Subject leadership... what does it really mean?

Subject leadership... what does it really mean to lead a subject? Well, before a lecture from a Headteacher and a member of his staff (who is the current new lead of Design and Technology) I’m afraid I didn’t really have much of a clue other than I knew that there was some sort of accountability involved...

To start, I was under the impression that the leaders of subjects in schools were called ‘co-ordinators’... but practitioners these days do not appear to like the connotations this has... the modern term is now ‘leader’ for various reasons! The impression you get from a ‘leader’ is that this is someone who will motivate the staff team, support them with lesson ideas and provide further training for those with less confidence or knowledgeable... rather than someone who sits in their own classroom managing from a distance... but does the title really matter? A debate for another day maybe.

Getting back on track- why do schools have subject leaders? I originally thought that they were to ensure that the school had the correct resources and that each subject was getting taught but it is so much more than that!

Subject leaders are responsible for raising standards in the teaching of that subject. This may include identifying a lack of expertise within the staff cohort and sourcing training opportunities to plug said gap.

Further duties can include:

• Investigating pupil progress, gather and analyse class data

• Supporting staff development with training opportunities

• Influencing staff practice via team teaching or by the sharing of good practice

• Completing snapshot lesson observations

• Talking to pupils to find out what they enjoy

• Completing an audit of resources

• Exploring displays (visual evidence, photographs and videos)

Ultimately you are responsible for the well being, if you will, of your subject and the attitudes toward it.

This photograph summed up my immediate thoughts and feelings after the lecture... the amount of other little jobs I would have to complete alongside actually being a class teacher too was abit overwhelming! It was scary... but as I thought about it more I realised that undertaking a subject lead role is just part of the wider role of being a teacher and if/when, I undertake employment in a school setting, I am lucky enough to be offered a lead position, (after my NQT year) I will take on the challenge with great excitement and inquiry. After today lecture and seminar I do feel better equipt to complete this role.

#TS8 #TS6 #TS4 #TS3 #TS2 #TS1