and preserve – How to make the best of your first term and beyond
11.15am: Break
11.30am: Managing in the Middle
- Working effectively with your SLT link or line manager to maximise support
- Supporting your staff and students to achieve their best outcomes
- Approaching and managing difficult conversations with confidence and clarity
12.30pm: Trips and History Beyond the Classroom
- The value of trips and enrichment in bringing History to life
- The importance of local and national/international trips
- Avoiding common pitfalls when organising trips and ensuring successful experiences
1.00pm: Lunch
2.00pm: The Popularity Contest and Playing the Game
- Strategies for making History a popular and successful option choice
- Balancing engaging teaching with the demands of achieving strong exam results
- Understanding the importance of parents in your role.
3.00pm: Break
3.05pm: How to lead a Thriving Department and without Losing Yourself
- What does a successful History department look and feel like in practice?
- How to manage your workload as a Head of History
- Top tips for navigating the pressures of leadership while protecting your own wellbeing
3.50pm: Depart
Leadership - Code: T0454The Head of History Playbook: Essential Strategies for New and Aspiring Heads of History
COURSE LEADER
James Garrett has taught in History in schools for over two decades and has a wealth of experience in a number of middle leader roles, including Head of History and Head of Humanities in both the state and independent sectors. He was also an Assistant Headteacher for seven years. He is the author of “The Head of History Playbook” and has adapted the book to lead CPD sessions for History teachers around the country. As a huge advocate for school trips, James is the owner of The History Boys Battlefield Tours which offer school groups bespoke and guided tours of WW1 sites in France and Belgium.
Course Brochure
