Effective Subject Leadership

This book highlights issues which underpin the professional capabilities of existing and aspiring subject leaders. The content is designed to build on the skills, knowledge, understanding and attributes which serving Heads of Department and subject co-ordinators already possess. Sections are provided on: *essential knowledge and understanding for the role *strategic planning and development *monitoring and evaluating teaching and learning *leading and managing staff to raise achievement. The emphasis throughout is on corresponding with the National Standards set by the Teacher Training Agency. Through focused activities the book aims to set challenges in practical contexts and to help subject leaders to plan ahead and improve subject provision in order to raise standards.

Examining the post of subject leader in primary schools in the light of the key areas defined by the National Standards for Subject Leadership, this book combines existing research data and new material.

First Published in 1999. Expectations placed on middle management have risen sharply in the last few years and their increased importance in the role of managing and developing others have been reflected in the new Teacher Training Authority (TTA) Subject Leader Standards. Consequently, the role of subject leader is one which necessitates careful preparation and development. Written in line with these Standards in an accessible style and format, this book supports INSET courses and days designed to develop the essential management skills required by secondary subject leaders; provides support for the Head of Department in developing an mor systematic approach to the management of an effective department; provides useful information for aspiring Heads of Department and Senior Managers who are endeavouring to improve the performance of middle management in their schools.

Primary curriculum design has been in sharp focus in recent years. After leading on curriculum design and effective subject leadership for 24 years across multiple schools, Emma has written the handbook for both the complex thinking which underpins primary curriculum design and provided the practical models to make it work. There is much advice out there for primary schools but much is often dominated by voices not trained or experienced in primary practice. Emma outlines the unique considerations needed for designing and implementing a rich, high-quality curriculum which serves our youngest learners – a blend of academic thinking, educational research, the wisdom of decades of primary experience and a true love of the unique nature of primary. Primary curriculum design is a unique knowledge domain of its own and Emma explains and explores how this knowledge and the thinking around it needs to be championed and implemented through both academic and child development lenses. Rooted in experience, underpinned by successful approaches implemented in hundreds of schools – curriculum design in primary is complex and nuanced but it can also be 'Simplicitus'.

However, most teachers went into education because they wanted to be teachers, not leaders, so they often haven't had any training into how to lead a subject area. This book seeks to deliver a whole range of practical solutions to the challenges that the role presents. The areas covered range from setting and communicating your vision, delivering high quality learning across all classes and developing rigorous and effective systems of self evaluation to understanding and developing a transformational leadership style. Hugely accessible and realistic, the book also tackles some of the other critical issues that sometimes face subject leaders. Practical solutions are offered around the issues of working with under-performing colleagues as well as managing the stresses of the role. Shortlisted for the Education Resources Awards 2013, Secondary Resource - non ICT category

Middle managers in secondary schools are being asked to develop and display first class management skills. This text seeks to meet the needs of those who need to develop and update skills for their present job, or who are preparing for the next step into more senior management.

This book examines the post of subject leader in primary schools in the light of the four key areas defined by National Standards for Subject Leadership: * strategic direction and development * teaching and learning * leading and managing staff * efficient and effective deployment of staff The book combines existing research data and new material gathered by the authors. It presents the underpinning principles and analyses the complex set of roles and responsibilities undertaken by subject leaders. Most importantly it provides practical advice for subject leaders illustrated by a series of case studies and tasks which are addressed directly to subject leaders. The authors have taken a generic approach, looking at issues such as changing roles and responsibilities, planning for teaching and learning, working with colleagues and others, managing resources and bringing about school improvement, that have to be addressed by all subject leaders whatever their particular area of responsibility. Throughout, the book emphasises the importance of leadership, children's learning, professional development and collaboration. The book will be of value to all primary school teachers, and especially subject leaders.

Curriculum and subject leadership in schools has recently gained substantial attention from both researchers and policy-makers. The Teacher Training Agency (TTA) has reinforced the importance of subject leadership in school improvement, proposing a new measure of such leadership competence through the creation of national subject leader standards (NPQSL). Subject Leadership and School Improvement reflects critically on the work of subject and curriculum leaders especially in schools in England and Wales, that is, those within the policy framework of The National Curriculum and the Teacher Training Agency. The book debates the functions of subject leaders in primary and secondary schools, using current research-based conceptual frameworks, and considers how they can bring about improvement and change with their colleagues in their subject areas. It emphasizes what is particular about leading and managing the middle realm of education organizations, showing how structural, cultural and individual imperatives and perspectives interact with each other in the professional practice of being a subject leader. The book is of interest not only to subject leaders and curriculum co-ordinators, to help them reflect rigorously on their practice, but also to those responsible for supervising them, such as headteachers and school governors, as well as for those accountable to them. It will be a useful text for serving teachers undertaking higher degrees programmes or programmes for gaining national standards qualifications, the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH) as much as for the NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Subject Leaders) when it is implemented.