Teaching and Learning L3

TDA 3.2 Schools as organisations
Introduction
This unit aims to prepare the learner for working in a school. It covers key aspects of schools as
organisations. This includes the structure of the education system, the roles and responsibilities
of key members of the school team and the purpose of school ethos, mission statement and
aims and values. Learners will also understand the reasons for the key legislation, policies and
procedures which are followed in schools and how schools operate within a wider context.

Learning outcomes
This unit has six learning outcomes:
1

Know the structure of education from early years to post-compulsory education.

2

Understand how schools are organised in terms of roles and responsibilities.

3

Understand school ethos, mission, aims and values.

4

Know about the legislation affecting schools.

5

Understand the purpose of school policies and procedures.

6

Understand the wider context in which schools operate.

This unit has links to the following National Occupational Standards:
SWiS 3.2 Support the ethos, policies and working practices of the school.

Additional guidance for delivery
For session 1, learners could carry out research into the various types of education provision
available in their area.
In session 2, learners could find out in placement how their school is structured and research the
roles of the governors and anyone else who is involved in the running or funding of the school
(e.g. PTA)
In session 3, learners could watch a video of learning taking place in the classroom and compare
the ethos and aims of the school to their own placement school.
For session 4, learners could carry out further research into the legislation that affects them,
other staff and pupils.
For session 5, learners could collect the school’s inclusion policy and discuss in their groups the
impact of having an inclusion policy within school.

Further resources
Burnham, L. and Baker, B....