Communication & Leadership

Overview

This 60-minute professional development session supports Year 13 learners (adults) in enhancing communication and leadership, aligned with the UK Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) framework for Personal Development and Employability skills. The lesson is designed for a 1:1 setting and can be repeated twice weekly over 3 months to build sustained competence and confidence.

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Curriculum for Excellence Links

• Experiences and Outcomes (Es & Os):

  • LIT 3-10a: I can select ideas and relevant information, develop points clearly and use an effective structure to suit my purpose and audience.
  • LIT 3-09a: I am learning to adapt tone, vocabulary, and style for a range of communication purposes.
  • EXA 3-03a: I can communicate in a clear, expressive way using speaking and listening skills, working with others in groups or individually.
  • HWB 3-17a: I understand and can apply skills of self-awareness and reflection to improve my personal effectiveness.

• Skills for Learning, Life and Work:

  • Personal effectiveness (reflection, goal-setting)
  • Effective communication
  • Leadership and collaboration
  • Negotiation and critical thinking

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, learners will:

1. Reflect critically on their communication strengths and areas for growth in a professional context.
2. Identify and prioritise key communication and leadership skills to develop.
3. Co-create a personalised 3-month development roadmap aligned to professional goals.
4. Apply practical strategies to enhance communication effectiveness—avoiding over-talking, improving presentation, and engaging listeners.

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Materials Needed

• Reflection worksheet (printed or digital) with guided questions and space for notes
• Priority selection checklist with six focus areas and checkboxes
• Template for 3-month roadmap (large visual or interactive digital format)
• Visual tips sheet summarising communication strategies ("5-second rule," sentence upgrading, reflective questioning)

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Lesson Activities

1. Strengths Reflection (15 minutes)

• Activity: Learner completes a structured reflection worksheet with guided prompts:
  • What are your current strengths in communication and leadership?
  • Can you describe a recent professional situation where you felt confident speaking or leading?
  • What feedback have you received about your communication style?
• Teacher Role: Facilitate discussion to draw out professional observations and relate reflections to CfE descriptors (HWB 3-17a).

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2. Priority Areas Selection (10 minutes)

• Activity: Learner reviews and selects 1–3 priority areas for development from:
  • Leading meetings
  • Speaking without hesitation
  • Professional vocabulary
  • Pronunciation
  • Negotiation language
  • Presentation structure
• Teacher Role: Support decision by explaining how each area aligns with CfE goals for leadership and communication skills.

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3. 3-Month Roadmap Co-Creation (15 minutes)

• Activity: Using a visual roadmap template, co-plan monthly focus aligned with learner choice:
  • Month 1: Fluency & structure
  • Month 2: Leadership & negotiation
  • Month 3: High-level presentations
• Define specific, actionable goals for each month (e.g., confidently lead a meeting, apply negotiation language in role-play).
• Teacher Role: Guide SMART goal-setting and encourage linking roadmap with real-world professional scenarios (LIT 3-10a, EXA 3-03a).

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4. Practical Communication Tips (15 minutes)

• Activity: Present and practise communication strategies visually and interactively:
  • 5-Second Rule: Pause 5 seconds before responding—builds confidence and prevents over-talking.
  • Upgrading Sentences: Expand short answers with value add without sounding lecturing (example practice given).
  • Reflective Questions: Replace statements with questions that promote conversation and critical thinking.
• Learner applies tips in a short role-play scenario designed by teacher according to chosen priorities.
• Teacher Role: Provide formative feedback linked to CfE communication skills descriptors.

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5. Summary and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Prompt learner to summarise key insights from today’s session.
• Agree on commitment for next session’s focus.
• Confirm learner’s confidence in roadmap and strategies.

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Assessment & Evidence

• Completed self-reflection worksheet demonstrating personal insight and professional observations (HWB 3-17a).
• Prioritisation checklist with rationale for decisions (LIT 3-09a).
• Co-created monthly roadmap document showing goal clarity and progression planning (LIT 3-10a).
• Observation notes on application of communication strategies in role-play, demonstrating active use of CfE learning intentions (EXA 3-03a).

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Extension Ideas for Twice-Weekly Sessions

• Alternate weeks focus on practical implementation of roadmap goals through tailored role-plays, real-world case study discussions, and peer feedback opportunities.
• Introduce digital recording for self-review and progressive fluency improvement.
• Facilitate peer or mentor-led negotiation and leadership simulations.

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Visual Aids Suggestions

• Use a flow-chart style roadmap visual with icons for each month’s focus.
• Infographic of practical communication tips using simple icons and brief explanatory text.
• Reflection worksheet with boxes for notes arranged clearly by question.

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This plan strengthens lifelong employability skills through reflective, personalised learning deeply rooted in the Curriculum for Excellence, supporting Year 13 learners to become confident communicators and inspiring leaders.