Leading in Diverse Cultures and Communities (Leadership) (LCLL0062)

This module considers the contexts, purposes and practices of leadership within a global perspective. School leaders have always faced challenges, but the demands and pace of change have increased, as well as pressures and expectations. Globalisation can create unstable, insecure and very diverse communities of newcomers and present major challenges to school leaders. Cultural, class, ethnic and community diversity have many implications for schools. In this context, leadership is put to the test and school leaders often have to make speedy responses to highly charged events and find solutions which go beyond the pragmatic and require tolerance, sensitivity and emotional intelligence. Schools, particularly in urban contexts, face the toughest dilemmas, including having to meet the needs of disaffected students and their families. To support understanding of the issues, this module draws upon findings from recent and on-going studies which offer fresh insights into school leadership.

The key topics of educational leadership and management will be considered from both theoretical and practical perspectives, examining the differences between...

Leading and Managing Change and Improvement (Leadership) (LCLL0061)

The key topics of educational leadership and management will be considered from both theoretical and practical perspectives, examining the differences between these concepts as they apply in the field. There will be an introduction to the importance of moral, educational and transformational leadership. Learning-centred leadership and system leadership will be defined and its main features discussed. The cultural context is also examined along with organisational structure, culture and power. Key matters of managing educational improvement and change are examined and attention given to strategies for managing change effectively. If improvement takes place, measurement of that improvement is part of the process. An introduction to the field of school improvement and effectiveness research, policy and practice will be provided and the key concepts of internal and external evaluation defined and differentiated from related concepts like monitoring and assessment.