SLS Professional Learning Programme 2024/2025
SLS is the key provider of professional learning for school leaders across Scotland.
Following on from a highly successful programme in the previous academic year, our programme for this session will again reflect the needs of members with regards to current educational issues. It will draw on the skills and experiences of current school leaders, as well as having input from our expanding network of partners. The full programme is available to view on our website with regular updates being sent to members through the Professional Learning Newsletter and emails from our General Secretary.
The professional learning programme has been expanded to include opportunities for networking through our newly established professional reading group, Pressing Pause. Dates for all session are shown in our professional learning calendar.
We are delighted to share with colleagues the dates of our Business Manager Forum meetings. This is an opportunity for Business Managers, and those doing similar roles, to meet up with a view to sharing ideas and exploring possible creative solutions to common challenges.
Our programme is co-ordinated by Allyson Dobson, Professional Learning Co-ordinator.
allyson.dobson@sls-scotland.org.uk
PLEASE REMEMBER TO ACTION A PURCHASE ORDER FROM YOUR SCHOOL OFFICE ON MAKING YOUR RESERVATION.
IF NO PURCHASE ORDER RECEIVED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL YOUR BOOKING
Are you considering applying for Depute Headteacher (DHT) posts? Are you ready to be a DHT?
Join us at this event at which we will hear from colleagues who have recently made the move to a DHT role talk about their experiences.
We are delighted to be joined by:
- Alison Clark, DHT, Craigmount High School, Edinburgh
- Liz Maxwell, DHT, Whitehill Secondary School, Glasgow
- Kirsty Campbell-Robertson, DHT, Portlethen Academy, Aberdeenshire
The event will be based around key questions that most people considering applying for DHT posts are likely to ask themselves:
- What is my ‘why’ for considering taking on such a role?
- Where can I get support with the application process?
- What are the key actions to take in the first few months in the role to give the best long term outcomes?
- What are the key challenges of taking on such a role?
- Where does the support for sustaining the role come from?
This event is suitable for any colleague considering applying for DHT posts, in the short or longer term.
We would also like to extend an invitation to newly appointed DHTs who would like to use this event as an opportunity to build networks with colleagues across the country.
This event is open to both members and non-members.
Cost of attending: £40
Ready to make the move to DHT role? - Join Here
Join us at this session as we hear from colleagues across Scotland about how they are leading on the use AI in their schools.
Whether you are AI curious or already becoming a master, this event has something for you.
- What is the vision for AI in education?
- How do we keep up to date with an ever-changing landscape?
- What decisions do leaders need to make to get the best out of AI to enhance our schools?
Come along and hear from current practitioners leading AI in their schools and forging the way to a new technological future.
The session will be facilitated by Pauline Walker, President of School Leaders Scotland and Headteacher of The Royal High School.
This event is suitable for all school leaders and is open to both members and non-members.
Cost of attending: £40
Leading the use of AI in schools - register here
Following on from his highly acclaimed appearance at Conference 24, join us at this event at which we will hear from Mike Nicholson, Director of Progressive Masculinity LTD.
Progressive Masculinity was born from a genuine need to address the negative impacts of regressive masculinity models. Mike’s extensive experience in education, combined with his passion for supporting men, led to the development of their program.
Mike has recently featured in The Times, The Daily Telegraph, Channel 4 and BBC Radio 4.
In this session, Mike will explore two themes:
- Models of Masculinity (what young people telling us about what it means to 'be a man' today's world)
- Socio Cultural Influences (what factors are shaping these views – with focus on the digital world, influencer culture etc)
This practical and engaging session will focus on promoting positive behaviours and attitudes among male pupils and will provide suggestions for immediate, high-impact strategies for educators.
Home - Progressive Masculinity Ltd
This event is suitable for all school leaders and is open to both members and non-members.
Cost of attending: £40
Progressive Masculinity - register here
School Leaders Scotland is offering a Day Conference for those who are currently Depute Headteachers (including those in Acting roles). The aim of the conference is to support DHTs who would like to further develop their leadership skills and make connections with other DHT colleagues in schools around the country.
Further details of the programme for the event to follow.
Education Scotland has now begun work on the review of the Scottish curriculum also known as the Curriculum Improvement Cycle (CIC).
The Curriculum Improvement Cycle is a systematic review of the Scottish curriculum to ensure it remains up to date and relevant for children and young people.
Join us at this session at which we will hear from Education Scotland colleagues about the key messages from the Pilot Curriculum Reviews carried out by Education Scotland between February 2023 and March 2024.
The session will outline how the learning from these reviews has shaped the ongoing work on the Curriculum Improvement Cycle and how the key learning from the reviews is influencing the evolution of the technical framework.
This event is suitable for all school leaders and is open to both members and non-members.
Cost of attending: Free
Our Business Managers Forum meetings provide colleagues with an excellent opportunity to meet with colleagues who do similar roles in schools around the country. In this space, discussions can be held openly and freely about the many associated challenges of such roles with a view to finding support and possible creative solutions.
The dates of the sessions are timed to take place prior to meetings of the Executive/Council. This will allow the Business Manager Representative on Executive/Council to gather the views of Business Manager members prior to attending those meetings, thus ensuring a strong voice for those who carry out such vital roles in our schools.
Our dates for 24-25 are:
- Monday 9th September, 3.00-4.00pm
- Monday 18th November, 3.00-4.00pm
- Wednesday 19th February, 3.00-4.00pm
- Wednesday 7th May, 3.00-4.00pm
All sessions will be online via Teams webinar and will be hosted by Paula O’ Neill, Business Manager Representative on Executive/Council, and Allyson Dobson, Professional Learning Coordinator. Please register for each individual session.
Business Manager Forum events are free to join.
SLS encourages all Headteachers to support the release of their Business Managers to allow attendance at the events.
Please note: There is now a Business Managers Whatsapp Group set up to allow for the sharing of ideas. Please contact Allyson Dobson allyson.dobson@sls-scotland.org.uk, Professional Learning Coordinator if you would like more information.
This event is FREE to all SLS members
Pressing pause: A professional reading group for leaders at all levels to explore the big ideas that help us to make small changes.
One barrier that we frequently cite in terms of our professional learning is 'time'. We can't create more time, but we can consider carefully how we use it, including placing value on taking some of it to pause and reflect.
On a monthly basis, we will be allocating short, manageable chunks of professional reading with a strong focus on the incremental gains we can make in our leadership practice. We will explore key themes, highlight provocations, and provide a space for collaboration with other school leaders.
And even if you don't manage to finish the homework, you will still be welcomed into the session, and hopefully get plenty out of it!
All sessions will be online via Teams webinar and will be hosted by members of the Professional Learning Steering Group. Please register for each individual session.
Join us at this event as we hear from colleagues from HMIE and senior leaders from schools across the country about good practice identified during inspection activities in the key Quality Indicators from How Good is Our School 4?
This event is open to both members and non-members.
Cost of attending: Member/Non-member: £40 per session
This event is suitable both for those that are relatively new to coaching and for those that have been using a coaching approach for a while.
In this very practical workshop we will share some key tips and tools for building on the foundational coaching skills of active listening and effective questioning to help take coaching approaches to the next level. There will be a particular focus on building and maintaining personal presence and resourcefulness, as well as using coaching skills to successfully manage more challenging conversations.
Workshop objectives
- Understand the importance of coaching presence and how to maintain personal resourcefulness and support others to do the same so they may truly hear and think for themselves
- Deepen understanding of key coaching skills and mindsets and practise new tools and approaches
- Consider how to use coaching skills to successfully navigate more challenging conversations to build mutual understanding and positive outcomes
This workshop will be delivered by professional leadership coach and facilitator Jean Crawford. Jean has coached well over a thousand leaders across education, public and corporate sectors, and holds a particular passion to support others to optimise their personal effectiveness and fulfilment.
This event is suitable for all school leaders and is open to both members and non-members. Early booking is advised.
Cost of attending:
Member/Non-member: £120
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
How can I find out information about the pension I am likely to receive? When can I retire? How can I make best use of other pension benefits from previous/future employment beyond the teaching profession?
It is never too early to find out about your pension benefits.
Join us at this session led by Quilter Financial Services, one of our Business Partners, as they help you to understand the Scottish Teachers Pension Scheme operated by Scottish Public Pension Agency (SPPA).
This event is suitable for all school leaders who are members of the Scottish Teachers Pension Scheme.
Please note that we will be offering a Planning for Retirement seminar in May 2025 in addition to this event.
This event is open to both members and non-members.
To register for this event please CLICK HERE for further info.
Join us at this event as we hear from colleagues from HMIE and senior leaders from schools across the country about good practice identified during inspection activities in the key Quality Indicators from How Good is Our School 4?
This event is open to both members and non-members.
Cost of attending: Member/Non-member: £40 per session
Join us at this event as we hear from colleagues from HMIE and senior leaders from schools across the country about good practice identified during inspection activities in the key Quality Indicators from How Good is Our School 4?
This event is open to both members and non-members.
Cost of attending: Member/Non-member: £40 per session
Ensuring Wellbeing, Equality and Inclusion QI3.1 register here
Join us at this event as we hear from colleagues from HMIE and senior leaders from schools across the country about good practice identified during inspection activities in the key Quality Indicators from How Good is Our School 4?
This event is open to both members and non-members.
Cost of attending: Member/Non-member: £40 per session
This event is FREE to all SLS members
Pressing pause: A professional reading group for leaders at all levels to explore the big ideas that help us to make small changes.
One barrier that we frequently cite in terms of our professional learning is 'time'. We can't create more time, but we can consider carefully how we use it, including placing value on taking some of it to pause and reflect.
On a monthly basis, we will be allocating short, manageable chunks of professional reading with a strong focus on the incremental gains we can make in our leadership practice. We will explore key themes, highlight provocations, and provide a space for collaboration with other school leaders.
And even if you don't manage to finish the homework, you will still be welcomed into the session, and hopefully get plenty out of it!
All sessions will be online via Teams webinar and will be hosted by members of the Professional Learning Steering Group. Please register for each individual session.
The role of the Business Manager as part of the Senior Leadership Team is crucial in the lead up to, and during, school inspection.
Join us at this event as we hear from Business Manager colleagues who have been involved in the inspection process. What role did they play? What advice would they offer colleagues approaching inspection?
This event coincides with the publication of a draft document produced by Business Manager colleagues to support other schools.
The session is aimed at Business Managers or colleagues who perform similar roles in our schools. It is open to both members and non-members.
Cost of attending: Free
Preparing for Inspection - The Role of the Business Manager - register here