Case Study
Subject leader training for effective self evaluation
A large 11-18 community comprehensive in central London
This rapidly improving school had been through a rigorous process of self evaluation at governing body and senior leadership team level. As a result of this exercise and their last OfSTED inspection, evaluation led action at subject leader level became the school's highest priority for 2005-2006.
Our consultant ran three sessions for subject leaders in the autumn term which focussed on the practical skills associated with effective subject level self evaluation. In addition, at the end of each session any perceived barriers to the process, at whole school level, were reported back to the head and deputies for consideration.
Subject leaders undertook practical training in student level data and target setting and considered subject level responses. In the second session colleagues focussed on how to run student work scrutinies and whole school, subject based assessments and marking surveys. The third session was concerned with how to observe classrooms, give feedback and coach for improvement. This programme led to revisions to subject development plans and to the standardised agenda and reporting format for subject teams.
In 2006 the outcomes gap between subjects closed in KS3 and KS4, but remains an issue at post 16. GCSE results showed good value added in 2006 with results at 5+ A*-C including English and maths within 7% of whole school 5+ A*-C. The school continues to use EL's subject specialists to work alongside subject leaders to accelerate progress in identified areas.
