Leader of English and Line Manager of Literacy Lead

Downland School is a co-educational maintained community special school for pupils aged between 10 and 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Our pupils have varying aptitudes and abilities; we are extremely proud of all their achievements and progress. Our pupils have a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including: Autism (ASC); attachment disorders and Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. We seek to ensure that, by the time they leave us, our pupils emerge as self-confident individuals able to manage their own learning; equipped with the skills and competencies to successfully take the next steps in their lives.

We are a friendly, happy and caring school, providing a positive, inclusive and enriching educational experience for our young people. We view each of our pupils as unique and shape our provision to meet their individual needs and accelerate their progress in a variety of areas e.g. personal, social, academic and well-being. Our commitment to supporting the ‘whole’ child and their development is underpinned by our strong pastoral systems and our committed and trained staff. At Downland we promote inclusion and equality and celebrate diversity.

Our mission statement is ‘Aspire, Achieve and Thrive’.

We are now looking to appoint a dynamic and ambitious Leader of English who has a proven record in raising achievement. This is an exciting opportunity to join our enthusiastic, committed and professional team and to teach pupils from year 6 to year 11.

You will have a passion for your subject, a track record of outstanding teaching and the ability to teach pupils with SEND. You will fully participate in developing English across the school and initiatives to secure outstanding teaching and learning in all aspects of school life. You will have a strong commitment to the wider pastoral role and wish to make a significant positive impact on our young people’s lives, securing the very best outcomes.

Can you raise aspirations and rise to the challenge?

Key areas of work will include:

·    Leading the development of the English curriculum to drive up the quality of English provision at Downland School

·    Inspiring the quality of teaching and learning within the department

·    Supporting the implementation of the whole school Literacy strategy

·    Actively promoting innovation and creativity with a SEN focus across the department and the wider school

·    Focusing strongly on raising levels of progress and attainment through accurate assessment of data which is used across the school, using a range of evaluation methods which align with the school’s self-evaluation processes

·    Focusing on developing the needs of the whole child

·    Teaching mixed ability class groups of pupils with complex SEND

·    Participating fully in all aspects of pastoral care and wider school life

Enthusiasm and commitment to working with and raising achievement for pupils with SEND is paramount to us; you will be expected to actively demonstrate the school’s core values and embrace ‘The Downland Way’.

To apply, you should submit a letter addressed to Mrs Keily-Theobald (Headteacher) of no more than 2 sides of A4 with your application form addressing the requirements of the post, as outlined in the Job Description and the Person Specification provided. We are particularly interested in how you would undertake this role at Downland School and about your relevant skills, qualities and experience to date. Applications received without a supporting letter will not be considered and CVs will not be accepted.

Please email completed application forms and your covering letter to Tanya Rhodes, HR, Admin Lead and Deputy Finance & Estate Manager, at tanyarhodes@downland.wilts.sch.uk  

We welcome visits to the school. Please contact Tanya Rhodes, HR, Admin Lead and Deputy Finance & Estate Manager, if you would like to arrange a visit in advance of applying.

Applications must be received by 9.00am on Monday 20 May 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by e-mail. If you do not hear from us by end of 20 May 2024, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 22 May 2024.

Downland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks before appointment is confirmed.