COURSE OBJECTIVE:

This course is designed to help ‘responsible persons’ [as defined under Section 47(1)(b) of the Education Act in New South Wales] understand and implement sound policies and ongoing procedures for effective governance in ways that comply with the NESA requirements upon school boards.  Specifically, the course is designed to provide in-depth appreciation and practical application of ways in which ‘responsible persons’ can work together to provide well-directed leadership to ensure (a) effective implementation of established principles of ‘best practice’ in school governance and (b) compliance with relevant NESA requirements in the area of governance.  Furthermore, the course provides opportunities through discussion and problem-solving for ‘responsible persons’ to build unity of understanding, a common purpose, and a commitment to implementing ‘best practices’ for effective school governance in a strategic manner that enhances the school’s outcomes.  The course is designed to address ongoing professional learning needs rather than serving as a key component of the induction of new ‘responsible persons’.

COURSE AIMS:

• To help ‘responsible persons’ understand the theory and effective practice of leading a school board.
• To inform ‘responsible persons’ about the NESA requirements and expectations as they relate to the board’s role in providing leadership and direction.
• To expand knowledge of the NESA requirements and expectations into a solid, practical understanding that is demonstrated by a commitment to fulfil the requirements and adhere to principles and practices of ‘best practice’ in the area of board leadership.
• To help ‘responsible persons’ develop a practical strategy to fulfil the NESA requirements in terms of (a) record keeping, (b) understanding effective governance principles and practices, and (c) implementing ‘best practice’ in the area of board leadership.
• To help ‘responsible persons’ reflect upon the board’s effectiveness in providing leadership and direction, and if appropriate, initiate an ongoing process of improvement.

DURATION OF THE COURSE:

Four hours, usually one morning or one afternoon or one evening.

MODE OF DELIVERY:

Face-to-face workshop with all the ‘responsible persons’ in one group, usually delivered at the school or at another suitable venue organised by the school.

COURSE CONTENT:

• What is leadership?
• What characteristics define leadership?
• What makes a good leader?
• The importance of integrity.
• The value of diversity in board membership.
• Leadership qualities evident in this board.
• Competitive vs co-operative leadership.
• Guiding schools to maximise performance and manage risk.
• Developing a focus on building future capacity.
• The meaning and implications of change.
• Four ways for a board to lead change into the future.
• Necessary, important and trivial board work.
• Exercise to analyse current board decision-making effectiveness.
• Reflection on the effectiveness of this board’s leadership and pathways forward.

This course covers the following governance requirements as outlined in the Registered and Accredited Individual Non-government Schools (NSW) Manual (September 2019):  3.9.3.1 and 3.9.3.4.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon successful completion of the course, a signed certificate is issued to the school stating the name of the course, the content covered, the duration of the course, the venue, and the names of those persons who attended.  Upon request, schools may instead request an individual certificate for each attendee.  Participating schools also receive a password-protected PDF copy of the presentation slides used during the workshop for the use of attendees.