A leadership programme for special school principals in New Zealand and Australia

Designed for experienced leaders in special education seeking to re-energise their leadership, the programme will focus on the skills and requirements for change management. There will be a particular focus on student demographics, school organisation, improvement and development.

Led by Professor Barry Carpenter, participants will visit leading special education provisions, and engage with educators who are leading on innovation and change.

Programme dates and location

The programme will take place from Sunday 09 – Friday 14 October 2011. The programme will be based in Warwick, England. There will be no formal teaching in New Zealand.

Programme aims

• To explore, in depth, the challenges of leadership in 21st-century special education.
• To bring together experienced Special Education Leaders to develop a national and international network of support.
• To develop the critical and analytical skills to ‘lead leaders’.
• Through a programme of school visits to compare and contrast current practice in the field of special education.
• To identify reflective, inquiry-based practices that lead and support staff teams in addressing the changing dynamics within this field.
• To develop consultancy and coaching skills needed for leadership activities such as outreach support, inclusive collaborations and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• To participate in a ‘wisdom capture’ that can be disseminated through coaching and mentoring to aspirant principals and developing leaders.
• To enable delegates to visit and engage with leading schools and settings in their field.
• To participate in international collaboration with partner affiliated schools, comparing leadership models and special education systems in other countries.
• To participate in a leadership conference in England in October 2011.

Programme structure

Based at the University of Warwick in central England, this programme will combine formal teaching sessions, school visits and a conference. During this five day programme participants will:

• participate in a two day conference on Leadership in 21st Century Special Education
• visit schools of outstanding practice, exploring the practical nature of 21st century leadership in Special Education
• attend a seminar around coaching for leadership.

An optional study day in London will also be available. This will include a visit to the Bridge School which will focus on curriculum leadership. The visit will be led by Professor Carpenter and the principal at Bridge School.

The programme has been designed around three core modules:

• By Design or by Default?: The Challenge of Change.
• Leading in the 21st Century: Capturing the Wisdom.
• Investing in the Future: Aspiration, Inspiration and Action.

Cohort leader

The programme is designed and led by Professor Barry Carpenter, Associate Director for Special Educational Needs with the SSAT, and iNet Chair for Special and Inclusive Education. Barry has held the leadership positions of Inspector of Schools, director of a university special education research centre, principal and chief executive. He combines his academic role with direct involvement in supporting and developing schools. He is currently director of the government funded research project around Complex Learning Difficulties and Disabilities. He regularly acts as an advisor on government policy. Barry has lectured frequently in Australia and New Zealand over the last 25 years, as well as many other countries throughout the world. Find out more.

Further information

Download the programme flyer for more information about the programme.

The programme costs £1850 GBP per person. This is equivalent to c 4,000 NZD. You can pay in New Zealand dollars, and the final amount will be subject to currency conversions at the point of invoicing.

The programme costs include a five day educational programme in England. While in England accommodation is included from Sunday 09 October – Thursday 13 October. Local transportation for core activities are included, plus breakfast, lunch and dinner. International flights, visas, airport transfers and medical / travel insurance are NOT included.

Booking information

To book your place complete the programme booking form and send to Jennifer Durban by:

• Fax - + 44 (0) 1823 444 142
• Email - jennifer.durban@ssatrust.org.uk

Useful information

Download the programme flyer

Background to iNet New Zealand

Booking information

To book your place complete the programme booking form and send to Jennifer Durban by:

• Fax - + 44 (0) 1823 444 142
• Email - jennifer.durban@ssatrust.org.uk