Conclusion

In this course you have considered the nature of leadership and the ways in which it is fundamentally a key part of everyday school practice. As members of a school community we are expected to work closely with each other, creating a range of opportunities to explore our own understandings and to engage with opportunities for change. At its core this requires that we accept that we cannot control our educational experiences; they will be involved in a fundamentally uncertain relationship even within formal structures designed to deliver greater certainty. The uncertainty however opens up spaces in which everyone can explore the needs and priorities of others; it opens up opportunities to seek ways of engaging with positive change. In thinking about your involvement with activism you will also have to think about your own values and the nature of the change you wish to take place. The context in which this change is situated will be full of diverse cultural, political or historical influences, however it seems fair to suggest that in most educational contexts people will share a common concern for other people’s well-being.

When considering how you can contribute to individual or collective well being, it may be helpful to reflect back on the broad range of issues and examples of activism highlighted in this course. There have been examples of larger numbers of people joining together to drive change. But leading others to be empowered and/or championing equality, inclusion and participation is often embedded in the small, localised activities that occur within our everyday routines. Raising issues with a group of colleagues, pausing to reflect upon the ways in which things are done, even that random act of kindness can be the building blocks that lead to change.

In many ways, studying this course and staying with it to the end is an example of one small step, an engagement with activism. It would suggest that you have a commitment to understanding issues associated with equality and how you can support others to move towards a better lived experience.

Making a difference requires we take that first step…and then keep on going.

If you haven’t already, you might want to consider exploring the related OpenLearn course Leadership for inclusion: thinking it through [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .

If you enjoyed this course, you might be interested in the Open University Inclusive Practice Leadership and Management Masters pathways.