It’s a 9-module course which deals with many aspects of educational management. It gives you time to reflect and get other people’s input on your ideas. For those who are already Directors of Studies, the course gives you an idea of what happens in different contexts rather than just in your school. The contribution of your cohort gives you new ideas and perspectives and the confidence to try something new as you are learning from other people’s experiences. For those who are not senior staff yet, it prepares you for the role.

It runs three times a year in February, May and October. We advise choosing the time of the year when you can best manage the joint demands of work and study.

What participants really value in this course is the online community, the opportunity to share best practices, exchange ideas and discuss experiences they have had with Senior Teachers and Academic Managers from all over the world.

Participants feel that the discussion forums and online tutors are almost like having a mentor on tap. A mentor that has experience in a variety of different contexts, different language learners and managing teachers from different countries. This course is about getting involved in the discussion forums and learning from each other as well as from the tutors.

There is not often a right or wrong answer to how best to be a DOS, but by understanding what is advisable for different situations, you are more likely to have the judgement to evaluate your own context and make the right decision for your school.