Session 1

Aims of the coaching programme: To develop the coaching skills of teachers To begin to establish a culture of coaching within school To improve the quality of teaching and learning and student achievement through coaching To provide the next stage of professional development for third year teachers. To meet P standards and to begin the development of a ‘coaching’ portfolio. (BlueSky).

Session aims: To understand the differences between coaching and mentoring. To identify the characteristics and skills of coaching.

What are the differences between coaching and mentoring? Card sort activity: decide which definitions define mentoring and which define coaching. Put into 2 columns. What are the main differences between coaching and mentoring? What is coaching? Write a definition of coaching.

Defining coaching ‘Unlocking a person’s potential to maximise their performance. It is about helping them learn rather than teaching them.’ (John Whitmore) “Coaching is a two-way process that enables people to learn, develop and be more effective” (as defined by The Mind Gym) Improving people’s performance is key to success. One-to- one attention will bring about accelerated learning.

Old Chinese Proverb “Give a person a fish, he will eat once; if you teach him how to fish, he will eat for the rest of his life”.

The benefits of a coaching culture If coaching works well, what are the pay-offs? What are the benefits of coaching and of developing a coaching culture for: the learner? the coach? the school?

Effective coaching: The role of a coach and key skills ‘ You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him find it for himself.’ Mind map in pairs what you consider the role of a coach and their key skills and qualities to be. If you’ve ever experienced a good coaching session, remember the skills and qualities that your coach possessed that made it a good coaching session.

An effect coach Builds rapport and trust Is non judgemental Is candid and challenging Gives encouragement and support Is objective rather than subjective Focuses on future opportunities Is comfortable working from the other person’s agenda Develops mutual respect and trust

Coaching Skills Establishing Rapport Goal setting Active listening Observation Questioning Giving feedback Gaining commitment

Self-reflection What skills or aspects of the role of a coach do you expect to be good at? Which aspects do you expect to find challenging?

Plenary: Preparing to coach