Module 10: Building an Effective Culture

“He waka eke noa.” 

 “A canoe we are all in together.”

Module Objectives:

Upon completion of this module, middle leaders will be able to:

• Define the characteristics of a positive, inclusive, and high-performing school culture in the New Zealand context.
• Identify their role in shaping and maintaining school culture within their team and across the kura.
• Apply strategies to foster psychological safety and open communication, encouraging collaboration and innovation.
• Promote culturally responsive practices that ensure all learners and staff feel valued, included, and empowered.
• Contribute to a culture that champions continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Evaluate current team or departmental culture and propose practical steps for enhancement.

School culture is often described as “the way we do things around here.” It’s the unwritten rules, shared values, beliefs, and practices that shape daily interactions and the overall feel of a school. As a middle leader, you are a crucial architect of this culture within your teams, influencing everything from staff well-being to student outcomes. A positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture is foundational to a thriving learning environment.

Understanding School Culture:

School culture impacts every aspect of school life, from how decisions are made, to how conflicts are resolved, and how success is celebrated. It influences staff morale, student engagement, and ultimately, learning outcomes. A truly effective culture fosters a sense of belonging for everyone, encourages risk-taking and innovation, and prioritises continuous improvement. 

Key Elements of an Effective School Culture:

1. Positive Relationships: Building strong, respectful, and trusting relationships among staff, students, and whānau is the bedrock. This involves genuine care, empathy, and effective communication.
2. Inclusivity and Equity: Ensuring that every individual feels valued, respected, and has a sense of belonging, regardless of their background, identity, or needs. This includes actively embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and culturally responsive practices. 
3. Collaboration and Teamwork: Encouraging staff to work together, share ideas, support each other, and collectively solve problems. This breaks down silos and strengthens collective efficacy. 
4. Innovation and Growth Mindset: Fostering an environment where experimentation is encouraged, learning from mistakes is embraced, and there’s a collective commitment to continuous improvement and new approaches to teaching and learning.
5. High Expectations and High Support: Setting ambitious goals for both student achievement and professional practice, while providing the necessary support, feedback, and resources for individuals to meet those expectations.
6. Psychological Safety: Creating an environment where individuals feel safe to speak up, ask questions, admit mistakes, and offer ideas without fear of negative consequences. This is crucial for innovation and honest feedback.

Your Role as an AP or DP in Shaping Culture:

As a school leader, you have significant influence over the micro-cultures within your team or part of the school you have responsibility for. Your actions, decisions, and communication style contribute directly to the “way things are done.” You can foster an effective culture by:

• Modelling desired behaviours and values.
• Actively listening to your team members and addressing their concerns.
• Creating opportunities for collaborative decision-making and problem-solving.
• Championing inclusivity and celebrating diversity.
• Providing constructive feedback and opportunities for professional development.
• Recognising and celebrating efforts and successes.

Task:

Cultivating Culture in Your Kura:Reflection on the forum: describe one aspect of your current school’s culture that you believe is particularly strong or effective. How does it contribute to collaboration, innovation, or performance. Also identify a specific area within your school’s culture that you would like to enhance to promote greater collaboration, innovation, or inclusivity. Identify one concrete strategy you could implement to begin fostering this change.

Post your collaborative response on the forum (max. 150 words).

Assessment:

• Forum Post: Your response outlining a positive aspect of your school’s culture and a strategy for culture enhancement and its rationale.

Resources:

• Understanding School Culture:
  • Educational Leaders – School Culture: https://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Culture/ (explore sub-sections like “Leading cultural change” and “School culture”)
• Fostering Inclusive Culture:
  • Inclusive Education (TKI): https://inclusive.tki.org.nz/ (explore sections like “Developing an inclusive classroom culture” and “Inclusive teaching practice guidance”)
  • Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand – Tātaiako: https://teachingcouncil.nz/content/tataiako
• https://www.edutopia.org/article/creating-positive-school-culture/