Integral, Nous head school leadership programs

Consulting groups Integral Development and Nous Group have won contracts to support development of independent public schools, as part of a range of programs that also include 20 principals per year attending a training program at Harvard University.

Integral was selected by the WA Department of Education to run the ‘leading for impact’ program, which will teach 450 principals key skills to become strategic leaders, and how to examine and adopt their own skills relevant to their changing environments.

The program, which will run over the next 12-14 months, incorporates four-day workshops beginning in the third term.

“We are proud to partner with the WA Department of Education to deliver a program that is leading the country in terms of leadership development for principals of independent public schools so that they are equipped to build the capacity of their teachers and ultimately improve the outcomes of students,” Integral managing director Ron Cacioppe said.

The program is funded by the Commonwealth.

It follows news that national management consultancy business Nous Group has been awarded a contract to run a training program to encourage members of the community to join the boards of independent public schools.

The $1 million two-day ‘school board development’ program will be held in all metropolitan and regional centres across the state over the coming two years, at no cost to participants.

The state government program will cover aspects such as developing business plans and reviewing school performance.

Education Minister Peter Collier said he hoped the Nous Group program would attract entrepreneurs, industry leaders, philanthropist and other community leaders to school boards.

“Board members are already bringing skills, expertise and experience to independent public schools, helping to shape future directions, endorsing plans and budgets, and monitoring the performance of their schools,” he said.

“I encourage all existing school board members to take this opportunity and urge any Western Australian who has a contribution to make to get involved on an independent public school board.”

Meanwhile, 20 independent public school principals will travel to Boston next month after being accepted into an intensive course at Harvard University.

Mr Collier said the Harvard experience offered a rare opportunity for Western Australian principals to explore leadership in partnership directly with their counterparts from around the world.

“These principals were chose because they have made an outstanding contribution to public education,” Mr Collier said.

“On their return, they will provide expertise in future reform and innovation across all public schools, including their own.”

A further 20 principals will be selected for the program next year.