The Learning Technologies Unit website

The course is a world leading programme that supports school leadership and management. Its aim is to assist school heads and deputy heads in developing their expertise through a range of different learning techniques. It provides the heads with an accredited course which will provide a route to the knowledge and skills required to perform the role to the best of their ability, and ultimately improve school effectiveness.

The National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) has been designed to prepare candidates for the rewarding role of headship. It is a benchmark qualification, underpinned by the National Standards for Headteachers.

NPQH offers challenging and relevant development including online learning, supported self-study, face-to-face events and visits to other schools. The programme takes approximately six to 15 months to complete, depending on candidates' development needs. It is delivered by a number of providers around the country. There are 3 face-to-face residential sessions lasting 2 days each time. Courses materials which include handouts and scenario exercises are posted on the VLE called learning gateway before the residential sessions. Learners write reflective notes after reading the course materials posted on the VLE. During the sessions lectures are given. Course participants are encouraged to engage in analysis, reflective dialogues and comments on the materials. Through discussion forum collaborative learning is promoted among an online learning community.

Very much self-directed learning; with some resources on various topics provided via ncsl portal; reading materials completing activities/projects. Candidates can also attend up to 4days face-to-face sessions. They discuss issues in tutor groups and national modules of discussions. The module is done at one's own pace

Each candidate has to complete the following exercises:

• a group exercise,
• a written exercise,
• a staff interview and
• a personal interview

Projects are school based where candidates collect evidence of their competence and complete approporiate forms; An assessor or two visits their school and conduct assessment;

On the formal skills day, candidate comes to the ioe and take a written test and an interview. The assessment could take a form of role-play which the cadidate has to analyse. Group exercise involves teamwork while being observed.

Tutors facilitate online discussions and give support and feedback. Tutors are accessible to students via email or phone calls. They give support the residential sessions and one-to-one face-to-face support meetings with learners. An e learning support manager also assist with technical issues. The National College for School Leadership helpline also provides support to learners.

The target groups are new heads of school or deputy heads who want to become heads.

40 tutors, a course administrator, programme manager and 6 national support team.

All learning materials, course book, study guides, course information, guidelines on e learning are posted onto the VLE, learning gateway. Learners can print these materials or just read online

Main content formats

Main content producers

Main delivery formats

Online communication and collaboration between staff and students and among students is facilitated by discussion forum and email. Face-to-face meetings during residential sessions strengthen the online communication and collaboration.

opportunities for sharing ideas and resources through reflective discussions and socisl construction of knowledge

• possibilities for establsihing online learning communities
• instance feedback
• easy progress/achievement monitoring and record keeping

be selective with the amount and quality of online materials use interactive activities updated vle regularly