Director's Update - December 2016

Martin Smith is the Director of Dartmoor Teaching School Alliance.

Collaboration between teaching schools alliances is going to be increasingly important if we are going to create the self-improving, school-led system that Daryll Chapman has talked about recently to members. Dartmoor TSA is fortunate to be in a strategic partnership with SWTSA. Both TSAs are keen to collaborate effectively to ensure member schools have the best support and opportunities. A good example of this partnership approach was the Data Leaders' and Teaching and Learning Leaders' Conferences that took place at ISCA Academy on Tuesday 6th December (see separate report). These events were organised by both Dartmoor TSA and SWTSA, led by experts from within the alliances and showcasing examples of excellent practice from across the two TSAs.

The December issue of our newsletter reflects the wealth of expertise that we have within our Alliance and the range of high quality activity taking place. As the level of activity increases, more and more of our outstanding practitioners are stepping up as system leaders. Our SLEs, for instance, are increasingly involved in delivering CPD to NQTs, Teachers and Teaching Assistants (see CPD offer for Spring term) and supporting school improvement. Our senior leaders are increasingly involved as facilitators of leadership development and network development. What's powerful about all this activity and the people driving it is the energy and engagement generated. This was palpable during the recent Outstanding Leadership of Education (OLE) course that we delivered (see separate article). And this is, I believe, the power of the school-led system - enabling the most effective schools and practitioners to share their expertise through dynamic training, coaching and facilitation.

Please can I extend my thanks to all our member school for their support and commitment. We are very proud to be leading your alliance. Have a great Christmas break and hope to see you all on 17th January at the next Members' Forum.

Martin Smith