Leading Strategic Change module (PD50234)

This is the second of two SCQF level 11 modules in the Into Headship Programme.

This is a professional programme that is designed for aspiring headteachers and school leaders in Scotland. It leads to a PG Certificate into Headship and to attaining the Standard for Headship.

This programme is offered in partnership with Education Scotland's Professional Learning and Leadership Directorate (EDSPLL). It is funded by the Scottish Government.

To apply for a place on this programme you must be employed by

• Angus Council
• Dundee City Council
• Perth and Kinross Council

You must also successfully complete your local authority’s application process.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• focus on leading a process of building a vision for school improvement. This will be done through engaging others from across a school community.
• explore models of emergent and responsive planning. This is done to determine and achieve short-term objectives. It will help you towards a longer-term process of sustainable strategic change.
• examine issues related to culture and to the leadership and management of change. This will address the educational issues identified in PD50233 (Developing as a strategic leader).

By the end of this module, you will have:

• planned and started the first cycle of change. You will also have undertaken an interim review of progress towards a longer-term improvement strategy.
• developed a deeper understanding of your school context.
• evaluated different approaches to managing learning, teaching and school improvement.
• evaluated different methods of leading and managing people to achieve school improvement.

Assignments / assessment

• assignment 1 - 2,000 word essay (50%)
• assignment 2 - 5,000 word essay (50%)

In addition, you will undertake a professional verification visit in October to assess, in combination with the module assessments, whether you have met the Standard for Headship.

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
• workshops
• discussions
• talks by guest speakers