Director of Modern Foreign Languages

Arden is a truly exceptional school at the heart of the community and the peak of academic excellence. Situated just minutes off Junction 5 of the M42 and only 3 miles from the town of Solihull, visitors are astounded by our confident and articulate students. Our recent Ofsted report spoke about the culture of ‘exceptionally high aspirations that permeate the school and ‘the positive relationships between staff and pupils’ where ‘teachers teach individuals, not classes’. As an innovative school always striving for better there is a constant drive to achieve maximum personal and academic potential and as part of a Multi Academy Trust there is the opportunity for exceptional training and the sharing of knowledge and ideas.

We are looking to appoint a passionate and highly driven Director of Modern Foreign Languages who has the vision and ambition to lead a talented and successful department. The successful candidate will have excellent subject knowledge and an excellent knowledge of the curriculum with the ability to motivate students through inspirational, personalised teaching.

The successful candidate will lead the Head of French, Head of German and Head of Spanish with an unrelenting drive to continually develop and improve the delivery of languages learning to ensure our students have the highest quality experiences of Modern Foreign Languages across all key stages.

The position can also include a wider whole-school responsibility for a candidate with the right skill set and experience, although this is not essential. We are equally as excited by the prospect of supporting an ambitious colleague with less leadership experience to step into a larger role in leading language learning across our three languages and three key stages.

We encourage skilled and highly motivated practitioners of all levels of experience to apply. We are committed to supporting the right person to develop within this position through high-quality leadership coaching.

We are offering two opportunities to visit our fantastic school to get a first hand experience of the aspirational, supportive learning environment that sets our school aside from others. These visits will consist of an opportunity to see the department, meet some of our fantastic students and have a coffee and a chat with the Associate Headteacher and Senior Leaders who line manage MFL and teaching and learning.

Visits are available at the following times:

• Wednesday 4th January 2:30pm – 4pm
• Friday 6th January 2:30pm – 4pm

For more details please contact Mrs J McCrone to confirm your interest by emailing Jmccrone@arden.solihull.sch.uk

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented inspiring teacher to join a thriving school to:

• work with students who are committed to their learning and passionate about their own development
• further develop an already high-functioning department of 8 skilled teachers
• lead the ongoing development and embedding of a high-quality language curriculum across KS3 to KS5
• develop or extend existing leadership skills through leading three existing heads of individual languages
• extend leadership skills with the opportunity work on aspects of whole-school development
• work to raise the outcomes for all pupils by inspiring and motivating students and staff alike

The school prides itself on its language offering. French is taught through Year 7 and 8 and students may opt for a second language in Year 9. French, German and Spanish are taught to both GCSE and A Level. Our A Level language uptake is something we are proud of with students studying A Level languages in French, Spanish and German. The successful applicant should, therefore, have the ability to teach at least two languages to GCSE and one to A Level.

The department currently has 7 full-time and 1 part-time member of staff and we are looking for an inspiring leader who has the highest of aspirations for both staff and students, who is committed and passionate about language learning. Leadership experience is not essential but applicants must be able to demonstrate the skills required to lead a department and have an ambition for the very highest performance of the school.

Our languages department provides a wealth of opportunities to our students through trips and visits across Europe.

In every way, the Languages Department mirrors the aims and beliefs of the school. All staff work hard, supported by a committed leadership team, to provide a safe and encouraging environment for learning. Arden students love to acquire new knowledge and skills. Our teachers relish the opportunity to deliver engaging, challenging lessons to committed students, supported by caring and supportive families.

The school has an excellent record of success at GCSE and A Level.  

The opportunity for personal development and progression at Arden is enormous. An active commitment to staff development through a strong and consistent focus and dialogue around teaching & learning pedagogy makes this an ideal position for candidates committed to being the best practitioner they can be. Middle leader development continues to be a core focus of our school and our Trust.

Children of staff who are permanently employed at Arden Academy are eligible for a ‘staff’ priority for our main school and Sixth Form admissions (please see Admissions on our school website for full details).

Opportunities don’t arise very often to teach at a school like Arden and due to the success of our professional development programmes and a commitment to developing our staff, it is rare for leadership positions of this type to become available.  

In return, we can offer you:

A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors.

Enthusiastic students who enjoy learning and engage positively in all aspects of school life.

As part of a Multi Academy Trust, access to high quality continuing professional development and the opportunity for personal growth and development.

Commitment to Middle Leader Development through:

• Middle Leader cross-trust training
• Middle Leader progress meetings with Associate Head teacher and Executive Head teacher
• Middle Leader support through highly effective SLT Line Manager

A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity.

A Senior Leadership team who is committed to promoting the best environment and out comes for staff and students.

Use of your own personal laptop

Teacher Pension

Cycle to Work scheme

Outstanding school catering provision

Further details are available to download below or from our school website via the Apply button. Application forms should be completed in full and attached to a letter of application. CVs will not be accepted. Please address all correspondence to Mr D Warwood, Associate Headteacher.  

Closing date: Monday 9th January 2023 (9:00am)

Interview date: Friday 13th January 2023

Arden Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religion. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.