A departmental development plan is very important
as it allows all staff and managers to understand what is expected
of the department over a specific number of years. Normally a
development plan will cover three to five years..
A good Head of Department will involve all departmental staff in its
development, with consultation at all stages. A development plan
should not have one sole author but be the produce of the entire
department. Joint ownership is key to a successful development plan.
The W.A.T.T. team have produced a framework aimed at helping heads
of department write a successful development plan.
1. The Head of Department reads through the school development plan
(and if necessary, the Local Authority development plan) and from
this writes ‘suggestions’ regarding the development of the
Technology department over to a three to five year period. All
development points should be cross-referenced with the school
development plan and Local Authority plan.
2. Hold a departmental meeting with the development plan as the only
item on the agenda. At this meeting the head of department outlines
his/her suggestions regarding the development of the department. A
full discussion takes place. Staff are asked to consider all the
relevant points and to put forward their own suggestions at the next
departmental meeting.
3. At a second meeting, a framework for departmental development is
agreed. Responsibilities for aspects of the development plan should
be determined at this point.
4. The Head of department writes a detailed development plan,
including a timescale. The W.A.T.T. research team recommend that a
development plan should be kept as simple and clear as possible.
This will ensure that aspects of the plan are not misinterpreted.
5. The draft development plan is given to all staff. Staff propose
alterations / additions.
6. The Head of Department updates the draft development plan. And
submits it to Senior Management scrutiny.
7. The Departmental Development Plan is agreed with the Head
Teacher.
|