1 Day Programme which will be held on 12 June and 13 June (repeated session)

Henry V – Inspirational Leadership is a course that has received major acclaim with conferences and schools around the world, including at the ACEL conference in Melbourne 2016 and at the Fobisia conference in Bangkok 2016. It uses Shakespeare’s play to look at major educational leadership themes at every level of school life. The use of narrative structure is designed to make the learning highly engaging and memorable to all participants. However, no previous knowledge of the play is necessary and while it is interactive, the day contains no acting or role play. It will tackle head on some of the key themes any school or classroom leader will face in trying to be a real force for lasting inspiration in their learning community. We look to provide a day of real lasting impact.

9am – Arrival and registration

9.15am – 10.45am – Introduction and The story of Shakespeare’s Henry V. key themes of the day explained and rolled out through the telling of a compelling story. Group discussion and key questions raised by the audience for the day around its themes.

Having a Vision and Building Consent – examining the crucial nature of an embodied vision across the school, moving far beyond a simple slogan on a wall or website. The effect this then has on school ethos and practice.

Maintaining Sense of Purpose. How do we stay inspired through all we are asked to do?

11am – 12.30pm Motivating the Troops. Motivational Skills for the staff room and classroom. Many aspects of how we successfully motivate will be examined. We ‘ll look at how to motivate positively where ever possible and even how negative motivation can ethically and fairly also be employed when nothing else is proving effective. How do we deliver a tougher message when we have to without demoralizing our people?

1.15pm – 2.15pm Our own leadership and communication styles. Interactive, energised session looking at how we communicate with others and where our own strengths and weaknesses lie in communication. Archetypes from the word of Jungian psychology are employed to shed light on the subtleties of how this plays out in the staffroom and classroom

2.15pm – 3.30pm Tackling fear, uncertainty or doubt in difficult or unpredictable times

Henry V provides a masterclass in leading under real pressure. Shakespeare uses the section on the night before the famous Battle of Agincourt to look at some of the biggest questions in Leadership. How do we best show visible leadership at difficult times? How do we manage own fears, uncertainties and doubts? How do we best engage in difficult but necessary conversations and resolve potential conflicts? How do we help others to empower themselves in tough times? And how do we emerge from this all the stronger as a team to deliver a school all can feel proud to be a part of? These are key themes of a memorable final section.

3.30pm – Close

Ben Walden is an international speaker and workshop leader in the realm of education. He has been a main keynote speaker at many conferences in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australia. He also works with many individual schools, looking at themes of leadership and inspiring communication with both staff and – especially – students. In the 1990s he played several leading roles in London’s West End theatre and as a member of the inaugural company at the new Shakespeare’s Globe. He has also spoken on leadership and the arts at many business conferences, including at both Harvard and Columbia Business Schools.