ABSTRACT
Effective middle leaders exude confidence. They are able to talk knowledgably about data, and they can respond easily to questions about pupil progress, and, in particular, the progress of particular groups. A head of subject should be able to relate published data to current data to demonstrate sustained or improving performance. Thus, the data will evidence current and future impact. Evidence of impact will largely be drawn from lesson observations, book scrutiny and interviews with pupils. If middle leaders regularly visit lessons, they will know what inspectors are likely to see and will therefore have a good idea of the impact the curriculum is having on pupil progress. A confident middle leader should point out the evidence inspectors need. Most of the evidence inspectors need will be gathered during lesson visits and book scrutiny, but the importance of extra-curricular or co-curricular activities should not be overlooked.
