April 2016

The know zone

  • Progress reports
    Marie Cordey highlights the trends emerging from Ofsted full and short inspections since the new framework was introduced last September. More
  • A silent epidemic
    Cases of mental illness among young people have rocketed in recent years. Anna Cole looks at the steps being taken to help schools and other services support students in distress. More
  • Working overtime?
    Pension rule changes mean a later retirement for more teachers, so start planning for it now, warns Stephen Casey. More
  • Raising your game
    ASCL courses and experts can provide you with the support you need to drive improvement in your school or college and develop your own career. More
  • Free resources for schools
    Teach, support and encourage your pupils about money and how to manage it by getting your school involved with My Money Week (13–19 June 2016). More
  • Managing stress
    There are certain events in life that may cause us to feel stress. More
  • Managing workload
    Managing workload at a time when there are ever-increasing demands and pressures is one of the toughest tasks for leaders. Have you seen an increase in your workload or that of your colleagues? If so, what has been the impact? What can be done to help reduce workload, or to help staff cope with additional pressures? Here ASCL members share their thoughts. More
  • Added concern
    Hotline advice expressed here, and in calls to us, is made in good faith to our members. Schools and colleges should always take formal HR or legal advice from their indemnified provider before acting. More
  • I'm just saying...
    Motivational maxims, inspirational adages and amusing aphorisms can all shed light on the challenges facing today’s school leaders, according to Headteacher Jonathan Fawcett. More
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ASCL courses and experts can provide you with the support you need to drive improvement in your school or college and develop your own career.

Raising your game

ASCL Professional Development offers a range of support to provide you with the solutions you need. All our events feature expert input from highly respected educational consultants and leading practitioners, as well as from our own team of experienced specialists. Below are just a few events – save the dates and pass them on to your colleagues. Please also note that any of our course topics can also be delivered in your school or college via our Bespoke/ Consultancy Service; see: www. ascl.org.uk/consultancy

Leadership of Assessment Conference

22 March, London
Book www.ascl.org.uk/leadingassessment

Recent curriculum and qualification reforms have resulted in dramatic changes to assessment procedures. This one-day conference, brought to you in conjunction with GL Assessment, features many of those who are leading the development of new assessment policies in order to shape the assessment framework in the school-led system.

Aspiring to the Leadership Team

19 April, Leeds
Book www.ascl.org.uk/aspiringteam

This course is designed to dispel myths about the prerequisites of a good leader. You will investigate how good leaders work and what identifies them through a range of practical activities plus information linked with theory and research findings. The focus will be on helping participants to learn about themselves as individuals, what motivates them and what they may do to prepare for promotion. It is led by practising and former leadership team members.

Understanding Data for Governors

19 April, Leeds
Book www.ascl.org.uk/data4gov

Governors will have the opportunity to develop their awareness and use of available datasets, at both national and school level. Consideration will be given to the changing picture of school accountability measures as described by the Department for Education, the structure of available datasets, the use of data to support school development, curriculum provision and target-setting for student progress.

Whole School Leadership of Teaching and Learning

4 May, Birmingham
Book www.ascl.org.uk/wholeschoolleadership

Led by Geoff Barton and designed for senior leaders or those aspiring to senior leadership, this course will explore the role of senior leaders in raising the quality of teaching and learning across the school. It will address the core business – ensuring high-quality teaching and learning for all students. Topics covered will include use of data, lesson observation, the changing nature of Ofsted and the National Curriculum. A range of practical strategies will be provided.

Information Conference for Independent School Leaders

5 May, London
Book www.ascl.org.uk/infoconfinde

Focusing exclusively on meeting the needs and interests of leaders in independent schools, this conference provides information and updates tailored specifically for fee-paying secondary schools and all-through schools.

Annual Deputy and Assistant Heads’ Conference

10 May, Birmingham
Book www.ascl.org.uk/deputyconf

The conference has an extensive programme of workshops and expert speakers, giving delegates many opportunities to develop and enhance their knowledge and understanding on a wide variety of themes, as well as providing excellent networking opportunities.

Social Networks and Schools: Managing the Risks, Harnessing the Potential

10 May, London
Book www.ascl.org.uk/socialnetwork

Do you wish, as a school leader, that Facebook and Twitter had never been invented? Are you perplexed about what Snapchat is and how it is different from WhatsApp? Do you fear that students’ mobile phones are at the heart of so many problems? But do you also wonder whether, if in the region of 1.5 billion people use Facebook as a communication tool, social media has potential we are too timid to exploit? Led by Paul Haigh, a senior leader in an 11–18 academy in Sheffield, this course will help school leaders manage the problems and harness the potential of social networks.

Headteacher/ Principal Support

ASCL PD offers a range of support for headteachers or principals through our induction programme, mentoring service and professional partner programmes. To find out more about any of these services please contact consultancy@ascl.org.uk

Leadership Appointment Service: Getting the Right Person 

The selection and appointment of a new headteacher or principal for your school or college is a huge responsibility for your governing body. The recruitment and selection process is something governors will prepare for and plan for carefully if they are to appoint the very best person for the role.

We have developed a professional, comprehensive and cost-effective service offering expert guidance and advice to governing bodies. We provide a dedicated and expert consultant to work with governors throughout the appointment process. All of our expert consultants are either serving or former headteachers or principals, providing an unparalleled level of support, expertise and experience to help your governors make the right appointment. To find out more contact las@ascl.org.uk We would be happy to discuss your requirements, answer your questions and/or arrange for a presentation to be made to your governing body at no cost or obligation.

LEADING READING