Improving subject leadership

Key stage 3

Guidance on improving subject leadership at key stage 3 can be obtained from a number of sources

Secondary heads of history may be familiar with National standards for subject leaders, published by the Teacher Training Agency. It sets out the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes that relate to the key areas of subject leadership. These national standards define expertise in subject leadership, and are designed to guide the professional development of teachers aiming to increase their effectiveness as subject leaders or of those aspiring to take responsibility for leading a subject.

This publication can be accessed via the TTA website at www.tta.gov.uk.

Further support and professional development programmes for subject leaders are available from the National College for School Leadership. Details can be obtained from www.ncsl.org.uk.

The core purpose of the subject leader is to provide professional leadership and management for a subject to secure high-quality teaching, effective use of resources and improved standards and achievement for pupils. The following case study shows how effective subject leadership has had a positive impact in one secondary school history department.

Case study

Key stage 3: Thomas Tallis School