Recent research has revealed a number of key points that influence whether a department will realise its full potential, or whether it will underachieve. This theme has been taken up in the National Standards for subject leaders, where it is noted that heads of department should change the way they work to ensure constructive use of delegation, successful development of working relationships, and improvement in the quality of teaching and learning.

Realising the Potential of Each Department sets out plainly and clearly how every head of department within the school can use proven strategies to develop an environment which improves every aspect of departmental life.

To do this each head of department needs to undertake certain key tasks, such as making explicit what is expected of each member of the department, and what constitutes effective work within the department. For example to achieve additional effectiveness the head of department must motivate his or her team and develop good methods of working with teachers who are not as motivated as they might be - something many department heads find difficult.

Through these and other actions it is possible to fulfil the potential both of the department as a unit, and of every individual within it. But real effectiveness will not come unless the results of all changes and improvements can be evaluated and monitored as they occur.

This volume gives a highly practical approach to working with individual pupils and members of staff, and to working as a whole department. It reveals new ways that head teachers can become involved in the drive to realise the potential of each department, and shows exactly how departments that are underachieving can be turned around.

Cat No: 978 1 86083 536 0