1st Edition

Transforming School Culture through Lesson Observation A Collective and Collaborative Approach

By Christine Cunniffe Copyright 2021

    This book sets out a three-stage programme for lesson observation showing how a collaborative whole-school approach can transform the culture of the staffroom and improve outcomes for pupils. Focusing on the emotional environment of the classroom, the relationships between teachers and pupils, and teaching and learning outcomes, it will enable schools to provide a consistent approach to lesson observation where good practice can be celebrated and shared.

    Revealing the positive impact of the programme on pupils’ engagement and exam results, co-operation between departments and teacher wellbeing, the book:

    • Provides clear guidance on implementing the programme and adapting it for different contexts.
    • Shows how data can be used for both Ofsted and Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection documentation.
    • Adresses key issues such as culture, staff psychological contracts, the emotional environment of the school and leadership development.

    If you are looking to make real impact within your school and bring about change for the better, the three-stage lesson observation programme is the tool for you. This innovative approach brings consistency, parity and fairness to lesson observation creating a secure and safe environment in which pupils can learn and teachers can teach.

    Part 1

    1. What is lesson observation and current attitudes to it?

    2. What is culture?

    3. The Psychological Contract

    4. The Emotional Environment

    Part 2

    5. The three-stage model; An overview

    6. Stage 1- The observation

    7. Stage 2- Factors outside the classroom

    8. Stage 3- Wider contribution to school ife

    Part 3

    9. Leadership- knowing me, knowing you

    10. Being prepared 

    11. Presenting the vision

    Part 4

    12. Using the three-stage lesson observation data

    13. What now?

    Afterword

    Biography

    Christine Cunniffe is Principal of LVS Ascot, an independent co-ed day and boarding school. She has held positions as Head of Music/Head of Year in state comprehensive and grammar schools in Hertfordshire and Slough. Christine holds a joint honours degree in History and Music, MMus from University of Reading and MBA from University of Leicester. Christine is passionate about providing a fully inclusive education for all children in a safe and emotionally healthy environment.