personality the way we do things around here. climate mood atmosphere Okay let's break down Lesson 1: Developing Excellence in Schools - Managing and Leading the School's Organisational Culture Climate. This lesson is foundational for anyone involved school leadership management. It focuses on understanding that a not just collection of individuals classrooms but complex organisation with its own unique or atmosphere. significantly impacts everything from teaching effectiveness to student well-being overall success. Here's an explanation key focus areas: 1. * What it is: refers shared values beliefs attitudes practices norms characterise organisation. It's often unspoken deeply influences how people behave interact perform. In context: about fundamental assumptions beliefs held by teachers administrators staff sometimes even students parents what stands for decisions are made conflicts resolved truly valued (e.g. academic excellence well-being innovation tradition compliance). Why it's important: A strong positive organisational culture can foster loyalty motivation collaboration sense purpose. weak negative lead apathy conflict low morale poor performance. 2. Organisational School Classroom Climate While closely related culture seen as manifestation – observable patterns behaviour feelings attitudes experienced within at given time. Climate: The entire workplace learning environment. Does feel welcoming oppressive collaborative competitive? School Specifically perceptions students staff regarding physical social environment school. Key aspects include safety relationships institutional specific individual shaped teacher-student interactions peer instructional strategies. classroom promotes engagement learning. more tangible easier change than culture. Improving be strategic way gradually shift underlying leads better engagement improved teacher effective 3. Teaching Learning aspect broader directly pertains core business education. describes practices constitutes meaningful aspects: Teaching: Are teachers encouraged innovate stick traditional methods? Is professional development valued? there collaboration among teachers? Learning: rote memorisation deep understanding? student-centred teacher-centred? failure viewed opportunity? Expectations: expectations achievement performance? robust ensures consistency educational quality across school fosters continuous improvement educators outcomes personal development. 4. Factors Contributing Positive section explores elements leaders cultivate build desired environment: Leadership: Strong visionary articulates clear vision learning models behaviours supports innovation. Shared Vision & Values: collective commitment aims achieve academically developmentally. Collaboration: Opportunities work together share best co-plan provide support. Professional Development: Ongoing relevant training growth opportunities educators. High Setting ambitious yet achievable both staff. Recognition Celebration: Acknowledging celebrating achievements teachers. Open Communication: Transparent honest communication channels encourage feedback discussion. Safety Support: physically emotionally safe where supported take risks learn mistakes. Student-Centred Approach: Pedagogies prioritise needs active participation. Parent Community Involvement: Engaging external stakeholders process. 5. Decision-Making Tools area suggests will also delve into practical strategies tools use actively shape climate. isn't makes good maintain it. Data-Driven Decision Making: Using performance data surveys (staff satisfaction) other metrics identify areas Strategic Planning: goals action plans cultural traits. Communication Strategies: Implementing internal reinforce values vision. Performance Management Systems: Aligning appraisal systems behaviours. Conflict Resolution Techniques: address disagreements strengthens relationships adheres values. Team Building Activities: Strategies cohesion collaborative spirit Policy Creating policies reflect support norms. essence 1 unseen forces (culture climate) drive school's success equipping future knowledge initial intentionally manage cultivates thriving