How the Role of the Primary Subject leader Has changed
The role of the primary subject leader is almost unrecognisable from what it was 20 or even 5 years ago. Back in the early 2000s you would be more likely to be responsible for ordering the Art equipment, keeping the cupboard tidy and helping people track down the missing watercolouyr paints, than you would to be heavily invlved it the Art curriculum. You probably had an action plan and you might have been asked to update the policy every few years, but you would rarely find yourself assessing how well the curriculm progresses in teaching key skills.
Expectations have changed considerably, particularly if you lead a so-called 'non-core' subject. This change coincided with the updated Ofsted framework prior to the COVID period, where a much heavier emphasis was laid on the intent, implementation and impact of the whole curriculum.
Key aspects of the Primary Subject Leader Role
Taking on this role can seem rather overwhelming at first. To break it down, you can think of it as three key areas which interweave and overlap:
- Curriculum
- Teaching and Learning
- Asssesment
Curriculum
Questions to consider around the curriculum:
- How well does it match with our local context and the needs of our pupils?
- How well-sequenced is it?
- How well is the technical vocabulary highlghted in the curriculum?
- What do you expect pupils to know by the end of Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2?
- How is it adapted to allow pupils with SEND to access the curriculum?
- How well does the curriculum represent the diverse population and history of the UK?
Teaching and Learning
Questions to consider around Teaching and Learning:
- What CPD have staff been provided in your subject?
- What CPD do they still need and how do you know?
- What provision is made to ensure that pupils retain knowledge and skills in the long term?
- How much do pupils enjoy the subject and how do you know?
- How skilfully are lessons delivered and how do you know?
Assessment
- What formative and summative assessment is in place for your sibject?
- How is assessment recorded so you have an overall picture?
- Which pupils have retained the relavnt information and how do you know?
- What provision is made for pupils who have not reached expectatations?
As you can see from just the brief overview above, the role of the subject leader is a varied and complex task. As well as the questions above, there will be specific areas in your particular subject which may need to be considered. For example- fieldwork in Geography, use of sources and timelines in History and Scientific enquiry in Science.
New to the role of Subject Leader?
If you are new or recently in the role of subject leader, keep a look out for our 'New to the Role of Subject Leader' training on our website. This can also be delivered to whole staff groups in your setting if everyone would like a refresher.
https://www.inspiringfuturespd.co.uk/New-to-Subject-Leadership
Victoria Morris for Inspiring Futures Professional Development