Anyone done an NPQ?

[DoobyDooos]

I'm starting one soon. What is the workload like though? Bit concerned I've bitten off more than I can chew before I've even started

I did the NPQML (as was).

I found it manageable in terms of workload - it helped that I made some good friends on the course and we looked each other's work over and gave each other moral support.

I also did the NPQML. Workload was fine and I enjoyed the face to face days. I feel like I did learn a lot from it as I was very early on in my leadership journey when I started.

I found the school project quite challenging to implement but that was because my faculty, at the time, had a lot issues with staffing etc. I did it though and it was successful.

I'm doing NPQSL and tbh I absolutely hate it

Was meant to start in March 2020 so I'm sure you can imagine how it's been since then! Finally started in July 2020 but it's been entirely online so no opportunity to network / have informal professional conversations in breaks etc. Workload in schools has been insane of course, and do even on the Teams sessions, I feel like you never see the same people twice. My job role has changed significantly in this time so it's really hard to define and timebox my project. I'd love to feel I was doing it justice but alongside my full time job and my home responsibilities, I just don't have the time or energy.

I'm hoping to scrape myself through it because the deal is that a funded place is a one hit thing - drop out and you don't get funding again. Ironically, in the time I've been doing it, I've actually got an SLT job. Honestly, the main reasons I'm persevering with the fucker are that a) my HT has given me time out for it so it seems a bit ungrateful to drop out and b) I work with a whole host of younger, dynamic people and I need to keep an edge on them.

But I hate it.
Did I convey that?

I did npqml. I bashed out the project write up in about 2 weeks but a week of that was getting down to the very strict word count!!

Geek alert but I got full marks so happy to answer any questions.

I'm just starting NPQLTD, feeling a bit like the OP. Hoping I'll be able to cope with it all

Yes I'm doing the NPQLTD too! I'm also the ECF lead and have been told I should be able to link the project to my work. But I'm drowning.

Who are you doing yours with @DoobyDooos?

I've just finished the NPQSL after years of thinking it was too daunting and I wouldn't be able to do it.
I really enjoyed the blocks of online teaching, they were all very positive and encouraging, no scary judgement.
Advice I would give:
Choose a project in an area where you feel confident and know you can access, don't be tempted to go for something beyond your reach that "looks good"
The write up is tricky so make loads of notes as you go along and give yourself months of doing one small section at a time to make it manageable.
Don't leave all the work until the last minute.
It's definitely doable and useful to have, just try to pace yourself.

I'm doing the NPQSL and feel much the same as @roaringwater!!

The main irony is that I am SLT and between that and actually delivering my project, it takes all my time so I have neither the hours or the inclination to write anything up.

I KNOW I'm going to end up doing it all at the last minute.

It's a ball ache frankly.

It’s worth saying that the new NPQs are really different to the old framework. The assessments are totally different, so there’s no projects anymore and so theoretically the workload is easier. Most providers, including Ambition Institute, have a really flexible platform so you can access the modules around your workload. They did a helpful webinar about it!

@Bookishnerd

It’s worth saying that the new NPQs are really different to the old framework. The assessments are totally different, so there’s no projects anymore and so theoretically the workload is easier. Most providers, including Ambition Institute, have a really flexible platform so you can access the modules around your workload. They did a helpful webinar about it!

That's interesting, I may look into it in that case.

@Rainbowunicorn76 I completed it in feb this year and definitely had to do a project!

Hey @toadstool32 - you are right, but the new framework is in place from this year. I think the new ones start this week

27.50 in this webinar

Long time lurker but want to post on this.

I'm doing an NPQ this year....the only reason I signed up is because they are reformed and don't involve a project. Did NPQML several years ago and the write up was a massive ball ache.

[quote toadstool32]@Rainbowunicorn76 I completed it in feb this year and definitely had to do a project![/quote]
Yes I've just submitted my NPQSL if none of the NPQ's now have a write up then I'm gutted I didn't wait another year.
On the positive side though, I fancy doing the one on behaviour and culture next year and will be delighted if there's no long "write up" at the end of it!!

I’m starting my NPQLT this time and also dreading the extra workload but looking forward to getting some new skills and info as CPD has been quite minimal recently

Did my NPQSL about 5 years ago and enjoyed it. Pick something you are good at and are interested in and definitely make screen shots and notes as you go along. You dont have to reinvent the wheel.

Then you just put it all together at the end, if you are organised you will be ok.

How many years into teaching are many of you? What sort of position do you hold currently? Just wondering about next steps

@DoobyDooos @AitkenDrum1970 I'm starting LTD in February too. I've already been on SLT for 10 years, but I think later in my career I will have to switch into teacher development (am SEMH/ autism specialist and not sure I'll be able to class teach in my 60s!) so I'm hoping this will help me think about leading decent CPD.

We'll see how it goes. The provider we have gone with is already late developing their resources so the start has been delayed. Not auspicious!

I’ve just started NPQLTD with Ambition Institute and am the ECT mentor. So far, workload has been manageable but very aware I’ll need to keep on top of it. The study part is about 50 mins pw plus an application part which, last week, I spent 20 mins on. Ambition use a StepLadder platform so you can easily see where you are and go back to stuff. We’re just at how students learn and working memory etc which also aligns with the current ECF module. Will need to spend a quiet hour or so today getting my head round it to best support my mentee.
Enjoying it so far. The programme from Ambition is very clearly structured and is so much better than the shambolic and workload-heavy ECF mentoring programme.

I start NPQLTD next week. I am the ECF induction lead too, and have deliberately gone outside the hub to try to avoid their shambolic organisation.

@Ironicpentameter

I’ve just started NPQLTD with Ambition Institute and am the ECT mentor. So far, workload has been manageable but very aware I’ll need to keep on top of it. The study part is about 50 mins pw plus an application part which, last week, I spent 20 mins on. Ambition use a StepLadder platform so you can easily see where you are and go back to stuff. We’re just at how students learn and working memory etc which also aligns with the current ECF module. Will need to spend a quiet hour or so today getting my head round it to best support my mentee. Enjoying it so far. The programme from Ambition is very clearly structured and is so much better than the shambolic and workload-heavy ECF mentoring programme.

I'm doing my NPQ with Ambition and have found Steplab v easy to navigate and the general organisation of the programme very good.

Really enjoyed the initial conference and took a lot away from it.

Oh that's good to hear, @Raspberries86. My conference is on 25th. Glad it was useful for you.

One question I have for those of you doing Ambition Inst, is the Application part really just as simple as you plugging in the amount of time you have / are prepared to spend on it? My natural laziness will make always make me inclined to say I've 'just' got 20 mins for it!

God, isn't the ECF a total nightmare ...

God, isn't the ECF a total nightmare ...
Yes, yes and thrice yes.
My poor ECTs have been summoned to an hour and a half seminar on Thursday at 4.30 on an unspecified topic. So by the time they've had their mentor session, done their online stuff and this seminar, they've lost all of their additional 10%.