Catholic Leadership Programme

Our intention is to supplement, rather than replicate local or national provision. Underpinning every aspect of the ‘Catholic Leadership Programme’ is an exploration of personal and professional mission within the context of the Catholic education system in the Diocese of Salford. One of the strengths of the programme lies in the rich experience and expertise of the senior leaders in our diocesan schools and the variety of settings that would be available for visits.

By the end of the programme participants should be able to articulate their personal values and mission, and have a better understanding of the distinctive mission of Catholic schools.

“As a Headteacher in a Catholic school providing leadership in the faith community you need:

  • A clear understanding of the mission of a Catholic school
  • To be able, in the light of the mission to secure the school’s distinctiveness as a Catholic school
  • To be able to communicate and share this knowledge of the mission of the school and its distinctiveness and the vision it inspires with staff, pupils, governors, parents and the parish community
  • To be able, through translating the vision into action, to ensure that the school can contribute purposefully to social and community cohesion through promoting constructive and inclusive dialogue with the wider community”
    (Handbook for Headteachers, Archdiocese of Birmingham)

The Catholic Leadership Programme will consist of three main elements

 

  1. Individual work with a Coach/Mentor who will
    • have an overview of the specific needs of each participant,
    • guide their progress throughout the course
    • facilitate experiential placements which are targeted to the needs of the individual
    • point them towards other courses etc for the future
  2. Practical experience through school placements
    • of different leadership styles
    • of schools with a contrasting intake – e.g. size, socio-economics
    • of schools/leaders with a particular expertise
  3. Course/ tutorial input
    • residential each term
    • presentation/speaker at coaching sessions

The programme lasts for one full year (three school terms).

Term 1 – focus on SELF

“Good leadership is truthful and trustworthy. Leaders can act more confidently if they have a strong sense of their own inner truths and are resolute in upholding positions that may be unpopular but congruent with the leader’s values.” (Kevin Treston)

  • their own faith experience/spirituality
  • their knowledge and understanding of their faith
  • their own values 

Term 2 – focus on CONTEXT.


“This is the vision which shapes the daily life of a Catholic school as a community in which faith is expressed and shared through every aspect of its activity.”

  • How their personal vision impacts on their present school
  • How they would want their personal vision to impact on any future leadership role in a school
  • The distinctive vision/mission of a Catholic school
  • Evaluating the Catholic nature of a school

Term 3 – focus on TASK.


“ … be clear that providing leadership and management for a Catholic school is totally compatible with the ‘standards agenda. The requirement to improve the quality of educational provision and pupil achievement needs to be understood and interpreted within the setting of an ethos rooted in the Catholic Church and Gospel values.”
(Headteacher Handbook, Diocese of Birmingham)

  • Leadership models
  • National Standards for School Leaders – interpreted for Catholic school leaders
  • Every Child Matters

At the end of each term participants will be provided with information about ways to explore this focus further – e.g. further reading, courses, meetings.