Jessie Dyer – Curriculum Lead PE & Music, Church Hill Middle School

NPQ in Leading Teaching

“I am the Physical Education & Music Lead at Church Hill Middle School, where I have been teaching now for almost 4 years.  Despite having held the role of PE lead for 4 years at my previous school, I was keen to further develop my leadership skillset and when the opportunity to enrol onto the NPQ for Leading Teaching was presented to me, I was keen to take advantage. Having now completed and passed the NPQLT, I feel far more confident in my role, especially when it comes to introducing change and trying to get other members of staff on board.  The NPQLT has helped me to refocus my priorities, whilst also raising the profile and outcomes of my subject. My advice to anyone considering doing an NPQ would be to engage with your cohort as much as possible.  The discussions I had with my ‘accountability buddies’ were invaluable and extremely beneficial when it came to completing the final case study.”

John Byrom – Assistant Principal, Ipsley CE Middle School

NPQ in Leading Teaching Development

“I am an Assistant Principal at Ipsley CE Middle School, located in Redditch, which caters for pupils from Y5-8. Having moved from a class teacher to subject lead to my current role as KS2 curriculum lead, I had gained significant experience in teaching and learning pedagogy; however, I had very limited knowledge of the theory and current research around developing teachers at a whole school level. Completing the NPQLTD has given me access to a wealth of knowledge around the principles and strategies that will help us to continue to develop our staff here at Ipsley. What I found most beneficial about the NPQ was that the theory was balanced with practical worked examples, as well as the opportunity to collaborate and discuss different challenges and approaches with fellow colleagues on the course. While the NPQLTD does represent a commitment, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is delivering – or interested in – delivering professional development.”

Tom Bayley – Lead Practitioner (T&L), Arrow Vale High School

NPQ in Leading Teaching Development

“I’ve worked at Arrow Vale for seven years as a science teacher and, over the past three years, Lead Practitioner (T&L). Last year, I had the privilege of leading Teaching and Learning at Arrow Vale and one of my areas of focus was to develop our professional development offer.  Participating in the NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD) offered the perfect opportunity to develop my knowledge of the research surrounding professional development and to sharpen my thinking around such a crucial aspect of school culture. The NPQLTD promotes a research-evidenced approach to school development: there is a regular cycle of study and apply modules with opportunities to discuss ideas during regular meetings with a ‘buddy’, which was incredibly powerful in ensuring that I considered the key thinking, but then also applied it to my school context. Consequently, we have developed a much more effective model of professional development which builds upon some of the NPQLTD’s core concepts: the importance of a professional development curriculum; ensuring staff buy-in; an appreciation of context specificity; and building sustained professional development to change staff habits. Through looking at what makes effective teaching, I have also developed my classroom practice significantly more than through any other development opportunity.  For those considering taking the NPQLTD, my key advice would be to engage fully with the study modules and make the most of the opportunities to discuss ideas with colleagues during the fortnightly meetings with your ‘buddy’ and the clinics where you meet as a larger group.”

Josh Prentice – Teacher of PE, Holyhead School

NPQ in Leading Teaching

“I have been a teacher of Physical Education for 5 years, and ever since my ECT year, Holyhead School has always looked to help me develop myself in various areas of my teaching practice. I am currently working within the role as Head of Boys PE, where I oversee KS3-5 data, organise sports events and intercollege opportunities. I decided to apply for the NPQ Leading Teaching course to further develop my understanding of teaching and learning, but from a middle leader point of view. The course provided me with various opportunities to read educational papers, discuss with colleagues and understand the science of learning. As a result, I feel the course helped underpin the need to create and sustain a learning environment that is relevant and purposeful for both staff and students. Alongside this, the content on the NPQLT is helping me provide a better experience for my colleagues as I support them with their teaching and learning development using the Instructional Coaching programme.  I would recommend the NPQLT course to anyone who wants to further develop their understanding of how we can support students with their learning, whilst having an interest in how to plan, deliver and implement department or whole School CPD, in order to make a positive influence to teaching and learning in their school.”