Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management
Education, Training and Development - Schooling
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management empowers and enables school leaders to develop the skills, knowledge, and values to lead and manage schools effectively and efficiently. School leaders will be able to collaborate in communities of practice and contribute to enhancing the quality of education delivery within the school system. This qualification also enhances the knowledge and skills of school leaders to support their roles effectively, thereby aiding in improving teaching and learning within schools and the broader educational context. The program provides specialized study in school leadership and management, exposing participants to current research, theory, and methodology in the field.
Rationale:
The qualification offers a structured professional learning pathway for current and aspiring school principals, responding to a request from the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Higher Education and Training for a national qualification tailored to school leaders. It aims to equip them with the necessary competencies to effectively manage and lead schools in alignment with national educational goals. Developed in accordance with national policy requirements for teacher education qualifications, the program targets members of School Management Teams with experience in, or aspirations for, school principal roles.
Benefits:
- Enhanced collaborative and critical leadership in curriculum management
- Evidence-based decision-making through action research in schools
- Effective utilization of ICT for optimal school management
- Cultivation of schools as efficient and productive learning environments
- Promotion of school-community partnerships and engagement
- Fostering a caring and supportive school culture
- Contribution to the continual improvement of the overall school system.
Outcomes
- Apply knowledge, skills, values, principles, methods and procedures relevant to leadership and management of schools in South Africa.
- Understand and apply reflectively the development of school practices and for development and improvement.
- Understand principles underlying curriculum and curriculum change and how this impacts upon their leadership of teaching and learning.
- See links between theory and practice and use theory as a tool to understand and engage with the problems and issues in their school and within broader educational and community contexts.
- Engage in school-based research in leadership and management practices and skills for the benefit of improving the teaching and learning process in their context.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Demonstrating the ability to lead by example and model the vision and values of the school.
- Showing an understanding of the South African Schools Act and all policy/legal requirements.
- Demonstrating strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Understanding and applying reflectively the development of school practices for development and improvement.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstrating a passionate and knowledgeable interest in teaching and learning.
- Encouraging this in both staff and learners.
- Modeling good teaching and leading by example, including understanding curriculum requirements.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Understanding the use of participatory approaches to decision making, communication, and the role of consultation in school planning.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Creating an environment conducive to professional reflection and learning.
- Obtaining and applying information/data to guide good practice.
Integrated Assessment:
- The assessment focuses on applied competence.
- Formative assignments and summative assessments for each module are scenario-, case study-, and practice-based.
- Developing a reflective portfolio drawn from across the qualification as evidence of applied competence.
- The assessment strategy includes a workplace project aimed at identifying and addressing a contextual challenge within the school.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.