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About the brand: What is your department known for?



I know what you'll say.  We are teachers, not marketing bods.  And I agree, however, branding is really important to schools.  This post is not about the outward looking brand toward the community and wider educational community, but is written from a middle leader perspective.  When I took on a Geography department, it was important to brand it.  Priory Geography was born.  We had to consider the different audiences, for example:
// Children.
// Department staff
// Parents
// Staff in the school (teaching and non-teaching)
// The local and national Geography education community 
// Grant awarding bodies
Now, don't get this confused with self-promotion.  It isn't.  This is about distilling a vision and communicating it strongly.  This post could descend into a wide range of tips, for example as a department we always bought cards and a small gift for the key support staff.  We aimed for nothing short than being the best department in the school.  Aim high. Bosh.
However, let's talk about the children.  When Priory Geography was founded, it was important to set a number of aims.  This is different to the vision as it set out to communicate specifics.
If you're a middle leader, I would recommend spending time with your team (which includes the students and staff) and deciding on what your brand will be. Of course, we aim for great results, but what else do we strive to do each and every day?  When a young person leaves your department / class / area, what do you want them to have achieved?
So, in no particular order:



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