Head of English

Head of English

The Role

We are seeking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced person to this middle leadership position. The Head of English is responsible for the leadership and development of English throughout the secondary school. The Head of English leads the English Department which consists of six members of staff, overseeing their work, the English curriculum, reporting and examination results, and improving teaching and learning. The Head of English reports to the Deputy Head Academic and Head, and works alongside the Key Stage Coordinators and other Heads of Department.

 Person Specification

The successful applicant will possess many or all of the following attributes:

Ø  Personal integrity, intellectual agility and emotional intelligence

Ø  A commitment to teamwork, flexibility and generosity of spirit and the ability to forge working relationships with all members of the school community

Ø  A sense of humour and proportion and the ability to self-manage successfully, especially under pressure

Ø  A meticulous eye for detail, as well as the ability to see the ‘big picture’

Ø  An ease with analysing and presenting educational data

Ø  A passion for developing Teaching and Learning

Ø  A good degree in a relevant subject

Ø  Successful teaching experience

Ø  The ability to inspire confidence and respect amongst colleagues, pupils and all relevant audiences

Ø  A high level of administrative efficiency and communication

Ø  An interest in the Co-curricular life of the School

Roles and responsibilities of the Head of English

Whilst this job description gives an indication of the range of responsibilities, it should not be regarded as definitive and may be subject to change.

Strategic and General Managment

Ø  To help to develop, communicate and implement a vision for Teaching and Learning within the School

Ø  To oversee the creation of engaging, rigorous schemes of work for Key Stage 3 through to GCSE and A-Level

Ø  To oversee the organization of trips, academic societies, and events to promote English, including supporting university applications

Ø  To oversee risk assessment and safeguarding in the department

Ø  To oversee the progress and stocking of the English section of the library

Ø  To assist with day to day management of the school

Ø  To routinely attend school events as required

Ø  To teach around two thirds of a normal timetable

Academic Policy and Management

Ø  To lead the development of academic policy in the Department

Ø  To manage and develop the English curriculum, reviewing its implementation and impact

Ø  To liaise with the Head over staffing of the English Department

Ø  To lead on the administration of option choices

Ø  To lead on the department Development Planning cycle

Ø  To lead on Academic Data and usage of, Assessment and Reporting

Ø  To develop and refine the process of academic budgeting within the department, ensuring appropriate resources, including IT, are used effectively

Ø  To collate predicted grades and produce exam analysis

Ø  To use data to inform practices, expectations, targets and teaching methods.

Ø  To monitor curriculum coverage, continuity and progression for all pupils, including those of high ability and those with special educational or linguistic needs.  

Leading Staff

Ø  To assist with the process of selection of new staff

Ø  To advise on the deployment of members of the teaching staff

Ø  To provide support and advice to members of the English Department and to play a role in their appraisal

Ø  To be responsible for leading subject meetings, organising agendas and the drafting of minutes. Ensuring all documentation is efficiently distributed to parties concerned and are stored on the department’s area on the school system

Ø  To lead and support the continuing improvement in standards of teaching and learning in the department

Ø  To provide support and advice to English Staff and to lead the Department Review

Ø  To work with, consult and advise Learning Support

Ø  To coordinate with the Careers Advisor

Ø  To ensure that visually the classroom environment enthuses and engages

Ø  To assist in the annual planning of a staff CPD programme

Ø  To monitor and advise on schemes of work

Parental

Ø  To respond to concerns raised by parents, pupils and staff as necessary

Ø  To oversee and advise on contact with parents about academic delivery and progress

Ø  To be available from the day before public examinations results days and thereafter to advise pupils and parents