This theme promotes a self-evaluative, research-informed approach to leading school improvement and considers the importance of effective teams. Strategic thinking, positive mindsets, collaborative and nurturing approaches are characteristics considered under the ethos of improvement and participants will reflect on how they contribute to fostering and developing high standards of achievement.
CSSC works in partnership with EA, to raise standards and outcomes within the controlled sector.
Improvement Ethos One (Building Capacity) takes place over an academic year and supports senior leaders to address one strategic priority in their School Development Plan to improve learning and teaching through an action research model. This module explores four themes:
1. Supporting and developing an ethos of continuous improvement in order to effect change.
2. Rigorous self-evaluation including an investigation of quality assurance tools that may be used to identify strengths and priorities for improvement.
3. Research-informed practices that impact significantly on learning.
4. Lessons from international models of school improvement.
This module comprises two days of interactive, evidence-informed sessions, focusing on self-evaluation and action research with additional coaching/mentoring support to help effect change. There is a final celebratory event that provides a platform for participants to present their findings and share their learning outcomes.
Duration: 3 Day Programme with Coaching/Mentoring Support throughout academic year
Delivery: Centre based
Improvement Ethos Two (Systemic Team Coaching) is a coaching programme delivered in a Systemic Team approach over an 18 to 24 month period. The programme aims to develop more cohesive, strategic thinking and an effective Senior Leadership Team. Diagnostic Assessment points and opportunities for critical reflective thinking will be built into the programme.
Duration: One hour sessions over an 18 to 24 month period
Delivery: School based
Improvement Ethos Three (Level 2 TIP) delivers the Safeguarding Board Northern Ireland’s Level 2 training, Developing a Trauma Sensitive Approach to Practice. This module considers the impact of trauma on brain development, how it influences children and young people’s wellbeing and how schools can, through relational approaches, support resilience. The module also considers how staff can benefit from trauma sensitive approaches and explores the importance of a school ethos which prioritises the emotional health and wellbeing of the whole school community. Schools should have completed the online Level 1 training, Adverse Childhood Experiences Awareness ahead of engaging with this training. The Level 1 ACES training is available on the EA’s C2k network
Duration: One day
Delivery: School based
Improvement Ethos Four Improvement Ethos Four (Team Building) determines the impact of an effective team on school ethos. Key qualities, values and behaviours of effective teamwork are explored, together with a reflection on the contribution that each individual makes to the successful functioning of the team. In considering team relationships the importance of kindness, compassion and connection are explored and participants consider how to be more intentional in their approach to teamwork. The session facilitates the school team working together to establish a statement of intent which captures every individual’s commitment to how the team will work together.
Duration: Half day
Delivery: School based
