A year is a long time in technology

It is amazing to think that it is only 13 months ago that I wrote my first blog. At that time I did not use Twitter, Facebook, blogs, I Google, GMail and certainly shied away from the idea of setting up a website.



Although I am proud of what I can now do/have done, it is the technology that deserves my thanks. I never thought it would be that easy to set things up (and certainly not as much fun).



The final point is that what I have learned is not just a part of some desire of mine to become socially connected to an online world, but is having real benefits for my school and my development as a leader.



Now I just have to get others to join the revolution.

Message from the National College

This morning we received a card from the Chief Executive of the National College, Steve Munby. In his handwritten card read the following message,

"Dear Phil and Craig

I have been informed about the innovative and impressive work that is taking place at Greencroft Business and Enterprise Community School - linked to the Leadership Development Group. What is terrific about it is not only that it is developing future leaders, but that it involves 3 schools and is being done in partnership with the local authority and the National College. Most of all, it is an inclusive approach for future leaders whose current roles may be very wide-ranging. I am delighted to hear about about this exciting work and hope that I will be able to visit the school and to hear, first-hand, what is happening. My office will be in touch.

Best wishes,

Steve Munby, Chief Executive"

It is fantastic for our group that such a highly respected leader values our work and has taken the time to write to us.

It feels that we are all at the start of something that is very exciting and can only get better.

Greencroft Leadership Development Group - March Update

After the excellent initial session of the Greencroft Leadership Development Group (GLDG) on Wednesday 3^rd March things have moved on at a dramatic pace.

The website has been developed and can be found at http://sites.google.com/site/greencroftldg/

You need to have a Google username and password but this is easily achieved and it opens other opportunities for more than searching the web. I use it for sharing information and blogging for example. If you have any problems accessing the site let me know.

The site now looks like this…

And features the following sections:

· Message Board

· Discussion Page (click on ‘sign up’ under the discussion board to register)

· Leadership Literature Reviews

· Newsletter links

· Leadership Quotes

· Upcoming Events

· Previous Sessions

Plus many more.

The session will be at Greencroft School (Meeting Room 2) from 3-4.30pm on Wednesday 31^st March. The focus of the session is ‘Leading Teaching and Learning’ and will again be led by Ed Lott.

The existence of the group has also received some supportive comments from the wider education community. Geoff Barton (Head Teacher in Suffolk and speaker at a wide variety of conferences on Leadership including for the SSAT) contacted me via Twitter saying, “Sounds spot on. Is it an in-house leadership development programme for inspiring staff?”. I have also been emailed by John Dunford (General Secretary, Association of School and College Leaders) – see email below:

Sent: Fri 12/03/2010 07:41

Craig,

I am delighted to hear about the work of the Greencroft Leadership Development Group. I believe that leadership in schools is not just for the senior staff – everyone is a leader. So the work of the LDG is vitally important in creating this climate of leadership in which everyone is prepared to take responsibility and be held to account for the work of the school. Where this climate exists, schools think carefully about creating leadership opportunities for students too.

Nothing could be more important for current school leaders than encouraging the leaders of tomorrow. That’s why ASCL has an Emerging Leaders programmes to enable young leaders to carry out their existing leadership responsibilities and prepare for future ones.

And remember – good leadership is 10 per cent action and 90 per cent communication. Whenever a leadership group makes a decision, the next thought must always be: Whom do we tell? and How do we tell them?.

Every good wish with your LDG work,

John

John Dunford

General Secretary

Association of School and College Leaders

If you have any comments or questions about the Greencroft Leadership Development Group please don’t hesitate to contact me via the website, email or post a comment on this blog.