The core principle at Saracens is that we gather talented people together, treat them unbelievably well and in return they try unbelievable hard. That is it.
Edward Griffiths, Chief Executive, Saracens Rugby Club http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/27536258
It is no secret that we have a great set of staff here at the school because we really do try to recruit well. It is not the only measure, but our recent exam results show how hard they work with students and if we would like for that success to continue in exams, on the sports field, on a mountain or on a stage, the professional development programme should help support their growth.
I sent this year’s professional development programme to the staff today.
- New Middle Leaders are either put on to the Emerging Leaders’ Programme run by Ashridge Business School and the Astra Alliance on the Independent Schools Qualification in Academic Management;
- Lesson Study with the support from NTEN is running this term;
- We have a specialist session based on Outdoor Education (DoE, Mountain Leadership, Skiing) run by staff;
- We are using academics to help support staff subject knowledge;
- We have a comprehensive ICT programme running over the year and at different times during the school day;
- Issues such as homophobia and gendered views are addressed in the programme;
- We have an eight week mindfulness course.
Much of the programme is being led by colleagues within the school and we have partnered with Dragonfly Training again to supply a few sessions on educational research, literacy and behaviour management. The overall price is very reasonable and it is cheaper than getting high profile speakers to launch ideas at inset days over the course of an academic year.
I want to thank my colleagues for helping to put this programme together. They are the proof that the method for creating cost-effective, varied and engaging CPD lies in utilising the ‘talent’ in front of you.
