Appointment of DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING: ENGLISH

Transcription

1 Appointment of DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING: ENGLISH PERMANENT FULL-TIME MPR/UPR plus TLR 1b currently 9,379 A Retention & Recruitment Allowance is available for an experienced Teacher of English with a proven track record For September 2017 Closing Date for Applications: No later than noon on Friday 21 April

2 THE POST: DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING: ENGLISH THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT The English department at The Fallibroome Academy is staffed by a team of highly committed teachers. Colleagues work collaboratively, with some colleagues holding particular areas of responsibility. We have the good fortune to benefit from an English Assistant who supports colleagues with their clerical and day-to-day tasks. The department has produced a range of excellent results at both GCSE (Language and Literature) and A Level. We offer A Level English Language and English Literature and uptake for these courses is high. The English department also works closely with the Learning Support department. Arrangements for support are currently focussed on the National Literacy Strategy and the new curriculum for Key Stage 3. The department also has strong links with the school library. Students are often involved in author visits, author workshops and competitions. The department has been consistently highly commended in OFSTED Inspections: Very good planning, underpinned by teachers excellent subject knowledge, results in lessons with a wide range of teaching methods which engage students interest. The inspections in 2002, 2006 and 2013 showed that this had been sustained and Teaching & Learning, both in the department and across the school, were awarded the grade Outstanding. In the recent inspection (no awards are now given) the team commented upon the department s impressive assessment procedures and many department colleagues were awarded outstanding for their teaching.

3 Colleagues within the department often offer extra assistance, support and guidance to students outside of lesson times. The department aims to instil a love of language into students as well as promote independent thinkers and learners. The Curriculum: Key Stage 3 Following the National Curriculum changes in Key Stage 3, the department has created a new set of Schemes of Work which includes the study of all aspects of literature and language. These range from An Introduction to Literature (Year 7) to Epic Poetry (Year 8) to writing a creative piece based upon the study of Macbeth (Year 9). The department also focusses on technical accuracy and the improvement of spelling, punctuation and grammar. In Year 7 students work in mixed-ability classes. In Years 8 and 9 students are banded by ability in each half of the year.

4 Key Stage 4 In Years 10 and 11 students are banded for GCSE and as with the new regulations all students will study both English Language and Literature (AQA). Examination results are very good with students usually gaining between 80-95% in GCSE English and GCSE English Literature. In most years a number of students have gained full marks in both subjects. Such is the quality of both teaching and learning. The Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning closely monitors students work and results with a strict system of underachievement addressed. Given the new focus of examinations resting purely upon terminal examinations the department regularly insists upon understanding being tested in timed conditions. Key Stage 5 In the Sixth Form students can choose from AQA English Language and AQA (syllabus A) English Literature at AS level or A Level. Large numbers of students currently follow one of the two English A-level courses. Some students study both. Results are strong, with a very high proportion of candidates achieving grades A* -B. Each year a number of students continue their studies and love of English at University. Extra-Curricular The department has entered local and national competitions. It has also organised in-house performances of literature texts both at GCSE and A Level. Theatre trips, study trips, live streams and A Level workshops are organised where applicable and in some years the department offers debating societies and subject-specific clubs. Teaching Accommodation The department is largely concentrated in one area of the school with each room equipped with an interactive whiteboard. The department has its own suite of rooms and a number of store rooms.

5

6 THE POST: DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING: ENGLISH JOB SPECIFICATION Salary: MPR/UPR plus TLR 1b (currently 9,379) (A Retention & Recruitment Allowance is available for an experienced Teacher of English with a proven track record) Responsible to: Responsibilities: The Headteacher via the appropriate Line Manager. Your responsibilities as a teacher are those laid down in the current Schoolteachers' Pay and Conditions document, which is available for inspection at school. In addition, you are required to undertake the following duties and responsibilities for which a Teaching and Learning Responsibility Allowance has been awarded: Responsibilities of a Director of Teaching and Learning a) To be accountable for all aspects of the teaching of your subject/area throughout the curriculum and to be responsible for the development and monitoring of the relevant cross-curricular skills or activities throughout the school, as appropriate. To be responsible for the quality of learning and progress of all groups of learners within the curriculum area. b) To sustain and improve the climate for learning and promote high standards by effective: Leadership securing commitment to our vision of creating a world class school applying a positive and optimistic approach to the management of change inspiring, motivating and influencing staff leading by example, taking responsibility and being aware of the power of symbolic conduct contributing positively to strategic thinking and planning Management managing the people for whom you are directly responsible with respect and good humour managing the financial and other resources within your sphere of responsibility communicating effectively monitoring and evaluating performance and delivering results

7 c) To lead the department s contribution to the development of Teaching and Learning in line with the strands of the School Improvement Plan d) To complete and maintain the department s Ofsted self-evaluation profile and generate appropriate evidence to secure judgements about standards of attainment and achievement within the department/area. Ofsted evaluation schedule: Characteristics of the department Views of stakeholders Achievement and standards Personal development and well-being Provision - Teaching and learning - Curriculum - Guidance, care and support Leadership and management. e) To ensure the department contributes to the school s compliance with current education legislation. f) To use the evidence gathered to inform the planning cycle of: review, analysis and comparison of performance; target setting; planning to take action; and implementation, monitoring and self-evaluation. g) To advise the Headteacher about the recruitment and appointment of department staff. h) To act as a Team Leader in the school s performance management programme. i) To manage the tasks associated with this level of responsibility (see appropriate guidance sheet). In addition, you will be expected to undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required of you from time to time by the Headteacher or Vice Principal up to a level commensurate with the main responsibilities of your job.

8 THE POST: DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING: ENGLISH PERSON SPECIFICATION The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate most or all of the following characteristics: Achievements 1. A good honours degree or equivalent in English. 2. Qualified Teacher Status. Experience/Knowledge 3. Effective teaching experience across the age and ability range. 4. A good technical understanding of the requirements for the teaching of English. 5. Experience of forging links within the wider community, such as primary schools or local industry. 6. An understanding of the National Curriculum requirements for the teaching of English. 7. An awareness of the way in which English influences the whole school curriculum. 8. Competence and confidence in the use of IT as a tool for learning. 9. An awareness and knowledge of the issues surrounding the safeguarding of children. Personal Qualities 10. An enthusiasm for teaching and an interest in learning strategies. 11. An interest in the development of young people and their needs. 12. Sound communication and organisational skills. 13. The ability to form good relationships with staff and students. 14. Drive, energy and teacher warmth. 15. A commitment to the importance of the work of the form tutor. 16. A commitment to high standards in personal work. 17. A commitment to continued professional development. 18. The ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines. 19. A record of good health and attendance. 20. Smart personal appearance.

9 21. A willingness to support and promote the ethos and standards of the school. 22. A sense of humour. In addition to the candidate s ability to perform the duties of the post, the interview will also explore issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including: Motivation to work with children and young people Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours, and Attitudes to use of authority and maintaining discipline.

10 THE POST: DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING: ENGLISH PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION If you wish to be considered for this vacancy you should complete the enclosed application form. In addition, you are asked to submit a concise letter of application. This should be word-processed (12 pt) and should not exceed two pages in length that includes the following information: Describe how your experience and particular achievements make you a strong candidate for this position. Explain how you have made a positive and measurable difference in previous positions. Please note that only applications on the school s application form will be considered. Candidates who submit a CV will also not be short-listed. Additional sheets may be attached to the back of the application form if there is insufficient space. Completed applications should be returned to Mr Power, Headteacher, to arrive no later than noon on Friday 21 April. If you have not heard from us by the end of May, regretfully you must assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion, in which case the Governors would like to thank you for your time and your interest in the school. Please note that we do not normally arrange informal visits for prospective candidates before short-listing has taken place, but if you wish to have an informal discussion about the post in advance of your application, or if you require any further details, please contact Francis Power, Headteacher. Tel: jobs@fallibroome.org.uk We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and appointments are made subject to enhanced DBS disclosure. A Place for Excellence