From Monday, October 7th to Friday, October 11th, our Academic Leadership Team took part in an intensive professional development programme focused on Trust-Based Observation (TBO) practices. Led by renowned experts Craig Randall, author of the acclaimed book on TBO, and Kate O’Connell, MA.Ed, a respected facilitator of professional growth, this training was a significant step in enhancing leadership practices at our school.

TBO is an approach designed to build trust between academic leaders and faculty members during classroom observations. Unlike traditional observation methods that can feel evaluative and detached, TBO emphasises frequent, informal visits and supportive, reflective conversations. The goal is to create a nurturing environment where teachers feel acknowledged for their strengths and supported in areas for growth. This method fosters open dialogue, increases trust, and ultimately leads to improved teaching and learning outcomes.

During the training, our Principals, Vice-Principals, Instructional Coach and Programme Coordinators engaged in hands-on sessions that included observing real classroom environments and participating in reflective feedback discussions. This training will equip our leadership team to implement TBO practices effectively, which is crucial for creating a culture of continuous improvement within the school. It is important to note that while this training was for our leadership team, its benefits will eventually ripple throughout the entire academic community.

As we move forward, our leadership team is excited to apply these practices in a way that supports our mission of fostering academic excellence while nurturing a positive and collaborative school culture. We believe this training will have long-lasting benefits, strengthening the relationships between our leadership and teaching staff, and ultimately benefiting the students we serve.