Head of English

We are looking for a Head of English to join Orchard Park High School and become an integral member of our team.

Our English department is hugely successful. The curriculum is vigorous, thoroughly sourced with booklets, assemblies and teacher guides. We cover a broad range of texts from across time and constantly develop the subject knowledge of staff in the highest quality of CPD. We benefit from a Trust wide subject network, a 2 i/c, a lead practitioner and English teachers within the Senior team. Every school day begins with tutor reading and our library is at the heart of our school.

Greenshaw Learning Trust is a highly successful multi academy trust that provides excellent quality, comprehensive, non-selective and inclusive education through primary schools and secondary schools. Our schools are based in London, Surrey, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Plymouth.

We are building a family of like-minded schools, that collaborate to provide mutual support, share their good practice and learn from each other, whilst retaining and developing their own distinctive character. We thrive from collaboration at every level. We encourage a culture of sharing ideas and learning from one another. As a Trust of schools, we are ‘Always Learning’.

Main responsibilities:

• To set, monitor and evaluate the pupil progress in KS3 and in KS4 public examinations to make a measurable contribution to whole school performance
• To lead curriculum development to ensure the delivery of an appropriate, comprehensive, ambitious, resourced, high quality and cost-effective curriculum programme
• To drive departmental improvement which contributes positively to the achievement of the school development plan and which actively involves all subject teachers in its direction and implementation
• To engage all subject staff in the creation, consistent implementation and ongoing improvement of schemes of learning
• To work closely with GLT on curriculum as required
• To review teaching and learning, monitoring the progress of all pupils including those identified as requiring additional support (SEN) and the highest attaining students
• To ensure all pupils achieve success
• To provide regular feedback for subject colleagues in a way which recognises best practice and supports their progress.
• To ensure all subject staff understand, and are actively implementing, the key aspects of the school’s behaviour and inclusion policies
• To act as a role model in leading subject staff through own high-quality teaching, continuous professional development and professional presence in the department
• To contribute to the development of whole school strategic planning and policies through membership of the Subject Leaders group
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that the school safeguarding/child protection policy is adhered to and concerns are raised in accordance with this policy
• To ensure the efficient deployment, organisation and upkeep of resources, including the responsibility that rooms and areas used by the department provide a safe, high quality environment for learning
• To prepare for and attend regular line management meetings with a member of SLT
• To support the school development of literacy across the curriculum
• To support the wider running of the school by contributing to duties, policies, meetings and the daily life of the school.

You will need:

• QTS and hold a recognised degree or equivalent level in English
• Experience of classroom teaching within a secondary setting
• Demonstrable experience of improving pupil outcomes
• Experience as a form tutor and/or pastoral work
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of current issues in supporting the English curriculum
• Understanding or experience of leadership and management of a subject department

We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or adjustments to interact with us, please let us know.

Greenshaw Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment.