The Journey to Excellence package Part 1: The concept of excellence and the 10

dimensions Part 2: Examples of each dimension Part 3: How good is our school? and The Child

at the Centre Part 4: Planning for Excellence Part 5: Journeys to Excellence

Part 4

Planning for Excellence

Existing strengths Well-established cycles Direct links to outcomes for learners Bringing together external expectations and needs of

learners Professional reflection

and teamwork Involvement of school

community

Essential elements of an improvement plan

Clearly stated and aspirational vision and values

Developed by and shared with the whole school community

A small number of improvement priorities

Emphasis on action not bureaucracy

Outcomes which focus on learning and achievement

Clearly identified responsibilities linked to named individuals and / or teams

Clear timescales with milestones and deadlines

Relevant measures of success

Self delusion

SELF EVALUATION OR

SELF DELUSION?

Effective planning: is based on the evidence of ongoing self-

evaluation (JTE Part 3 – HGIOS3, TCAC) builds on identified strengths emphasises action not bureaucracy focuses on delivery and impact involves the whole school community is flexible and responsive

(www.journeytoexcellence.org.uk)

Successful Plans

are high level have a small number of key priorities reflect the school’s own context present improvement priorities as outcomes for

learners impact directly on learners

The Journey to Excellence

journeytoexcellence.org.uk

hmie.org.uk ltscotland.org.ukmichael.wood@hmie.gsi.gov.uk

S.Fulton@LTScotland.org.uk