Description

ABOUT THIS COURSE

These are exciting and challenging times to lead in Geography.

This brand-new course for Spring 2023 will consider what excellence in a Geography department looks like, and the role of the Head of Geography in helping to achieve and maintain such excellence. It will examine strategies for successful recruitment of students, for optimising teaching and learning, for managing teachers experienced and inexperienced, and for establishing and maintaining a position for Geography within a school.

It will conclude with an overview of what the working year of a Head of Geography involves, and of the opportunities and challenges the job presents at various stages in its life cycle. It will offer constructive, pragmatic advice derived from experience, and will aim to incorporate lively discussion and question-and-answer sessions. Delegates will leave equipped with effective practical strategies and ideas.

This course is designed for current Heads of Geography and for anyone interested in holding such a position or in contributing to the management of a Geography department.

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

• Consider what makes a Geography department excellent, and the role of the Head of Geography in achieving excellence
• Look at a range of strategies for improving and maintaining recruitment of students
• Look at ways in which a Head of Geography can develop and improve teaching and learning within the department
• Enhance your ability to lead, support and nurture teachers in your department
• Examine the yearly workload of a Head of Geography and the life cycle of the job
• Reflect on strategies for dealing with the challenges and making the most of the opportunities presented by a Head of Geography position

PROGRAMME

What is a successful Geography department?

10.00 – 10.30am

• The position of Geography within a school: variables, challenges and opportunities
• The quality of teaching and learning
• Managing staff towards happiness and fulfilment
• Expectations and outcomes: senior leadership, the intellectual environment, public exams and progression to higher education

Student recruitment

10.30 – 11.30am

• Key Stage 3: curricula to attract and retain students
• Engaging interest in work at GCSE
• Stretch and challenge without intimidation
• Developing the department as a physical space
• Beyond the classroom and the curriculum: educational visits and trips
• Promotion and advertisement using traditional and new media
• Geography in a digital world

Break

11.30 – 11.45am

Leading outstanding Teaching and Learning in Geography

11.15 – 12.30pm

• Implementing effective strategies to ensure a consistent and effective experience for all learners
• How a Head of Geography can model outstanding teaching and learning
• Developing curricula and schemes of work
• Making effective use of assessment and assessment data
• Understanding when to be restrictive and when to allow creative autonomy
• Using a range of monitoring tools to track performance, recognise underachievement and motivate learners in order that they meet the needs of the new curriculum
• Selecting appropriate pathways for learners: recognising exceptional circumstances and balancing the needs of the student and school/college

Lunch

12.30 – 1.30pm

Staff Development: How to support and develop your staff.

1.30 – 2.40pm

• Strategies for managing your staff, from experienced to inexperienced and new teachers
• 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

Afternoon Tea

2.40 – 2.45pm

How it works: the Head of Geography

2.45 – 3.40pm

• Managing your 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
• Department evaluation – driving up improvements to enhance performance
• Maintaining freshness and enthusiasm: professional and intellectual development
• Peaks, troughs and the long run: responding to success and failure
• Working with the SLT; the confidence to champion and compromise