
Course Details
Course Description
This course introduces the foundational knowledge and skills that effective school leaders need to lead with purpose, clarity and impact. Grounded in the Misk vision and values, it invites you to explore what leadership means in your context and how your personal values align with the ethos of your organisation.
Across four units, you will examine key leadership theories and assess your own leadership style, analyse the roles and responsibilities of school leaders at Vice Principal, Principal and Director General level, and develop your understanding of effective communication and collaboration.
You will also be introduced to leading and managing change, explore how to develop a compelling vision, and apply practical problem-solving and decision-making models to real challenges in your setting.
By the end of this course, you will have a stronger sense of who you are as a leader, how you lead, and how you can use that understanding to make a meaningful difference in your school community.
What will you learn?
Exploring definitions of leadership; The MISK context, vision, and values; Aligning personal values with the MISK ethos.
Key leadership theories (e.g., transformational, servant, situational); Leadership style self-assessment and reflection; Analysing leadership styles in the workplace.
Analysing the roles and responsibilities of school leaders (VP, Principal, DG); Effective communication and collaboration strategies for leaders.
Introduction to leading and managing change; Developing a compelling vision; Applying problem-solving and decision-making models.
Course Requirements
Qualification Needed: Bachelor / Masters / PHD in Education Major degree
GPA: 2.75 out of 4, and 3.75+ out of 5.
Years of Experience: 3+ years of teaching experience or min 2 years school leadership experience
English Language Proficiency: Must achieve IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46–59 or STEP 76–82 or Linguaskill 162–168 (B2).
Applicants who hold academic degrees from European or American universities, as well as those with qualifications from countries where English is the native language, are exempt from the English language proficiency test requirement.
Sessions in the Course
Welcome to Foundational Leadership for Vice Principals
Welcome
Task 1: Exploring Leadership and the Misk Ethos
TED Talk: Cultivating Courage and Compassion in Leadership
Princess Reema Bandar al-Saud’s vision for the women of Saudi Arabia | Masters of Scale Summit 2022
Task 2: Drafting your leadership philosophy (Capstone Project Preparation)
C4 - Module 1: Understanding Leadership
Explore leadership theories, values and roles, develop your vision, and build the communication and decision-making skills to lead effectively in your school.Vice Principal Track
C4 - Module 1: Understanding Leadership
Explore leadership theories, values and roles, develop your vision, and build the communication and decision-making skills to lead effectively in your school.
Vice Principal TrackThis course includes:
- Course Dates: From 2026-08-23to2026-09-20
- Duration: 60 hours
- Days: 20 days
- Enrollments: 1 enrollment
- Level: Vice Principal Track Year 1



