Policy, politics and power

In this unit, you will examine the ways politics and power shape education policy. You will investigate different types of education policy, including ‘official’ policy and unofficial policy in the form of discourses and norms. You will develop an understanding of the external drivers on leadership and explore how power and influence are held over education policy by different groups and organisations. In exploring these issues, students will examine pressing issues relating to leadership and policy, including the impact of privatisation and commercialisation of education, globalisation, and ask questions such as who is education in its current form working for? How can we make a difference as leaders? In considering these questions, you will explore ethics, autonomy, and agency in relation to education policy, politics, power, and the persistent wicked problems of leadership.