Overview

Programme Aims

On completion of this programme, participants are expected to:

• Analyze critically on the role and expectations of novice functional/ subject heads in schools from a school-based, local and international perspective;
• Acquire ability in planning, implementing and reporting year-plan of functional/ subject group, examining the practices of budget management and basic concepts of accounting ;
• Apply appropriate strategies to construct a positive culture and professional learning communities in functional/subject groups, and develop their competence in team management, leadership and coordination skills, and communication skills with different stakeholders; and
• Demonstrate an understanding of leading change within school, and have reflections on professional development of novice functional/subject heads in changing contexts of schools.

Programme Structure

This programme consists of one 3-credit-point course with a total of 39 contact hours. 

This course will prepare participants for the following aspects:

• an understanding of novice functional/subject heads and preparing participants to take new roles and responsibilities on leading roles in functional/subject groups in schools;
• examining issues related to local school development such as curriculum development and other initiatives; 
• acquiring ability in planning, implementing and reporting year-plan of functional/ subject group effectively and efficiently;
• examining the practices of budget management and basic concepts of accounting, and human resource within group;
• learning to apply appropriate strategies to construct a positive culture and professional learning communities in groups, and developing their competence in team management;
• demonstrating group leadership and coordination skills, and communication skills with different stakeholders;
• demonstrating an understanding of leading change within school, understanding self-initiated learning, after-action review, knowledge management and action learning for professional development of teacher leader, and having reflections on their role as a lifelong learner in changing contexts of schools

Medium of Instruction

The medium of instruction is mainly Chinese (Cantonese) and will be supplemented by English where appropriate.

Entrance Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants should be:

• in-service functional/subject heads in primary or secondary schools;
• recommended by school principals; and
• complete the “personal information and expectation form” (Chinese version only).

Priority will be given to those who will be appointed and have been appointed as Functional/Subject Heads for less than three years.

Award

To be awarded a Certificate of Completion, participants must obtain a pass in all assessment tasks required and successfully fulfill the attendance requirements as stipulated by the programme.

Other Information

The programme will be coordinated by Dr WU Siu Wai, who has rich experiences in running professional development programmes for newly appointed school principals and aspiring principals, serving and potential school managers and middle managers. Experienced functional/subject head, vice-principal and principal will be invited to share their practice-oriented knowledge.

Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in this website is correct. Changes to any aspects of the programmes may be made from time to time due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control and the University reserves the right to make amendments to any information contained in this website without prior notice. The University accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from any use or misuse of or reliance on any information contained in this website. Any aspect of the course and course offerings (including, without limitation, the content of the course and the manner in which the course is taught) may be subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of the University. Without limiting the right of the University to amend the course and its course offerings, it is envisaged that changes may be required due to factors such as staffing, enrolment levels, logistical arrangements and curriculum changes.