Description
New to Science Leadership is for anyone taking on a leadership role within a science department in a secondary school. It will equip you with all the skills, knowledge and support to lead with success and confidence. To go from surviving to thriving!
There are many generic middle leadership courses available, but this programme addresses the specific challenges of leading a science department – the biggest subject in the school, with practicals, labs, and technicians to consider, as well as the difficulty of recruiting and retaining good teachers. Download a flyer here and scroll down for full programme.
Who should enrol on this course?
- if you have been recently appointed as head of science (or biology/chemistry/physics), 2i/c, or if you have key stage responsibility within science.
- if you aspire to be a head of science over the next few years and are looking to strengthen your application, this course is for you!
When is it?
- The course is delivered via five 1.5-hour sessions across September 2025 – February 2026
- All are twilight sessions, 4.30 – 6pm
- The first and last take place in person in Kent; the others on Zoom
- 23 Sept (in-person), 22 Oct (online), 20 Nov (online), 13 Jan (online), 4 Feb (in-person)
Why should I enrol?
- to gain the confidence and skills to lead a science department
- to understand the specific challenges of leading a school science department and how to overcome them
- to thrive in a science leadership role with tailored strategies and techniques and a support network of peers
How much does it cost?
- The programme costs £250 per person (just £33 per hour of CPD)
- For physics specialists teaching in Kent or Medway, there is the opportunity to apply for a 100% bursary, thanks to funding from Physics Partners: further details and application form here.
- 5% discount for two or more colleagues booking together (can be from different schools, e.g. in a partnership or MAT) – use coupon code MULTI5
What will be covered?
All aspects of science leadership for the 2020s, including:
- leadership and vision
- teamwork
- curriculum
- recruitment and retention
- teaching and learning
- workload
- quality assurance
- difficult conversations
Full details
- The course is delivered via five 1.5-hour sessions
- The first and last take place in person in Maidstone; the others on Zoom
- 23 Sept (in-person), 22 Oct (online), 20 Nov (online), 13 Jan (online), 4 Feb (in-person)
- Places are limited to maximise interactivity
- Cost for all 7.5 hours including all course materials: £250
- 100% bursary for physics specialists teaching in Kent or Medway, thanks to funding from Physics Partners: further details and application form here.
- 5% discount for two or more colleagues booking together (can be from different schools, e.g. in a partnership or MAT) – use coupon code MULTI5
- Colleagues are welcome from any type of secondary school, with any previous experience, located anywhere!
- There is the option to book discounted follow-up coaching sessions with Christina
- Access to discounted Insights Discovery profiling available to inform your leadership style and professional strengths
- A padlet will be used to share resources and ideas, and if you have to miss part of a session, we may be able to share the recordings afterwards (if all participants agree).
Course director Christina Astin has over 30 years’ experience of science teaching and leading departments, as well as training teachers and advising schools. She has been the Kent Secondary Science Advisor and National College science expert. She is also Advisor to Physics Partners and chaired the Planet Possibility Consortium. Christina is a Fellow of both the Institute of Physics and the Chartered College of Teaching.
Feedback from previous attendees:
“Thank you Christina for sharing your wealth of experience in what was a very well-run course.”
“Having recently taken a HoS role, I enjoyed listening to Christina’s and other professionals’ experiences. This allowed me to prioritise the most important aspects of the role.”
“As an aspiring HOD, I found this really useful to jot down ideas to think about and consider for the future. (A checklist of things to get done)”
