NPQ Key Documents and FAQ

FAQs:

What is the time commitment?

For all programmes the commitment for a participant is 50 minutes per week. Each weekly module is 50 mins and accessed on an online platform called StepLab. The insight modules are completed independently, and can be accessed whenever you wish during the week. The application modules are completed with a ‘buddy’ you will paired up with at the start of the programme and you will spend those 50 mins (max) together either virtually or in person completing the module together.

How many days will I be required to be out of school?

NPQLT, NPQLTD, NPQLBC: The only time out of school will be 1 day for the Launch conference. Clinics run once a half term, inside the working day but outside of teaching time (3.30-5.30pm) to minimise the impact on pupils. Community groups run once a half term, inside the working day but outside of teaching time (4.00-5.00pm). The full programme is 12 months.

NPQSL: 2 days out of school, the Launch conference and a mid-point conference. Clinics run once a half term, inside the working day but outside of teaching time (3.30-5.30pm) to minimise the impact on pupils. Community groups run once a half term, inside the working day but outside of teaching time (4.00-5.00pm). The full programme is 18 months.

NPQH: 2 days out of school, the Launch conference and a mid-point conference. Clinics run once a half term, inside the working day but outside of teaching time (3.30-5.30pm) to minimise the impact on pupils. Community groups run once a half term, inside the working day but outside of teaching time (4.00-5.00pm). The full programme is 18 months.

What does the assessment look like?

The assessment is a case study of 2000 words, which you read, and then have 7 days to respond to in no more than 1500 words. The clinics that you will attend every 6 weeks takes you though problem solving/scenario based approaches to persistent challenges, so this is great preparation for the assessment. There will also be an assessment clinic at the end of the programme which will also prepare you for your 1500 word response. In addition to the assessment, you must also engage with at least 90% of the course content/clinics/conferences/communities to pass the programme.

I have already completed a legacy NPQ; would it be useful for me to undertake one of the new NPQs?

Definitely! The curriculum of the reformed NPQ programmes is significantly different from the legacy NPQs, drawing on the most recent research to explore ongoing persistent challenges that teachers and leaders face in schools. Far from a replacement for the NPQ Middle Leadership (NPQML), the new specialist NPQs aim to equip teachers and leaders with knowledge and expertise that will directly align with the issues they face in their setting.

How do I decide which NPQ programme is right for me?

We have shared suitability details on each NPQ page of our website, but if you get in touch with us at teachingschoolhub@dret.co.uk, we can discuss the programme that might be best for you.