Reflective Essay
Prepare a 3500 word essay evaluating/ critiquing a part of an organisation you work in now, or one you have worked for in the past.
You can choose one of the following topic areas:
1. Leadership
2. Management
3. Culture
4. Strategy
Examples of past assignments have included:
• ‘A critique/ evaluation of school X’s culture following academisation’
• ‘A critical evaluation of an FE College’s organisational structures and impact on
distributed leadership’
• ‘The construction and implementation of a new appraisal policy at a GFE College, using
a three stage model of analysis’
• ‘The implications of culture and instructional leadership in XYZ International School’
• ‘A critical review of ‘Strategic Plan 2016-2021’ at College W’
Structure of the essay
An effective reflective essay needs to include the following:
1. Title page with your student number, title, word count
2. Abstract (optional)
3. Short contents page
4. Introduction
5. Main section – including sub-headings for sections
6. Reference list (not included in word count) using APA guidelines
Within the introduction, it is expected that:
• There should be a short introduction of the educational establishment that you are
discussing and the broad context as to the topic/ factor you are investigating
Within the main section, it is expected that there is:
• A literature review of the topic area/ factor (this can be a standalone section or
embedded in the critical review discussion)
• Contextualisation of the topic/ factor to the establishment in question
• A critical review of the establishment’s current practices, in a balanced manner
• A conclusion with future recommendations and actions (for your establishment)
offered
• All of the above is informed by current research literature
• The essay can be split into sections, divided with sub-headings where appropriate
