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Shepherding Talent

Shepherding Talent is a pioneering programme in which teaching professionals identified as having leadership potential, are challenged to explore their vocation to lead.

For all teaching professionals working in Catholic schools, this programme is delivered in the context of Catholic school education.

Through presentations and seminars, the mission of the Catholic educator is elucidated alongside a consideration of personal disposition and values, inviting a critically reflective response to leadership. This interplay and its impact in an ever-changing educational environment make up the content of our programme.

For those interested in postgraduate qualification, this programme provides a gateway to the MA in Catholic School Leadership: Principles and Practice programme, delivered by St Mary’s University, Twickenham.

Dates and times

This live online course will run over five weeks, delivered every Thursday evening from 5.30-7.30pm

  • TBC

Price

The full cost of this course is £275. 

St Mary’s alumni will receive a 20% discount

Course format

Each two-hour session will be delivered live online for this course. Learners will have the opportunity to interact directly with the group and the tutors via Zoom meetings.  Materials for the course will also be sent in advance of given sessions, to facilitate the smooth and effective course.

Please note: depending on COVID restrictions the course may be delivered on site at some time in the future, in line with UK government guidelines.

Course content

The Catholicity of Leadership

Exploration of the distinctive nature of the Christian leader and the integrity of academic standards and Catholic distinctiveness.

Evaluating a Catholic School

The history of Section 48 inspections, the nature of the Section 48 programme and the proposed new national inspection framework. The interrelationship between Ofsted Section 5 and denominational inspections is signposted.

Aspiring Catholic Leadership for the 21st Century – Servant and Christ-Centred Leadership

Exploration of the changing demographic experienced by Catholic schools both in terms of staff and students. Definition of Mission Integrity and the centrality of servant leadership discussed alongside contemporary challenges.

Professional Paradigm

Focus on Values, Skills and Knowledge in the context of the DfE Teaching Standards. Exploration of the mutually enriching relationship between Catholic distinctiveness and the teaching standards.

Revisiting the nature of Catholic Identity and the Professional Paradigm

Reflection on the implication of the statement: “there is no distinction between having a vocation and being a professional”.  Discussion on the belief that all teachers, irrespective of religious affiliation, can commit to the principles of Catholic identity, due to the inclusive and holistic perspective of this identity that is underpinned by a profound belief in the dignity of every person, made in the image and likeness of God.

Tutors

Associate Professor John Lydon KC*HS SFHEA

Associate Professor John Lydon holds degrees from the Universities of Durham, Liverpool and Surrey. His doctorate focused on teaching as a vocation in a contemporary context. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He is the Director of the MA in Catholic School Leadership Programme and Deputy Director of the Centre for Research and Development in Catholic Education, St Mary’s University London.

caroline-healyDr Caroline Healy FHEA

Dr Caroline Healy holds degrees from the Universities of Wales, Massachusetts and Brunel, London. She is currently a senior university lecturer for the MA in Catholic School Leadership and Doctor of Education (EdD) Programmes and PhD doctoral supervisor at St Mary’s University, London and also Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Award

Students will receive a certificate of attendance for the Shepherding Talent course from St Mary's University. 

Please note: If you need to pay for this course via an invoice, please email kim.leong@stmarys.ac.uk.

Find out more

For further information about the Shepherding Talent programme or if you are interested in providing training for several staff members, your school or MAT, please contact john.lydon@stmarys.ac.uk