Page 31 - Sponsor Booklet

Possible LS Meeting Structure

Learning Square Meetings can take a number of forms. The important

thing is that they have a purpose and structure. Below is a flexible
model of how they might work. Of course you are free to alter this but
you should include the segment relating to the Mini-Modules. Please
adjust the scope, start time etc. to suit when you meet.

Time Activity/Person Purpose
9:00 Catching Up (Sponsor) To set the scene and allow LS
colleagues to catch up with where
Each BP gives a brief oral report on what’s been their colleagues ‘are’ and what they
happening in their schools since the last meeting. This are facing.
focuses on the successes and problems faced the BPs.
Ideally, the LS would have been in
touch by email or phone
between meetings.
9:30 Focus Issue/s (Sponsor or BPs) LS members address issues or
challenges relevant to their jobs as
Option1: The Sponsor selects an issue that they have BPs and secure opinions and advice
identified which is relevant to the LS members (from from Sponsor and fellow BPs.
previous discussion or meetings). This is the purpose of
the meeting. They introduce the issue and lead an The Sponsor should feel free to
action based discussion on how it may be dealt with. invite other professionals with
BPs are asked to apply to their school. BPs are informed associated expertise to this segment,
about the issue before the meeting. as long as this is OK with the BPs.
Option 2: Each member of the LS is charged with
preparing and introducing a key issue/s they are
presently dealing with in their school. An
action-centred discussion follows and advice/ opinions
are collected from sponsor and other BPs.
10:15 M&Ms and me (BPs) LS members share insights gained
from M&Ms as they apply to their
Option 1: Each BP briefly summarises and comments on own school contexts.
one of the M&Ms they have read. BPs and Sponsor
comment on the M&M in relation to their job in school. At the beginning of the programme,
Option 2: One BP provides an overview of three LS members will select which M&Ms
M & Ms they have read and then leads a discussion on they will be responsible for.
how the area applies to their work as principals in
school.
11:00 Current Issues (Sponsor and BPs) To provide BPs with an opportunity
to talk in some depth about what is
BPs use this time to bring up any issues or problems currently happening in their schools
they are currently facing in their schools. Alternatively, and to collect advice and insights
they may use the time to talk about a particular success from other LS members if necessary.
they have recently experienced.
The Sponsor’s job is to keep the discussion going, It is obviously preferable for BPs to
provide advice and steer it in the right direction. prepare in advance for this
discussion and to let their colleagues
know which issue they want to
discuss in advance.
11:45 Where to now? (Sponsor) For the Sponsor to summarise the
Sponsor pulls together the discussion, sets the scene for meeting and suggest possible topics
the next meeting and talks about how issues can be to frame the next Learning Square
followed up. Meeting. Ensure all BPs are on track.

31
31