AP | DP Programme

Empowering Leaders.
Transforming Communities.

About

Aotearoa AP|DP Programme is designed for Assistant Principals, Associate Principals and Deputy Principals to accelerate their career through growth towards Principalship, or within their current roles. With learning in the key areas of Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading Change, the focus will be on building their leadership capacity in key areas needed to support them in continued leadership growth, as well as add value to their teams and colleagues within their school environment. For those who are interested, participants can access support in creating a pathway towards Principalship, learning key skills and knowledge required for this role.

We are finding that the cookie-cutter approach [OSFA] to professional development is failing. Less and less is it able to meet the diverse professional learning needs of leaders within the ever changing education sector. Thus, we have pioneered an adaptive and individualised approach aptly named: Personalised Leadership Pathways (PLP) for each delegate using a combined development platform that focuses on the interpersonal, leadership and professional dynamics associated with a senior leadership position within the education sector.

The programme is delivered over a three term period (ensuring minimal disruption), it combines the vibrant AP DP Summit, online learning and networking, and personalised contact with an assigned kaiārahi/coach. Participants explore their own strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, and how they relate to leadership goals and day-to-day realities within their individual school context.

A key component of the course is the highly interactive online forum which allows participants to share their journey with like-minded educational leaders across the country. This process is enhanced through participant-generated kōrero that unlocks the existing skills and experience within the group. In addition to delivering vibrant professional development, the programme sets out to create powerful, lifelong networks.


Objective

Why have an Aotearoa AP|DP Programme?

We are in an ever changing landscape within the educational sector, which requires a lot to navigate on many levels. There is a significant need for a high performing leadership programme that empowers Assistant & Deputy Principals to engage in an intensive, peer-oriented leadership development experience. This is targeted specifically at Deputy and Assistant Principals to further their leadership, as well those who aspire to principalship and want to build the skills and dispositions to get there.

The Aotearoa AP|DP Programme is based upon a framework that focuses on the interpersonal, leadership and professional development of self and how this relates to their role within their school, combined with a broad focus on educational leadership. Noteworthy, this programme can focus heavily on preparing you for Principalship, or on upskilling and equipping you further as an AP|DP. However, these components can be individually addressed as you work alongside your kaiārahi, who are all experienced and highly respected former principals. Delegates must have the full support of their school principal to undertake the programme and lead change appropriate to their school’s values.

In addition to realising real outcomes for individual leaders, the Aotearoa AP | DP Programme is recognised as a unique and innovative programme that contributes in a meaningful way to the realisation of equity in relation to formal educational leadership.


Content Overview

The Aotearoa AP|DP Programme is designed to develop leadership focused on improving student learning outcomes in schools and developing strong leadership development and for those interested a clear pathway towards principalship. This powerful programme is facilitated by a team of experienced Kaiārahi who are all current or former school senior leaders, including Robert Mangan, Ally Gibbons, Grant Lander, Dave Bell, Geraldine Travers and Pauline Cowens.

The programme also includes:

Summit

AP | DP Summit | 13 June | Auckland | Venue TBC

E-Modules

10 modules, delivered in kōrero on our personalised forum which provides an on-going AP|DP professional learning community.

Term 1: Leading Self
- Self awareness and EQ
- Ethical leadership & decision making

Term 2: Leading Others
- Communication and relational trust
- Coaching

Term 3: Leading Change
- Strategic planning and visioning
- Building an effective culture

Plus 5x Preparation for Principalship Modules (optional, available for the duration of the programme):
- Reporting and governance
- Staffing and Personnel
- Property management
- Finance and budgeting
- Policy writing and review

Mentoring Sessions

3 coaching sessions - One at your school (Term 1), Two virtual or travel to your Kaiārahi.



Supplemented by:
- Career development support with the guidance of the kaiārahi.
- Optional wellbeing support from our qualified wellness kaiārahi.

Professional Readings

“The Principal,” Michael Fullan.
“A Principal’s Guide to School Improvement,” Andy Hargraves.


e-Modules

10 modules, delivered in kōrero on our personalised forum which provides an on-going AP|DP professional learning community.

Term 1: Leading Self

  • Self awareness and EQ: Enhance your self-awareness and emotional intelligence to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and how your emotions impact your leadership style.
  • Ethical leadership & decision making: Develop a strong ethical framework and make informed decisions that align with your values and the school’s mission.

Term 2: Leading Others

  • Communication and relational trust: Build strong relationships with your team through effective communication, active listening, and fostering trust.
  • Coaching: Learn effective coaching techniques to support your team’s professional development and growth.

Term 3: Leading Change

  • Strategic planning and visioning: Create a clear and inspiring vision for your school and develop strategic plans to achieve it.
  • Building an effective culture: Foster a positive and inclusive school culture that promotes collaboration, innovation, and high performance.

Preparation for Principalship Modules:

*Optional. Available for the duration of the programme to explore based on participants’ learning needs and interests.

  • Reporting and governance: Master the art of reporting and governance to ensure accountability, transparency, and compliance with regulations.
  • Staffing and Personnel: Effectively manage human resources, including recruitment, performance management, and professional development.
  • Property management: Oversee the maintenance, upkeep, and utilization of school facilities to ensure a safe and efficient learning environment.
  • Finance and budgeting: Develop sound financial management skills, create effective budgets, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
  • Policy writing and review: Create and maintain clear and comprehensive policies that align with the school’s mission, values, and legal requirements.

 

Delegates are also offered career development support and are partnered with a fellow delegate for peer support.


Course Costs

$3,000 per person

*prices are GST exclusive

NB: Participants’ transportation & accommodation costs to the summit are self-funded and are not included in course fees.

Applications are currently open for cohorts starting in February 2025 (ECE, Primary, Intermediate, and Secondary).

Aotearoa AP|DP Programme is currently not a Ministry of Education funded project, although Growth Culture is a distinguished Ministry of Education Professional Learning and Development provider.

Payment and Refund Policy: Once your deposit has been received your position on Aotearoa AP|DP Programme has been secured. We are unable to refund either the deposit or remove the obligation to make the final payment. This is due to the costs incurred with venue bookings, Kaiārahi employment and the fact that the Aotearoa AP|DP Programme will sell out meaning we have turned other delegates away. We are able to transfer your registration to another delegate who qualifies within your school before the 31 January 2025.


Contact

EMMA KINGSTON

Leadership Programmes Director
emma@gcla.co.nz
021 616 715

Bex Rose

Head of Impact
bex@gcla.co.nz
027 560 9700

MARSHALL DIGGS

Principal/Director


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