The West Partnership’s (WP) Improving Our… set of programmes and activity are developed by and for teachers and leaders across the eight local authorities (LAs). All the programmes and groups that drive them have the same focus on improvement through:
Principal Teacher
Improving Our Classrooms
IOC is for class teachers in the primary, ASN and secondary sectors who are clearly and consistently meeting the GTCS Standard for Registration. It is aimed at effective teachers who wish to further develop their skills in using data and self-evaluation to raise attainment and improve outcomes in their classroom with a focus on both the curriculum and learning and teaching. All participants are required to have the support of their headteacher before applying. This is a required part of the application process.
IOC has two accredited routes, both routes are assessed on the same set of learning outcomes using a Case Study of Improvement (CSI). Option one is a CSI essay and option two is a CSI presentation. Both are absolutely focused on participants’ own practice and the learners they work with. Participants decide on their focus based on available data and self-evaluation evidence.
Option 1 – CSI essay – 30 Masters Credits and GTCS Professional Recognition
Participants complete a 5000 word essay. This is an academic assignment that is accredited by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and successful candidates are awarded 30 Masters Credits (SCQF level 11). In addition, participants receive GTCS Professional Recognition. There is no cost to participants.
This is an opportunity to undertake Masters’ level learning focused on your classroom practice that is offered at no costs. It equates to one sixth of the 180 Credits that are required to achieve a Master’s degree. Taking into account average fees for a Masters in Scotland, this programme would cost in the region of £1300 to complete. As far as we know, this is now the only free Masters level provision for teachers in Scotland, out with a small number of grants and bursaries within universities.
Option 2 – CSI presentation – GTCS Professional Recognition
Participants submit slides, a reference list and any relevant appendices then give a structured presentation of 20-25 minutes.
The decision about which accreditation route(s) to offer is decided by each local authority. Please contact your local authority lead if you’d like to find out more about what it looks like in your area.
The structure and content of Improving Our Classrooms is outlined below. It is worth noting that, because this is an accredited programme, attendance at and engagement with all elements of the programme is required to pass.
A blended approach to delivery is used – most sessions are in person and a few online. There will also be opportunities to work with colleagues in different local authorities. Sessions focus on different aspects of practice and draw on a variety of professional reading that spans practice, policy and research. There is an IOC Journal which allows participants to prepare for discussions before sessions as well as reflect on the content afterwards. Almost all sessions are available a minimum of four times so there is a choice of dates to allow flexibility for participants.
Sessions include:
Trio visits – January to March
In block two, trio members visit each other’s classrooms to share good practice, discuss learning and teaching and challenge each other to improve. The first part of the visit is spent focussing on the learning. The second part focuses on high-quality professional discussion facilitated by the mentor. Participants are asked to arrange visit times in such a way to minimise the need for time out of class. It is expected that non-class contact time is used for this.
Case Study of Improvement – submission in late April / early May
IOC is assessed with either of the two options outlined on page one. For both options, participants are required to:
All participants will also be asked to share their learning with their local authority cohorts. This is planned locally.
Please speak to your headteacher/ member of your senior leadership team in the first instance, then you may wish to contact your local authority IOC lead.
You can also email Alison.Drever@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Applications open after the Spring break each year and close at the end of May.
