Schools as learning organisations (SLO)
How schools and settings can use the SLO model.
- Part of
About SLO
SLOs nurture a culture of professional learning and enquiry. All members of the school or setting are involved in developing a shared vision to support their learners to reach their full potential.
In SLOs, all staff are engaged in identifying their individual professional learning aims. This is built on through teamwork and collaborative networks within the school and with the community around the school, to develop organisation wide practice and culture.
The SLO model includes seven aspirational goals and processes to support schools and settings develop as learning organisations. The SLO model is on pages 1 and 2 of the SLO PDF.
- Schools in Wales as learning organisations: PDF pdf 434 Kb This file may not be accessible. If you need a more accessible version of this document please email digital@gov.wales. Please tell us the format you need. If you use assistive technology please tell us what this is
An overview of the key features of the 7 dimensions
More detail can be found in pages 3 to 9 of the SLO PDF.
- Shared vision: leaders involve the whole school community to develop a shared, inclusive, inspiring vision that aims to enhance the learning experiences and outcomes of all learners. Many schools in Wales have used the SLO model to support them to develop their vision for Curriculum for Wales.
- Continuous learning: SLOs develop a ‘learning culture’ with time and resources provided for all staff to engage in professional learning. Staff identify their individual priorities for professional development, which in turn support the goals of the school or setting.
- Learning and collaboration: in SLOs, staff reflect and evaluate practice together. Schools create opportunities for staff to collaborate and examine pedagogical practice together.
- Culture of enquiry: the whole school community is actively engaged in enquiry with staff encouraged to take risks, experiment and be innovative to support them to extend their practice. Trust and mutual respect are core values which underpin the development of innovation.
- Exchanging knowledge: in SLOs, staff regularly discuss and evaluate whether actions, including professional learning, have had the desired outcomes and they work together, referring to research evidence when appropriate, to improve practice.
- External environment: SLOs develop partnerships with parents/carers, other schools, universities, businesses, public organisations, and the community to respond to change and develop mutual learning.
- Learning leadership: in SLOs, school leaders model learning leadership and ensure all staff have access to strong collaborative learning opportunities.
SLO survey
Welsh Government has now withdrawn the SLO survey and encourages schools to consider their own approaches. This reflects the principle that becoming a learning organisation is an ongoing process of reflection, learning and improvement. Schools should have the flexibility to develop approaches appropriate to their context using the data and evidence that is already available to them.