Helena Arnold
MEd Educational Leadership
I chose to study at the University of Gloucestershire because it offered flexible ways of accrediting learning; I initially completed a module on School Self Evaluation before transferring on to the Masters course. Having completed NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Head Teachers) I felt that studying at masters level would provide another challenge to my professional practice. In addition, it was the university that was closest to my place of work and, as I was in full time employment, I appreciated the flexibility afforded by the course.
I valued the opportunity to network and meet with colleagues from other educational establishments and share experiences. Working in a rural school on the edge of Gloucestershire, opportunities to meet with and share best practice were quite limited. The Self Evaluation module provided not only the opportunity to meet with colleagues but to learn together in a supportive environment. I also enjoyed being made to think very critically about my evidence base and reflect on appropriate methodology. As someone who was relatively new to school leadership at the time I started the course, completing further academic study gave me a better understanding of how to move my own professional practice forward.
Also, I think the course gave me the opportunity to place my work in school in a broader national context. It gave me the chance to reflect on the latest educational research and made me stop and think about alternative approaches to my own work. It gave me a kind of benchmark by which to evaluate my own professional practice. As a result of this, I grew in confidence throughout the course.
Undoubtedly, studying for my masters degree has supported my career development through Deputy Headship and into my current post as Director of Children and Young People for the Diocese of Gloucester.