Candidate Brief Teacher of English & Drama January 2018 REQ000140
Bradford Grammar School Bradford Grammar School is one of the oldest and most respected institutions in Bradford, tracing its roots back to 1548. Recognised as a beacon of educational excellence, the School achieves exceptional public examination results. In 2017, 21% of all A-Level entries were awarded A* (compared to 8.1% nationally) and 56% of all entries were graded A* or A (compared to 25.8% nationally). Our GCSE results in 2017 were record-breaking, with 47% of all entries graded A*. 71% of all GCSE entries were graded A* or A. At the same time, the School places a premium on nurturing well-rounded, interesting and decent young people who are actively engaged in various interests outside of the classroom. Sport and the creative arts are flourishing; the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and volunteering projects remain popular. Academic success is celebrated, but there is far more to life at Bradford Grammar School than exam results. The School reflects the diversity of its host city, welcoming children from many different backgrounds, faiths and cultures. Parents and the wider community value this strength within the School, regarding it as an invaluable preparation for the world that children will encounter in their later lives. Creating a sense of community is hugely important for the School. Relationships with local schools and the local council are also excellent. The School moved to its current 25-acre site in Frizinghall in 1949 and it has continually invested in the campus since that time. Facilities are outstanding, including wellequipped laboratories and teaching rooms, sports hall, 25m swimming pool, sports pavilion, all-weather sports pitch, squash and tennis courts, a refurbished dining hall, recording studio, music auditorium, a dedicated sixth-form centre, a new three-storey science/social science faculty building, state-of-the-art library, a theatre and one of the finest assembly halls in the UK. All the buildings are maintained to a very high standard, and all of this has been accomplished without incurring debt as the School s financial position is extremely strong. Governance of the School has been consistently excellent since independence in 1975.
Bradford Grammar School provides an outstanding education was the headline conclusion of the School s last Inspection report in November 2011 and the School has made determined efforts to build upon that success. It has been ranked as one of the ten best value private schools in the UK (Daily Telegraph) with a first-class, academic and outward looking approach (Good Schools Guide). A richly cosmopolitan district, Bradford combines areas undergoing urban regeneration with areas of considerable affluence, the latter especially in the Wharfe Valley. It is also a district with considerable entrepreneurial spirit. In recent times, Bradford has undergone significant city-centre redevelopment. The city is home to two successful higher and further educational institutions the University of Bradford and Bradford College. There are strong sporting and cultural highlights, including the award-winning National Science and Media Museum, the nearby Bradford City FC, Bradford Bulls RLFC, Salem RUFC, Ben Rhydding Hockey Club, Ilkley Tennis Club, the Alhambra Theatre and St George s Hall which host a wide range of concert performances. With excellent road and rail links, including a station served by the Airedale and Wharfedale lines within a five-minute walk, the School benefits from a large catchment area across West Yorkshire. Fifty-seven per cent of pupils have homes with Bradford postcodes (this includes the Aire Valley and Skipton) with the remaining 43 per cent having Leeds (primarily Ilkley, Adel and Horsforth), Halifax, Huddersfield and Wakefield postcodes. Click here to find our location.
The Department The BGS English and Drama Department is confident and forward thinking and has a significant presence in school life. We set high academic standards and aim to provide for all our students the best possible learning experience. We aim to enable pupils to develop confidence in their own abilities, be sensitive readers, fluent writers, good listeners and empathic, confident communicators who can think creatively and independently. Each member of the English team is passionate about their subject and strives to enthuse, engage and challenge each student they teach. As a team we are committed to being a department that rigorously monitors, evaluates and reviews its teaching so that good practice is shared. We pursue a relentless focus on teaching and learning, and schemes of learning are kept lively and interesting for the students. All members of the English and Drama Department contribute to classes in all year groups within the school, including the Sixth Form. Pupils are taught in form groups of no more than 25 in Years 7 to 11 and Sixth Form group sizes range from 8 to 15 pupils. BGS pupils are bright and rise to academic and extra-curricular challenges. As well as a very strong academic presence within the school we also offer a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. Our programmes of study and schemes of work for years 7, 8 and 9 shadow national frameworks and equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed at IGCSE. In years 10 and 11 all students follow a programme of study for Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE. They take both English Language (syllabus code 0500) and English Literature (syllabus code 0486). At Key Stage 5 the department offers the following external specifications: OCR A-Level English Literature AQA A-Level English Language AQA A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies Additional information Most lessons take place in rooms along a pleasant upper corridor in the main building. KS3 Drama lessons and some Theatre Studies lessons take place in the Hockney Theatre. All rooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards and projectors and also have a conventional white board and a networked computer. Additional workspace and staff computers are available in our Departmental office. Book stocks are substantial and the department is extremely well-resourced; stationery and photocopying facilities are readily available.
The Role All teachers at Bradford Grammar School are responsible for the delivery of their subject(s) to their allocated classes. In this task, the subject teacher is directly responsible to the Head of Department. In addition, most teachers will be required to be Form Tutors and hence play a central part in the pastoral care of pupils In this duty, Form Tutors are directly responsible to the Head of Year. The successful candidate will be able to teach A Level English Language, GCSE English Language and Literature as well as Key Stage 3 in English and Drama, and possibly some drama at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. A willingness to play a full part in the extra-curricular life of the department and the school is also essential. In addition to this the successful candidate will be a forceful advocate for English and Drama as academic disciplines, will have high expectations of what pupils can achieve and be at ease with excellence. He or she will also see English and Drama as subjects that make a positive difference to pupils self-esteem and to their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. All roles within the School carry the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
The Person Inspirational, well qualified teacher. Excellent listening and communication skills, both verbal and written. Demonstrable high level organisational and time management skills. Resilient, thorough approach with a positive can do attitude. A team-player with the willingness to be flexible and can be committed to contributing to a full programme of extra-curricular activities.
What we offer The successful candidate will benefit from an attractive package including: Enhanced annual salary scales above the state sector; Membership of the Teachers Pension Scheme; All School holidays in accordance with the published dates in the School s calendar; Generous remission on School fees; Salary sacrifice schemes for: o Cycle to Work o Childcare Vouchers Employee Discount Platform; Free parking; Free school meals during term-time; Employee Assistance Programme; Private Medical Insurance and Health Cash Plans at cost.
How to apply All candidates should complete the online application form, including a personal statement outlining how they meet the requirements for the role. CVs cannot be accepted. The closing date for completed applications is 12 Noon on Friday 15 September 2017. To apply online please click here Please read the safer recruitment document thoroughly by clicking on the link below Self Disclosure Form To provide false information is an offence and may result in your application being rejected or summary dismissal, if already appointed. Selection for interview will be undertaken by a panel. Each panel member will assess which candidates most closely meet the necessary experience and skills criteria for the role. If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will be expected to teach a lesson (details will be provided to you in advance) which will be observed, as well as having an interview with the panel. At least one member of the interview panel will hold a current Safer Recruitment Certificate.
At ease with excellence