Ronnie Summers reflects on the first year of implementing the Curriculum for Excellence in schools. While it is no longer an abstract concept but a reality, much work remains to be done over the next several years. Some assessment documentation has been delayed but should be released soon. Teachers are beginning to consider what evidence of learning they need to gather for reports and how to incorporate the new terms of "developing, consolidating and secure." Overall, implementing the curriculum remains a work in progress but progress is being made.

1. issue 01 school leaders scotland ANNUAL REVIEW AND CONFERENCE GUIDE 2O1O
2O1O Conference:
a full preview inside
President Elect:
Jim thewliss on
the year ahead
Leadership
does matter:
Graham Watson
shares his views
06 Ken Cunningham, s Report
General Secretary’ 08 Curriculum forto reality
– from theory
Excellence
12 SQA’s Janet Brown on
National Qualifications 14 Dr Bill Maxwell’s
HMIE perspective

2. school leaders scotland ANNUAL REVIEW AND CONFERENCE GUIDE 2010
contents what’ in this issue
s
3 Contents 4 Welcome 6 General Secretary’s
half price – full benefits
Report 8 A New Dawn 10 Governance Paper
12 Scotland’s National Qualifications 14 HMIE
Perspective 16 President Elect 18 Why Better
take the lead – Join the leaders
School Leadership Matters 21 Conference
Presenters and Speakers 28 Conference
Programme 2010 29 Our New Brand
30 CPD Programme 2011
ARE yOU: thE BENEFItS: WELCOmE FROm thE EDItOR welcome
Coiln Sutherland looks
forward to the first
SLS national education
headteacher the leadership organisation in Secondary Leaders – the new magazine, Annual Report and Conference conference
Depute headteacher Schools in Scotland Programme of School Leaders Scotland. This annual
Faculty head/Pt/Business manager/ Bursar
04
publication, a copy of which will be supplied to all SLS
With a key Leadership Role? Now representing hts, Dhts, Faculty members, is one aspect of our new communications strategy.
heads/Pts and Bursars/Business managers Leaders will provide information on the range of activities SLS
general
has been involved in over the past year, articles on current secretary’s report
NOW’S thE tImE tO ChANGE! Private and Public Sector issues and background information on the Conference
Ken Cunningham reflects on
a year of great changes in
Scottish education
Half Price until 1st April 2011 Full Benefits! 24 hour turnaround for legal and professional
Programme and those contributing to Conference.
advice and support specific to school leaders
headteacher £15.38 monthly (until 1st April then £30.75) The magazine along with the new website, which will be
launched at Conference, and the new format eBulletins,
06
Preferential access to high quality CPD
will aim to keep SLS members fully informed about the a new dawn
Depute £12.50 monthly (until 1st April then £25) Ronnie Summers assesses the
Network of professional support and advice association’s activities. impact of the Curriculum for
Excellence
across the country
Faculty heads/Pt’s/Bursars/ I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Guest
Business managers £9.50 monthly (until 1st April then £19) Represented in over 90% of Scottish Secondary
08
Article author, Graham Watson of Positive Leadership Ltd for
Schools and all authorities in Scotland his contribution to the magazine and all our business partners
who are exhibiting at the Conference.
this offer is only available to members of the leadership president elect
teams who have not previously held Has/sLs membership. Fully affiliated to ASCL (Association of Jim Thewliss anticipates
his year as School Leaders
School and Colleges Leaders) and all their I hope that you enjoy this new publication from School Scotland President
this offer is only available for the first year of membership. services and benefits Leaders Scotland.
subscriptions are tax deductible saving up to 40%
if you join before the end of December 2010, you will pay only half price subscription until
A voice in national education policy
including representation on most national
16
1st april 2011. subscriptions are collected by Direct Debit monthly (or annually on request)
education bodies. PaPEr stOCk: FSC MIxED SOuRCES PRODuCT GROuP FROM
WELL MANAGED FORESTS AND OTHER CONTROLLED SOuRCES.
Greig Ingram
COVEr imagE: DR HEATHER RIED, LEARNING AND TEACHING SCOTLAND,
Communications manager, SLS METEOROLOGIST & BROADCASTER.
increasingly members are realising the importance of being in the association that speaks exclusively for secondary school leaders.
As a result more and more leaders are joining SLS and benefiting from our support. 2 3 WWW.SLS -SCOtLAND.ORG.Uk

3. LEADERS issue 01 school leaders scotland ANNUAL REVIEW AND CONFERENCE GUIDE 2010
welcome
Welcome to School Leaders Scotland’s new publication, which I hope
COLin sutHErLanD
PRESIDENT OF SLS 2009/2010
you will find interesting and informative. We look forward to our first SLS
National Education Conference – Leading Learning Together – a title chosen
deliberately to reflect our position at the heart of Scottish education
I
t has been a busy year for for excellence bear our mark, which truly represents leaders of our young people, and we
the association. it has been for example in assessment of in scottish secondary schools. must never lose sight of that
a real privilege to represent literacy and numeracy moral purpose, without which
the association at various – a huge step forward. What drives us to put so we merely become ciphers
Never has our events and groups around the much into the leadership of delivering a compliant system
job of leadership country and beyond. the presidential team and our schools? Why do we get as if we were factories. What
in schools been Ken continue to meet up in the morning and, nearly an awful thought!
more important. having recently joined the regularly with all the key all the time, look forward to
The government literacy and numeracy players of scottish education going into school? surely it’s never has our job of
carG, what struck me was – the government and its because we are passionate leadership in schools been
wants us to
that, in a meeting of twenty ministers, lts, sQa, hMi and about what we do, about the more important. the
raise standards, difference we can make to
souls, only four of us actually others. We always have, and government wants us to raise
to narrow the work in schools! While this always will, speak up for our our young folk at a crucial standards, to narrow the
achievement illustrates very clearly how schools and for providing the stage in their lives. achievement gap, to move
gap, to move important it is that we are best possible education for into new areas, improve skills
into new areas, involved heavily in all these our young people. outside, all may be levels and so on. We want
improve skills machinations, i cannot help materialism, instant celebrity these things too. however, we
levels and so on. but wonder what on earth schools are the front line and vain, vapid things. in are trying to do these things
is going on when the vast and the key provider of the inner world of our most in a changing world with ever
majority on an important services: we deliver, and that vulnerable youngsters, chaos diminishing resources. in these
decision-making group such is a message we never tire of may be such that even times of great uncertainty and
as this are, to various degrees, telling anyone. i am hopeful coming to school is a major difficulty, our work in schools
removed from the front line. that we are moving in the achievement. inside our becomes more important
scope for efficiency savings right direction and we shall schools, we can ensure that than ever, especially in
perhaps? never take our eye off the we embed the values on our the values we instil in our
ball. in this, it is vital that we parliament’s mace: wisdom; youngsters. What a challenge,
We have made our mark continue to have a strong justice; compassion; integrity. but what an opportunity and
in various ways, some representation of school what a privilege!
obvious and some perhaps leaders at all levels and in all i firmly believe that the moral
more ‘behind the scenes.’ parts of scotland and that purpose which drives us is I hope to see you all at the
i hope that the emerging members encourage others to our belief in the power of Leading Learning together
developments of curriculum join us – the only organisation learning to transform the lives Conference!
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4. LEADERS issue 01 school leaders scotland ANNUAL REVIEW AND CONFERENCE GUIDE 2010
general
secretary s
’
report kEn CunningHam
GENERAL SECRETARy
Ken Cunningham reflects on a year
of great changes and considers the
challenges that lie ahead
A
s i write, i am very schools whether public or will bear little resemblance to the raising of literacy and ways. Please keep abreast of
conscious we are yet private, denominational or the one we have enjoyed for numeracy standards. these are sls through the web site;
again on the cusp non-denominational. With the last decade or so. the role important but so is the bigger through involvement in local
of potentially far reaching that diversity, consensus is of head teachers and their prize of a truly liberated area groups; by supporting
changes. When you’ve not always easy to see but
Allow me simply teams in this will be critical. education system that council and conference and
survived as long as i have, you our strength is in the ability to state that We do need more autonomy restores the national pride in events; and in particular,
begin to wonder if indeed the to bring that variety of there is a time than we currently enjoy our teaching workforce and by ensuring all hts and
only constant is change itself. opinion and thought to the as a leadership – though even that varies in its ability to deliver a world deputes are members. the
it has been another significant table. i know it is welcomed to stand and be enormously across the sector. class education. Freedom most effective recruiting
year which has seen a range because with it comes the counted and we But with autonomy will, and never comes cheap nor does agency is you. For many,
of issues impinging directly sense of the responsibility have done that. should, come accountability. everyone necessarily welcome sls is one of the strongest
on the lives of sls members. and accountability that We need to think through it but it’s worth the candle! insurance policies you can
again as an association, accompanies senior how that is taken forward. all have but it is far more than
through your representatives, leadership. of it in financially straitened in all of that sls, through that. enjoy to the full the
we have played some key times. We can face it with its council, executive, network that truly supports
roles - i hope for the better. the old chestnuts still haunt: fear and trepidation or we Presidential team and the senior leadership in
recruitment and retention; can grasp the opportunity officers, will continue to scottish schools. together
enough will be written better behaviour, better and truly enjoy the fruits of play its key role. We’ve we can make it even better.
elsewhere about cfe. allow learning (and vice versa); the principles that enshrined moved on significantly as an My annual collective thanks
me simply to state that there school inspections; funding; the first thoughts around the association and i hope you go again to all of you for
is a time as a leadership to promoted post staffing; the curriculum for excellence. enjoy and benefit from the your support over the year
stand and be counted and lack of opportunities for it will be critical we get all new website and e-bulletins. and my personal thanks
we have done that. We have probationers; inequity across the detailed stuff right: the the cPd programme under go to the office staff, lyn
supported and encouraged the authorities; the pensions issues around assessment and Greig continues to expand and Margaret; to Greig,
where that was due and we debate; the list goes on. But qualifications; the potential to meet the wide ranging alan and alastair; and to
have challenged and changed into that mix has begun a new around the curricular needs and you will see the Presidential team and
where improvements could debate around governance. it structures; the pathways to over the coming year yet executive who it is a pleasure
be made. We represent the is vitally important we start to future opportunities for all more such opportunities to work under. all the very
vast majority of senior leader discuss the issues around this our young people; the balance delivered in a variety of best for the challenges and
opinion in scottish secondary major theme in a world that of subject versus skills; different and cost-effective opportunities ahead.
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5. LEADERS issue 01 school leaders scotland ANNUAL REVIEW AND CONFERENCE GUIDE 2010
a new dawn rOnniE summErs
HEAD TEACHER MuSSELBuRGH GRAMMAR
SCHOOL AND SLS REPRESENTATIvE ON
THE MANAGEMENT BOARD FOR
CuRRICuLuM FOR ExCELLENCE
Ronnie Summers, HT Musselburgh Grammar
School & SLS Representative on the Curriculum
for Excellence Management Board
O
ur new s1 arrived which have delayed its resource (nar) bank of test items. however, there been challenging – not
beaming brightly release, but they should items and these can now be is a bit of a gap for subject least in devising sustainable
(well, at least for appear soon. the sub-group accessed through your GloW staff in secondary who only models, progressive models
the first few days) through pushed very hard to get account – the lts website have the access to a limited which do not leave pupils
it was our doors in august. a the reporting document at takes you through how to use number of nar items. i think heading up cul-de-sacs. i’ll
encouraging curriculum for excellence is least released since we felt the resources. i had my own it would be very worthwhile merely end by saying that if
to hear staff thus no longer an abstract staff would want to consider staff look at them during the for secondary schools in a we are devising a curriculum
in several concept, but a reality – what evidence they would august in-service day when local area to be finding time map, a map has many roads
departments knowledge to gain, skills need to gather for reports, they could be accessed under to gather up assessment which lead to the same
to learn, attributes to how they would incorporate sharing Good Practice. that items and jointly assess them destination, and it should
comment
develop. this is not to say the new terms “developing, exercise stimulated some so that they are ensuring that not be a journey overly-
that their own interesting observations – it all schools are working to
that our work is done – far consolidating and secure” prescribed by hMie. i think
assessments from it, since we are at the (which help to emphasise was encouraging to hear the same benchmark – and we are the best judges of
were at least as second year of a seven year to parents that this is not a staff in several departments building up a databank of what is best for our pupils.
challenging as the development programme. yearly gallop through a level, comment that their own items over several years. this
items on offer but a journey back and forth) assessments were at least as will also help newer staff
the reporting document into the format of the report, challenging as the items on find their feet more quickly.
emerged over the summer and to allow schools and offer or arose out of a more Further advice on quality
as part of the Building authorities time to devise integrated departmental assurance and moderation
Your curriculum 5 suite of the format of the report. approach. will follow this autumn,
documents, though i felt lts there will be no centrally but there is advice on what
could have been a little more prescribed document, but scottish Government local authorities and schools
pro-active in flagging it up on local flexibility, as we wanted released a tranche of should be doing in this area in
its website. the sub-group to avoid repeating past funding over the summer the Btc5 supplement Quality
tasked with delivering this mistakes. remember the to support cFe assessment assurance and Moderation.
had hoped to get all three unused chequebooks for and moderation usually in
documents – reporting, 5-14 reporting that still literacy and numeracy and developing a curriculum
recognising achievement, languish in a store cupboard? often cross-sectoral. that structure has probably been
and Profiling – out over the is useful, particularly for exercising us all over the last
summer, but there were a Many schools have primary staff who may have year. talking staff through the
few queries from members contributed documents to lost their bearings as they advantages and disadvantages
of the Management Board the national assessment can no longer rely on 5-14 of various models will have
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6. LEADERS issue 01 school leaders scotland ANNUAL REVIEW AND CONFERENCE GUIDE 2010
governance
paper kEn CunningHam
GENERAL SECRETARy
This article is a very brief summary of the SLS response to the request for
evidence to the Scottish Parliament on the Future Structure of Schools
Management in Scotland. The full response can be viewed on the web site.
INtRODUCtION Purpose: the entitlement which should be clarified strengths and weaknesses of while often imposing new many LAs do not plan ARE thERE BEttER mODELS?
costs. Restructuring may provision strategically, with
as the senior school staff derives from the broad and recognised. the current system pointing in reviewing these
also restrict opportunities, local colleges, employers and
most frequently involved ambitions for a rounded out that there are wide as energies go into the training partners working different options, in the
in implementing the education defined by cfe Diversity, ownership differences across authorities restructuring, not delivery. to different and sometimes light of the principles
SLS members educational policies of and in relation to support and identity: the various for a variety of reasons. competing agendas. and of our evaluation of
have a particularly national government and local for choice post-16. our focus stakeholders in individual the recent OECD report current arrangements, we
recognised that the LA model Competing pressures have
good knowledge, authorities, sls members have must be to ‘get this right for schools often identify SOmE OF thE of delivery had served Scottish led to significant year on year
recommended that we in
on both a strategic a particularly good knowledge, every child.’ strongly with their school StRENGthS WERE education well. funding cuts in schools. scotland should establish a
and operational on both a strategic and and contribute far more IDENtIFIED AS FOLLOWS: new model to deliver:
operational level, of the issues Clarity in responsibility and than the core ‘entitlement’. Some of our members While formal responsibility
level, of the issues LAs can provide secondary believed that their LA carried for many aspects of
of governance, responsibility accountability: management Management arrangements Greater consistency of
of governance, should support such diversity.
schools with a strong ‘safety out its functions effectively educational provision lies
provision across the country;
and accountability affecting arrangements should clarify and supportively. with the LA, accountability
responsibility and secondary schools. who is responsible for what
net’.
for much of delivery sits
accountability aspect of strategy, policy and Stability: effective planning LAs deliver other services with the professional team Better professional
management of secondary
affecting in discussing these matters, delivery and who, therefore, is and delivery in schooling which are relevant to schools AREAS OF CONCERN: in the school. hmIe make
schooling;
and can encourage joint no reference to the varying
secondary we encouraged the accountable. result from stable, long-term quality and quantity of LA
working across them. Current arrangements are
schools. committee to give due planning and funding in areas
expensive.
inputs in their judgements Clearer lines of responsibility
weight to the very significant Power and communication: such as teacher training, about schools. and accountability;
LAs are ‘close’ to schools,
concerns about school decision-making processes examination and certification with knowledge of local there is great inconsistency In many LAs, there is a A more stable environment for
funding which we feel relate should allow those arrangements and staffing of communities. across Scotland in delivering corporate tendency to long term improvement;
directly to this enquiry. responsible for making policy schools. short term changes entitlements. ‘report and account’ upwards.
LAs have capacity to plan
work in practice influence and are damaging to provision. Schools are principally A balance between strategic
strategic educational provision, this sits alongside
thE UNDERLyING contribute to strategy, but concerned to deliver to capacity (size, scope,
beyond individual schools. considerable inequality in their ‘customers/clients’ economies of scale) and local
PRINCIPLES OF GOOD should also give a strategic Funding: a funding system affluence/deprivation across within their communities. community/identity;
GOVERNANCE: voice to the various other that is transparent, consistent many LAs have capacity to different authorities. this often created tensions
Entitlement: all children in stakeholders. across the country and both support effective cpd for with frequently unnecessary Enhanced strategic capacity.
teaching staff. Some important partners bureaucracy and/or restrictive
scotland, wherever they live, equitable and fair.
work to different boundaries procedures.
should have access to a core the role of the secondary there is an argument for with different governance
educational entitlement in school: secondary schools WhERE ARE WE NOW? stability in retaining existing arrangements.
terms of: curriculum; Facilities; operate within a complex set after a brief introduction management arrangements.
transition and progression of public services, but make to current arrangements Restructuring does not always
deliver anticipated benefits,
beyond school; and Funding. a distinctive contribution the paper highlighted the
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7. LEADERS issue 01 school leaders scotland ANNUAL REVIEW AND CONFERENCE GUIDE 2010
scotland’ s
national
qualifications Dr JanEt BrOwn
SQA CHIEF ExECuTIvE
Partnerships are instrumental in maintaining
excellence and robust standards says Janet Brown
S
Qa qualifications are advisers in this ambitious to seek feedback, relying on and on schedule. We are using awards and steps to Work them to work and study at
recognised worldwide programme: head teachers; teachers and lecturers and this splendid opportunity awards at scQF levels 3 and home or internationally. they
for high quality and Principals; teachers and other stakeholders to engage to take the best features of 4; skills for Work courses will contribute positively to
robust standards and are lecturers from schools and with us so we can ensure the existing qualifications that at access, intermediate 1 a scotland that is wealthier
a testimony to the high colleges; partners from qualifications meet the needs support the senior phase in and 2 and higher; national and fairer, safer and stronger,
regard in which scottish learning and teaching of learners. secondary schools to achieve certificates and national greener, healthier, and smarter.
education is held. Partnership scotland, her Majesty’s greater coherence, provide Progression awards from
and collaboration are the inspectorate of education, it is important that the clearer progression and scQF levels 2 - 6; leadership
foundations of sQa’s approach and local authorities; and new qualifications assess ensure smoother transition. awards at scQF levels 5 and
to qualifications development. employer and parent groups. the different aspects of in doing this, highers will 6; and the new science and
throughout its history sQa has achievement and learning in remain our benchmark language Baccalaureates with
worked closely with schools, sQa is fully committed to curriculum for excellence. qualification and the quality their unique interdisciplinary
colleges, training providers, the goals of curriculum sQa’s is drawing on its standards embedded in projects, support the breadth,
employers and universities for excellence and we are extensive experience those qualifications will be depth and application of the
to develop high quality keenly aware of the critical within the college and maintained. new curriculum. SQA
qualifications to support importance of qualifications vocational training sector of qualifications
the needs of scotland’s in supporting and contributing developing a broad range of taken together, the sQa will continue to provide are recognised
learners, businesses and to the achievement of these qualifications that assess skills, development, review qualifications that have worldwide for
economy. these partnerships goals. the qualifications competencies and knowledge, and revision of scotland’s currency, facilitate progression,
high quality
have ensured a standard being developed will broadly – qualifications that develop national Qualifications will and enable learners to make
and robust
of excellence for teaching, build on the experiences the individual, qualifications deliver breadth, choice, smooth, seamless transitions
learning and assessment of and outcomes and will that prepare learners for work knowledge, skills and personal within scotland’s integrated standards and are
which scotland’s education provide for the assessment or further study, qualifications development to all. lifelong learning system – a a testimony to
and qualification system can of the knowledge and skills that are valued and accepted system in which curriculum for the high regard
be proud. of learners in the senior by employers and by colleges sQa’s broader portfolio excellence has such a vital role. in which Scottish
phase, and support learners’ and universities. contains many existing education is held.
developing new, and revising progression into further qualifications that provide Working together, scotland
existing, qualifications to academic study, vocational the development of the opportunities for learners can look forward to a bright
support curriculum for training, or into employment. new national 4 and national to develop skills and meet education future. our young
excellence is only possible 5, and revision of highers, the aspirations identified for people will have personal
because of the involvement as the development work advanced highers and access, every learner in curriculum qualities, knowledge, skills and
of practitioners, experts and progresses, we will continue is inclusive, well under way, for excellence. employability qualifications that will allow
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8. LEADERS issue 01 school leaders scotland ANNUAL REVIEW AND CONFERENCE GUIDE 2010
hmie to review how supporting the
schools are inspected implementation
of curriculum Dr BiLL maxwELL
HER MAJESTy’S SENIOR CHIEF INSPECTOR
OF HM INSPECTORATE OF EDuCATION
HMIE has launched a public consultation on proposed changes
to the way in which schools are inspected in Scotland for excellence
T T
he review covers proposals for increasing the enable us to focus more he inspectorate has district inspectors to agree the programme will also
involvement of learners and
inspection in the clearly on schools that need taken the innovative plans for support. these plans provide evidence to inform
parents in the inspection
pre-school, primary, process; support while still being able step of shifting some take account of progress so future plans for professional
secondary and special school to monitor the health of the of its resources, which are far and local priorities for development for curriculum
We believe that sectors, including all through ways of increasing staff system and see and share normally deployed to carry development. they aim to for excellence in the medium There is a strong
implementing schools and followthrough involvement in inspection; good practice. however, out school inspections, to make the best use of resources and longer term. inspectors are emphasis on
this package inspections. the consultation
clearer, more accessible
we very much want to hear support the implementation available, to address priorities also visiting a small number of support for
of changes has was launched at the scottish reports; and the views of everyone who of curriculum for excellence. which have been identified, schools to gather additional curriculum
the potential to learning Festival on has an interest in school From august to december and to contribute to building information about the planning, but
23 september 2010. moving towards a shorter inspections to help ensure 2010, the inspectorate will and sustaining capacity. implementation of curriculum
produce a more period of advance notice for
the themes also
that any changes we make not be carrying out any for excellence. teachers
proportionate, inspections. cover areas such
thE CONSULtAtION are suitable and understood secondary school inspections, inspectors will be involved in will be able to discuss their
more focused, SEEkS VIEWS ON: and to ensure we continue to but rather inspectors will be over 400 activities spanning school’s progress and share as assessment,
sustainable speaking about the review meet the needs of all of our carrying out a wide range a broad range of topics and good practice with the visiting transitions
and effective moving to a smaller sample and its consultation process, stakeholders. We want to of support activities for kinds of activity. there is a inspectors. there will be no and individual
of schools to be inspected
programme of each year, but with annual risk
Bill Maxwell, hM senior chief continue to use inspection to schools, in partnership with strong emphasis on support published reports on these curriculum areas
school inspections assessment arrangements to inspector says, ‘We believe improve scottish education local authority, scottish for curriculum planning, but visits. inspectors will use the
ensure that ;high risk’ schools that implementing this in the most efficient and Qualifications authority the themes also cover areas information to help to inform
are included in the sample; package of changes has the effective way possible’. and learning and teaching such as assessment, transitions reports on implementation for
potential to produce a more scotland staff. and individual curriculum areas. the curriculum for excellence
focusing inspection more
closely on aspects of
proportionate, more focused, throughout, inspectors will Management Board.
provision which are the most sustainable and effective over the summer months be engaging in professional
important in driving improved programme of school education authorities were dialogue, not providing
performance; inspections. they should in discussion with hMie’s answers or templates.
The consultation period runs from 23 September 2010 to 17 December 2010. If you would like to know more about this work,
More information is available from including the activities and their themes, please go to:
www.hmie.gov.uk/generic/school+inspection+Framework+review www.hmie.gov.uk/generic/supporting+the+implementation+of+curriculum+for+excellence
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9. LEADERS issue 01 school leaders scotland ANNUAL REVIEW AND CONFERENCE GUIDE 2010
president elect Jim tHEwLiss
HEAD TEACHER, HARRIS ACADEMy
Jim Thewliss approaches his presidential year with huge anticipation,
but also with the realisation and understanding of the challenges
which face the profession and our Association
S
cottish education thrill which i have had a degree of expertise as a task of representing your
has embarked on the since colin o’neill’s goal senior leader including the views and concerns to
most comprehensive for Motherwell in the 1991 last 14 as head teacher i am those who matter over the
restructuring of learning and scottish cup semi final. keenly aware of the of the incoming year. i believe
I am equally teaching across all sectors seriously though it is my exposed and isolated nature that face to face contact
committed to in a generation at the same intention to take forward of the job and the challenges is vital to enable people
continuing to time as we face the most the sterling work of my which we face in being held to fully express their views
ensure that severe financial cutbacks predecessors in positioning to account by a variety of and hence it is my intention
SLS makes a any of us have known. add school leaders scotland at audiences many of who as President to take every
to this the reduction in the the centre of the debate have mutually inconsistent opportunity to get around
meaningful
numbers of senior leaders in relation to all aspects demands of schools. it is the country to engage with
contribution to my belief that membership the members throughout the
in schools, the inequalities of scottish education. it
the professional in funding across the is vital that the views of of this association should next year. as we all know,
life of those 32 local authorities, the those who on a day to not only ensure school we are only as effective as
who pay us a proposed changes in the day basis are charged with leaders of instant support our support networks allow
membership fee operational strategy of transforming policy into when things get tough but us to be, and hence i would
hMie, the challenges which the reality of high class also through having the wish to take this opportunity
reaccreditation will present, educational experiences for opportunity to express of thanking my colleagues
and the uncertainties young people in every part their views and concerns in harris academy for the
inherent in the election of scotland and are heard at continue to be guaranteed support with which they
of a new administration at the highest level. the highest quality of have provided me with over
holyrood and the need for professional guidance and the years in enabling me to
clear minded leaders and an i am equally committed to support through a flexible make this contribution to
organisation which has the continuing to ensure that and responsive programme the school leaders scotland.
proven ability and capacity sls makes a meaningful of cPd.
to support them has never contribution to the
been greater. professional life of those i am fully committed to
who pay us a membership sls and to the significant
it is an honour and a fee. despite having spent role which i see it playing
privilege to be your the past 22 years gaining in scottish education and
president and the biggest experience and developing hope that i am up to the
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10. LEADERS issue 01 school leaders scotland ANNUAL REVIEW AND CONFERENCE GUIDE 2010
why better school
leadership matters GRAHAM WATSon
CHIEF ExECuTIvE OF POSITIvE
LEADERSHIP LIMITED
Extraordinary leadership is within our grasp says Graham Watson,
Chief Executive, Positive Leadership Limited
Bill Gates said recently that: the chairman of Scottish some pretty bad leadership in however, addressing this can be achieved when the best people can work deliberately applied, the
Enterprise, Crawford Gillies, some major businesses, where the current leadership strategy is aligned with a anywhere. They will follow principles of Positive
‘Great teaching is the centre wrote earlier this year that: directors (both executive and shortcomings in scotland set of leadership values. a only authenticity – a person leadership™ will help
piece of a strong education; non-executive), particularly in is not simply a matter of strategy should begin and who leads with passion and organisations and leaders
everything else revolves ‘The lack of leaders with high the financial sector, were not more and/or better quality end with values – a prioritised purpose.”’ throughout the organisation What is needed
around it.’ aspirations, able to lead their doing their job properly. We leadership training and listing of what matters and is (JEFF immELt, sPEaking at tHE unitED to not only cope with instead is an
statEs miLitary aCaDEmy at wEst
BiLL gatEs, sPEaking tO tHE amEriCan
FEDEratiOn OF tEaCHErs, 10 JuLy 2010
organisation to reach their full want to see that standard rise development. While a focus important to those leading POint, 9 DECEmBEr 2009) challenges but also to innovate approach to
potential, cuts across virtually at all levels.’ on skills alone is important, it the organisation and to the and flourish. Problems are standards of
all of Scotland’s economic tHE BusinEss HEraLD, august 2010 will not by itself translate into organisation as a whole. once seen as opportunities and leadership which
Joel klein, the Chancellor challenges. It inhibits sustained high performance you know what you value as an organisation which performance is robust even
optimises both
of the New york City Public investment, innovation and reversing a trend of and will most likely prove a leader, you can bring about understands that results are in times of high pressure.
the performance
Schools (overseeing 1.1 enterprise. It is the thing poor leadership is an woefully inadequate in end results that are aligned influenced by strategy, which the corrupting influence of
million students) said holding back many companies organisation-wide challenge situations of extreme with your values. itself is guided by leadership ‘powerlessness’, which often of leaders
in a 2009 interview: and our economy from and is vital if scotland pressure. values, is one which is both exists in blame cultures, is not throughout an
reaching their full potential.... is to deliver sustained so, in the Positive leadership™ authentic and capable of allowed to seed. instead, great organisation and
‘There’s no such thing as a The challenge facing many of high performance in an What is needed instead is model: Values + strategy = sustaining a ‘winning edge’, even leaders build confidence in the results of the
great school system; there are our companies is what I would increasingly competitive an approach to standards of desired results in times of extreme pressure. advance of victory by making organisation.
only systems comprising great describe as “satisfactory world. developing the future leadership which optimises everyone in the team smarter.
schools. The unit that matters underperformance.”’ generations of leaders both the performance a leadership culture which Making the transition to
is the school, and no unit is sunDay HEraLD, 3 January 2010 who are equipped to excel of leaders throughout is based on the right set of this high commitment, high among the most significant of
going to succeed without under pressure is an equally an organisation and the values is critical to building performing culture, which the 21 values which underpin
great leadership. In education important challenge. results of the organisation. a high commitment, high is robust even in times of the Positive leadership™ culture
the principal is the weakest more recently, David Watt, leadership development performance organisation. high pressure, is not easy. it of high performance are
link in the chain.’ the executive director of research shows that needs to be integrated into requires strategic, operational, integrity, character, Purpose
FOrtunE magazinE, 1 OCtOBEr 2009 the Institute of Directors leadership exists throughout strategy in the same way As the chairman and ceo of behavioural and psychological and Mental toughness.
in Scotland was quoted high performing organisations that elite athletes are able to General Electric, Jeff Immelt alignment, tested through
the leadership deficit as saying: and that it is critical to integrate preparation for high said recently: continuous learning and actual integrity and character are the
in scotland has recently organisational success. it performance with their own experience. foundations of an authentic
become an important topic ‘It’s basic – we must improve has also been shown that game plan for winning; in a ‘The future belongs to leaders Positive leadership™ culture.
of conversation, fuelled by the standard of leadership extraordinary leaders create manner which allows them to who want to win, without nevertheless, the results are
the comments of some key across business. There is no significantly more economic deliver their best performance ever losing track of their worthwhile, in terms of roi integrity is the ability to ‘walk
influencers. question that there has been value for their organisations. when it really matters. values. We live in a day when and improved performance. your talk’ in any and every
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