Curriculum Leader for History (KS4 and Post-16)

We are pleased to advertise an exciting opportunity to lead the History curriculum in a unique and vibrant creative arts academy with students who are truly delightful.

Birmingham Ormiston Academy is a 14-19 academy specialising in Creative, Digital and Performing Arts. Students must earn a place on their chosen arts pathway through an aptitude process, which means they value their place at the academy. As a result, behaviour is exemplary. The Academy opened in September 2011 and has over 1000 students on roll (350 at KS4 and 650 at Post-16). Students’ results speak for themselves and are well above the national average.  In 2023, for example, 80% of students in Year 11 achieved at least 5 standard GCSE passes including English and Mathematics, which placed BOA in the top 15% of schools nationally (SSAT).

We are rightly proud of our recent Ofsted report (May 2023) which gives a true picture of what life in the academy is like. We highly recommend that you read the report before applying and that you book a tour with the Vice Principal to get a feel for our ethos, to meet our fantastic students, and to gain an impression of the learning environment. Our report can be found here: (https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50223511)

We are seeking to appoint a Curriculum Leader for History to lead GCSE History and A' Level History within the Humanities Faculty. Results in the department are excellent. Students in Key Stage 4 are entered for AQA GCSE History. Typically, there are 4 classes of GCSE History in each year group at Key Stage 4, with around 80 students in each cohort split across these classes. In addition, there are strong A' Level groups in Year 12 and 13. Schemes of learning for both courses are completely bespoke and fully resourced with our own high-quality lessons and formative assessments, taking full account of teacher workload.

This is an ideal position for an emerging middle leader.

The Academy is looking for someone who has:

• Qualified teacher status and a degree - ideally - in History
• A strong track record as an exceptional Teacher of History who can demonstrate emerging leadership and management qualities.
• A belief in the importance of History to society, and the ability to communicate this to students at all levels of attainment.
• An in-depth knowledge of relevant examination content and the ways in which it is commonly assessed.
• A thoughtful approach and the ability to reflect on the effectiveness of teaching and make impactful improvements.
• The ability to inspire high achievement in young people from all backgrounds.
• The ability to lead and work closely with others as part of a small team.
• Reliability and strong personal organisation and time-management skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• The ability to guide students’ academic, personal, and professional development as a form tutor.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt positively in the face of change.
• An excellent record of attendance and punctuality.

We are looking for an exceptional professional who will play a crucial role in shaping the History curriculum at our vibrant institution. You will have high expectations and be able to manage colleagues, as well as working effectively as part of a team. 

This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference to the future of education within a world-class academy. If you share the academy’s vision and ambition, possess a strong desire to work within an ethos of creative collaboration and partnership and want to have a positive impact on young people, families and the community then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Applications should be made online. Please use the supporting statement to detail why you have decided to apply for the position and to demonstrate how your skills, knowledge, personal achievements and previous experience match the person specification.

Closing date: 9.00am on 13th June 2022

We reserve the right to interview ahead of the closing date should we receive an exceptionally strong field of applications.

Start date: 1st September 2024

Birmingham Ormiston Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.