Department Time

[PithyMauveZebra]

I need some advice for inset day, as a relatively new english hod. We have 4 hours for this.
Im planning one hour of standardisation and then i want to give the team at least an hour of planning time before we start. If not, more. Anyone able to advise or share with me how they plan dept time?

In previous schools hods would let us work for the day. I’ve been told to ensure there’s something of use that staff can take away, but surely 4 hours cannot be intensive training?

If I was being given time to do my own work, I'd be delighted... but I would have liked to know before we broke up! I won't be looking at work email until I sit down at my desk next week and I'd be annoyed if I'd spent holiday time on stuff I could have done then.

I agree with this.

Run through the shape of the term: what year is doing what etc. What assessments are coming up. Strategy for y11. Etc etc. Do your standardisation, then maybe distribute stock etc to the department. Then planning time.

Thank you😊

I had shared the agenda for this coming term prior to the holiday. I planned for 1 hour standardisation and discussion and then a quick spot check of the planning they were assigned, then letting them plan for the afternoon and generally ensuring they are ready for the term.

To be honest, I’ll need a moment to ease myself back into the term too haha.

I did run through what was coming up this term prior to breaking up but I might do a quick refresher again, is there anything else pertinent that you think I should include?

Definitely run through it again in case anyone has questions.

I would appreciate information on:

Strategies for y11. I.e content to cover, mocks if applicable (assuming that’s what your standardisation is for?).

Assessments.

Marking points.

(These two will obviously be completely dependent on your school, which no one here can tell you).

Wider school events that might impact on the department.

CPD outline for the coming term.

What do you mean by “spot check of planning they were assigned for the term”? Do you mean reminding them what they should be planning, or checking what they are up to? Has nothing been planned yet for the start of term? If that’s the case I’d be quite stressed on Monday. In a department where there’s shared planning, I like to spend that sort of time on an inset adapting for my classes, printing, getting a good few days ‘ahead’ etc etc. Not waiting for the lessons to be uploaded!

That’s very helpful. Thank you! No I’ve planned the first few weeks of all teaching. The teams will need to continue from week 3 onward which gives them room to plan as I’ve made sure things are ready.

In terms of CPD what do you find is useful for departmental CPD beyond standardisation, moderation, book looks etc.

No one can tell you what CPD will be useful for your team. I could tell you what I would find useful, but what I would find useful is related to whole-school/departmental priorities.

There is precisely nothing that my hod can offer me apart from getting their shit together so that they don't give me 5 minutes notice of a thing next time a thing comes up.

And please save us all from "book looks"