Central course programme for teachers and school leaders

Why not join other schools on one of our central CPD courses for teachers and leaders? Enjoy inspiring presentations in comfortable, high quality venues. Engage in well designed and thought provoking activities. Take away electronic materials and resources for use in school. Participate in professional dialogue and debate. Have the opportunity to reflect on your own practice and action plan. All of our training courses focus on practical solutions, recognise the needs of busy teachers and leaders, and represent value for money.

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STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP - PLANNING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD JULY 2019

Using a variety of strategic leadership tools, participants will reflect on the year and consider the way ahead. Designed for two of more leaders working together, this course provides a great ‘away day’ for senior leaders to consider school improvement. Leaders leave the day with a clear idea of priorities and a toolkit of strategies to support development.

Covered within the day are a number of themes:

building visionary capacity;
creating a more strategically minded senior team;
undertaking strategic analysis;
keeping your feet on the ground and your head in the strategy;
generating strategic conversations and establishing strategic participation;
identifying and dealing with issues that limit success; and
responding to a variety of inside / outside pressures.

Wednesday 26th June 2019, 9.15am-3.45pm.
A three-course hot lunch is provided in the restaurant.
Participants receive supporting resources and electronic materials to aid development in school.
This course is held at Weetwood Hall, Headingley, Leeds.

£350 for TWO colleagues training together and a special discounted rate of £100 per additional person from the same school (exc.VAT).

Book now by returning the form below via email or post.

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CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT FOR SENIOR LEADERS - 2 DAY COURSE 2019

Decisions at senior leadership level need to be made regarding the rationale for the curriculum and developing a clear intent for how pupils will develop skills, knowledge and understanding throughout their time in school. The underpinning curriculum philosophy and the nature of the school should be entwined, shaping decision making at all levels. This is an opportunity to map out a vision for the future.

Covered within course are a number of themes:

Current curriculum thinking and responding to the most recent Ofsted research publications. Understanding the links between the curriculum and the quality of teaching and learning.
The role of SLT in the three strands of intent, implementation and impact.
Thinking outside the box – consideration for innovative ways of delivering the curriculum.
How does the curriculum play a pivotal role in the ‘the character of the school’? Developing a shared intent that is right for your pupils and your school and working with subject leaders to build a clear picture of what learning should look like in each key stage.
Ensuring the senior leadership team have an accurate handle on the current strengths and weaknesses in the curriculum. Action planning – a short-term and long-term approach to development.
Practicalities and the ‘nitty gritty’ – turning a school vision into a structure colleagues can implement.
The relationship of English and mathematics with the wider curriculum.
Ensuring equality of access to the curriculum for different pupil groups – implications and practice.
Financial implications of curriculum models, including staffing, resources and CPD.

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for Friday – I am excited about getting my teeth into the curriculum and changing it for the better.”
“I feel as if I have a much clearer view of what we need to do to begin our journey. Really clear delivery alongside time to discuss and plan.”
“This has been so useful! The day was so well structured and led us through the thought process clearly. We now have an action plan and know what we want to achieve and how to do it.”
“Excellent as ever and full of content that is useful. Provided a great starting point to redefine and develop our curriculum. Thank you!”

This course is two full days :
Wednesday 19th June 2019 followed by Friday 5th July 2019, 9.15am-3.45pm.
Participants receive supporting resources and access to an online learning platform
£450 for the first delegate, £300 for second and subsequent delegates from the same school.
There is SPECIAL DISCOUNT for 4 colleagues £1200 (prices are exc.VAT)

This course is held at Weetwood Hall, Headingley, North Leeds.
A three-course hot lunch is provided in the restaurant.

Book now by returning the form below via email or post. Course code: SLTCurric_cohort2.

Download flyer and booking form SUMMER TERM

THIS COURSE IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE AUTUMN TERM
(Friday 20th September & Tuesday 5th November as a repeat 2-day course)
Course code: SLTCurric_cohort3.

Download flyer and booking form AUTUMN TERM

HEADTEACHR LEADERSHIP 2019-20 SIX HALF DAY SESSIONS

Six half-day morning workshop sessions with a focus on:

professional discussion / exchange of knowledge and ideas;
leadership theory and its practical application in schools;
educational research and the implications for leadership;
practical tools and resources to use in school.

Indicative content:

time management for busy headteachers – reviewing strategic, structural and operational ‘time thieves’;
change management – turning your vision into a reality and dealing with the complexities of school improvement;
building a dynamic and effective leadership team and supporting the development of distributed leadership;
making motivation your mantra to create a vibrant school that is more than the sum of its parts;
day-to-day leadership issues such as communication, relationships, emotional intelligence, managing staff workloads and well-being, parental complaints, challenging conversations, etc;
creating great schools – analysing systems, processes and people from top to bottom and left to right;
policies – love them or hate them - recognising their importance and considering how to better utilise them;
conducting school self-evaluation activities – using educational research to appreciate what to look for when conducting review activities.

Evaluations from previous courses:
“Every session has been immensely useful.”
“Vicky is a fantastic trainer – very inspirational and knowledgeable.”
“Thank you for the excellent resources.”
“I love the collaborative nature of the course.”
“Very thought provoking and useful.”
“Time to think strategically and to discuss with contemporaries.”
“Each session is having a positive impact.”

Six half day morning sessions 9.00am-12.00pm.
After each session a three-course hot lunch is provided in the restaurant.
Tue 17th Sept 2019, Thurs 7th Nov, Wed 29th Jan 2020, Thurs 5th March, Tue 19th May, Thur 2nd July 2020.
Full course (exc.VAT) £795
Includes access to an online learning platform

This course is held at Weetwood Hall, Headingley, Leeds.
Book now by returning the form below by post or email.

Download flyer and booking form

DEPUTY HEADTEACHER : KEY ISSUES PROGRAMME 2019-20

This course is aimed at existing deputy headteachers.

Aimed at existing Deputy Headteachers, this programme aims to support leaders in maximising their impact. It deals with the challenges of being a DHT, including tackling complex problems, deepening understanding of school improvement and building knowledge of key educational and leadership issues.

6 half-day afternoon sessions – one each half term
Come along and:

build your understanding of school improvement and consider the role of the DHT in leading whole school developments;
deepen your knowledge of school data and learn to use it confidently in professional dialogue;
sharpen your school self-evaluation skills, including lesson observations, book reviews, stakeholder voice, and audit trails - plus evaluating specific areas of school such as EYFS;
consider how to influence the quality of teaching across the school, including inspiring others, promoting good practice and tackling underperformance;
improve the effectiveness of your communication in all its forms and with all stakeholders, e.g. parents, governors, staff, wider community;
learn to utilise your emotional intelligence and leaderships skills to enhance relationships, including considering the effectiveness of the DHT / HT partnership;
get to grips with time management and workload;
consider leadership styles and how to work effectively in different situations and with different colleagues; and examine up-to-date research and respond to publications by organisations such as DfE and Ofsted

Evaluations from previous courses:
“The journey I have been on is amazing. Thanks for everything. I would highly recommend this course to others.”
“Research, quality of activities, engagement, reflection. This has been a confidence-building, superb course.”
“Excellent ideas and suggestions, especially when dealing with tricky issues.”
“Vicky created a safe environment to discuss some challenging issues openly and in a reflective manner.”
“Every session has been immensely useful.”
“The whole course has provided excellent resources and support in allowing me to develop further as a leader.”

6 half day sessions 1.30pm-4.30pm
A light lunch is provided from 12.45pm before the start of each session.
Full course (exc.VAT) £795

Tue 17th Sept 2019, Thurs 7th Nov, Wed 29th Jan 2020, Thurs 5th March, Tue 19th May, Thur 2nd July 2020
This course is held at Weetwood Hall, Headingley, North Leeds.

Participants receive supporting resources and access to an online learning platform.

Book now by returning the form below via email or post.

Download flyer and booking form

PHASE LEADERSHIP - 4 Full days across 2019-20

This course focuses on leaders having impact beyond their own classroom and influencing the teaching of others. It supports colleagues to grow and develop their leadership, increase their effectiveness and efficiency, and have the means to evaluate both the quality of their phase and their own leadership. The course provides leaders with a deeper understanding of the issues for their particular key stage and practical solutions to challenging problems. It builds knowledge of teaching and learning so that participants feel confident in leading developments.

“Really informative and engaging sessions. The tasks helped me to focus my thinking in terms of phase and school wide issues. Great discussions with Vicky and leaders from other schools which have helped me to plan exact actions going forward.”
“Excellent guidance. Very interesting and informative. As always I’m leaving buzzing with ideas and a plan of action.”
“The chance to plan a focused line of enquiry for monitoring and improving the phase was excellent.”
“The gap task discussions were great. I really enjoyed working through complex problems with the support of others.”
“Vicky’s whole course was outstanding.”

Session coverage

understanding phase leadership, including the demands of the role, whole school perspectives and Ofsted;
influencing and developing the quality of teaching within a phase;
undertaking school self-evaluation such as book reviews, learning walks, lesson observations, developing stakeholder voice and unpicking data;
creating and maintaining a vision and fully utilising an action plan;
using emotional intelligence, and as part of this - inspiring and motivating others, leading by example, holding others to account and having difficult conversations;
personal efficiency and effectiveness – getting the day to day basics right;
writing evaluative reports and presenting evidence of impact to others; and
understanding key national issues, e.g. most commonly cited issues by Ofsted, changes and development in assessment, policy changes.

The course culminates with a celebration event to which headteachers and governors are invited.

Four full days across the academic year 2019-20
Single delegate £650. School price for 4 leaders £2400 (exc.VAT)
Participants receive supporting materials and access to an online learning platform.

Mon 14th Oct 2019, Wed 22nd Jan 2020, Fri 13th March 2020, Thur 4th June 2020
A three-course hot lunch is provided in the restaurant.
This course is held at Weetwood Hall, Headingley, Leeds.

Book now by returning the form below via email or post.

Download flyer and booking form

SUBJECT LEADERSHIP 2-DAY COURSE FOR FOUNDATION SUBJECTS

Middle leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and supporting teachers to deliver high quality lessons. This practical two-day course equips leaders with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to drive forward developments in foundation subjects.

Vicky has a wealth of experience in delivering inspiring leadership training that has real impact in schools. Headteacher comments:
“I am delighted with the way the programme has developed my leaders…it will have a lasting impact on everyone who has been part of the course.”

Covered across the course are a number of themes:

understanding why the curriculum is important and being aware of national updates, including the most recent publications from Ofsted;
understanding the aims and objectives of the National Curriculum and the choices leaders need to make in shaping pupil learning;
creating and sharing a vision for the subject and having a clear rationale for how the subject is delivered in each key stage;
mapping the delivery of content – including logical sequencing of units and ensuring progression in skills and knowledge;
auditing the current position – identifying strengths and areas for development;
creating a short-term and long-term action plan;
strategies for turning the action plan into a reality;
considering how leaders can ensure there is equality of access to the curriculum for different pupil groups;
working with other leaders to create an integrated pupil experience; and
considering how the impact of the curriculum is assessed and how assessment information is used to support learning.

2-day course : £390 first delegate, £300 subsequent delegates (exc.VAT)
Includes access to an online learning platform.

After each session a three-course hot lunch is provided in the restaurant.
Tuesday 1st October 2019 and Friday 17th January 2020, 9.15am-3.45pm

This course is held at Weetwood Hall, Headingley, Leeds.

Book now by returning the form below by post or email.

Download flyer and booking form

GROWTH MINDSETS 1 DAY COURSE Friday 11th October 2019

Leave the day with an implementation plan in your hand, resources to kick start the process and feeling confident to harness growth mindset research in your school. With input from schools who have successfully implemented growth mindsets, you’ll be ready to lead whole school developments.

We need learners to be independent, love challenge, respond to feedback, be resilient and take greater ownership of their learning. “I have been amazed by how our children can now talk confidently about their learning.”

“Schools who have undertaken this training have reported on the startling impact it has had, including favourable comments in Ofsted reports as the changes are clearly visible to anyone who visits the school. The course is thorough in its approach, critically examining international research and turning this into a practical programme that can be delivered in school. Leaders leave the course well positioned to make changes that will lead to accelerated pupil progress.”

introducing mindset theory and supporting colleagues to adhere to the key principles of the research;
identifying ‘growth’ and ‘fixed’ mindset characteristics in yourself and others;
utilising mindset theory in the classroom and developing a growth mindset ethos throughout the school;
exploring the links between aspirations, mindsets and metacognition;

create a unique blueprint for your school to support implementation and return to school with all you need to lead on the development of growth mindsets.

“Superb resources. Action plan to go away with. Thank you for a brilliant day!”
“Great to hear from schools who have implemented growth mindsets. Very informative. Lots of food for thought and ideas for impact.”
“Inspirational. Thought provoking. Really made me think about my own mindset.”

Friday 11th October 2019, 9.15am-3.45pm
£195 first delegate
Special discount for subsequent delegates £140
A three-course hot lunch is provided in the restaurant.

Includes electronic materials to aid implementation.

This course is held at Weetwood Hall, Headingley, Leeds.
Book now by returning the form below by post or email.

Download flyer and booking form

Leading reading 3-day course

This three-day course is a fantastic opportunity to build the necessary expertise to lead reading effectively across the school. Colleagues attending this training have commented on how confident they feel in leading whole school developments and how easy it has been to disseminate the training to others in the school. Extensive resources are provided.

“Extremely useful. The course is already having an impact on reading.”
“I feel totally inspired and determined to improve reading.”
“Wow! Superb – brilliant ideas that I can use straight away in class. So many new resources which I know will engage the children.”
“Everything! It has given me a real boost to think more about how reading is taught and what the children need. Thank you for all the brilliant resources.”
“Fantastic resources. Very well explained. Lots of examples of good practice. Great ideas to use in the classroom.”

Covered within course are a number of themes:

understanding how reading develops in different key stages;
setting out a vision for reading in your school;
selecting texts to inspire and putting together combinations that will give breadth and depth to the curriculum;
different approaches to using books in the classroom, e.g. designing and delivering whole class reading sessions, developing effective independent reading, utilising group and paired reading structures;
the ‘big 10’ reading comprehension strategies – what they are and how to teach them;
practical activities that can be used with any book;
questioning and improving the quality of book talk;
identifying the difficulties pupils experience with comprehension and addressing these problems;
reading and disadvantaged pupils;
considering ways to improve pupils’ ability to read aloud with confidence, fluency and intonation that shows understanding;
addressing the demands of the National Curriculum and tests;
how to effectively lead reading across the school.
3-day course £575 first delegate, £450 subsequent delegates (exc.VAT)
Includes access to an online learning environment and an extensive set of support materials.
A three-course hot lunch is provided in the restaurant.
Thursday 26th September 2019, Wednesday 13th November 2019, Tuesday 11th February 2020

This course is held at Weetwood Hall, Headingley, Leeds.
Book now by returning the form below by post or email.

Download flyer and booking form

PROGRESSION IN WRITING FOR ENGLISH LEADERS 3-DAY COURSE

Supporting and developing writing across the whole school is challenging. To know and feel confident about the standards in every year group, to understand how different genres become increasingly sophisticated, and being clear on how common barriers can be addressed is essential for the effective leadership of writing. Being able to support, challenge and champion the teaching of writing requires a firm grasp of writing progression.

This course:

supports leaders to understand expectations and standards from EYFS to Year 6;
unpicks progression from EYFS to Year 6 in a range of genres, e.g. stories, recounts, instruction writing, information texts, writing to persuade, book reviews - enabling leaders to ably support colleagues in ensuring writing becomes increasingly sophisticated;
identifies common problems pupils experience and ensures leaders are well equipped to advise colleagues on how they can be resolved;
explores the essential elements of high impact lessons and units of work;
considers how writing can be driven through the wider curriculum, through experiences and through high-quality texts; and
provides materials for cascading training in school and working one-to-one with colleagues.

Face to face days allow colleagues to study writing progression in depth and an online learning environment supports colleagues to put ideas into action back at school.

“Excellent course. Really useful and practical. Clear resources that will help with sequencing of teaching. Great ideas for sentence level work and different build-up activities.” “Exceeded expectations and excited to share with other staff.” “Definitely helped as writing coordinator – thanks for all your support and advice.” “Excellent as ever and full of content that is useful.” “Fully met expectations. Vicky is so open and approachable. Loved the personal touches.”
3-Day course: £575 first delegate, £450 subsequent delegates (exc.VAT)
Includes access to an online learning platform.
A three-course hot lunch is provided in the restaurant.
Thursday 17th October 2019, Friday 22nd November 2019, Thursday 6th February 2020
Weetwood Hall, Headingley, Leeds.
Book now by returning the form below by post or email.

Download flyer and booking form

Year 5 & 6 : Teaching Writing 3-day course

This is a unique opportunity to study in-depth the most effective ways of teaching writing. Working together throughout the year provides teachers with a different experience to a single day course. Participants can track the impact of their practice as the course progresses and bring their questions and observations to the next session. Through a rich blend of face-to-face training, peer coaching, individual support and an online learning platform, teachers feel supported in reflecting on and developing their practice.

Course coverage:

understanding progression and the writing demands of Year 5 & Year 6;
unpicking the standards and understanding assessment;
sequencing lessons and planning for progress - long term, medium term and short-term planning;
teaching specific genres, e.g. newspaper writing, stories, recounts, balanced arguments, letters, diary entries;
tackling common pupil problems;
monster grammar session – improving your own knowledge and exploring how to teach grammar effectively;
exploring sentence level work in both fiction and non-fiction writing;
addressing common barriers and the difficulties pupils experience when writing, including consideration for what stops pupils from achieving the expected standard;
getting pupils to greater depth;

“Fantastic trainer – very inspirational and knowledgeable”; “Excellent variety of resources and ideas that I can’t wait to try out in school.”; “Lots of practical ideas. Great illustrations of how to really embed learning.”; “Fabulous resources, good themes for group discussions, lots of opportunities to share ideas and a variety of learning tools.”

3-day course : £575 first delegate, £450 subsequent delegates (exc.VAT)
Includes access to an online learning platform.

A three-course hot lunch is provided in the restaurant.
Thursday 3rd October 2019, Wednesday 15th January 2020, Monday 9th March 2020
9.15am - 3.45pm

This course is held at Weetwood Hall, Headingley, Leeds.

Book now by returning the form below by post or email.

Download flyer and booking form

LEADING METACOGNITION THURSDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 2019

Return to school equipped to lead the development of metacognition, including a plan of action and a wealth of resources to aid implementation. Grounded in high quality research, participants will extend their knowledge and understanding of this exciting field of psychology.

“Useful resources and excellent activities that I have been able to use in twilight training sessions in school. Really enjoyed the training. Vicky is a generous and engaging course leader.”
“Really practical resources. Lots of activities to take back for immediate and long-term action.”
“The whole course was outstanding.”
“Lots of ideas to develop metacognition across the school. Excellent small group.”
“Inspirational!”

Covered during the day are a number of themes:

understanding the role metacognition plays in pupil progress and how pupils can become more effective and efficient learners;
increasing teacher understanding of how to develop metacognition in the classroom;
using metacognition to help pupils think and think more deeply;
metacognition in problem solving, mathematics and reading;
using metacognition to enable pupils to become more independent in selecting and using strategies, tools and routines for different types of learning.

Thursday 21st November 2019, 9.15am-3.45pm
£195 first delegate, £175 subsequent delegates
Weetwood Hall, Headingley, Leeds
A three-course hot lunch is provided in the restaurant.

Includes access to an online learning platform.

Book now by returning the form below by post or email.

Download flyer and booking form

If I would like ONE OF THE CENTRAL course delivered in my school...: The above courses can also be delivered in your school.
Prices do vary, please email sales@ictwand.com for a quote.
can you arrange a venue and catering for us?: If in Leeds, the answer to this usually 'yes'. I can source a local venue for approximately £40 per person. Refreshments and lunch can be provided. An off site venue can often be advantageous, particularly when working as senior leadership team or training with colleagues from more than one school. Please allow at least 6 weeks notice if you wish to book training with an external venue. Payment for external venues is non refundable and payable in advance of the event.
CAN'T FIND THE COURSE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR?: Have a bespoke programme designed to meet your needs.

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Central course programme for teachers and school leaders

NEW TRAINING BROCHURE NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2019-20 ACADEMIC YEAR