English Lead

Introduction to Kitebrook: Set in the idyllic Cotswolds, Kitebrook provides an outstanding all-round co-educational education where children are allowed to develop at their own pace in a happy and supportive environment that inspires self-confidence and a sense of independence.

Post: English Lead

Responsible to: Headmistress, Deputy Head and Head of Upper School.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Department Lead

To undertake leadership responsibility for the strategic development of the English Department as recorded in the Department Development Plan (DDP)

To monitor the role of the Department in supporting school improvement priorities identified in the whole School Development Plan (SDP)

To ensure provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for pupils studying English

To ensure the best possible progress and outcomes for students studying English at all levels in the school

To develop and secure excellent practice in relation to marking, assessment and feedback in English

To manage the Departmental budget effectively and ensure that the Department is appropriately resourced

To lead members of the department, offering help and guidance when necessary and encouraging their ongoing training and development

To hold at least one full Departmental meeting per term, submitting minutes of the meeting to the Head of Upper School, and to the Deputy Head

To liaise with other Department Leads, the Head of Upper School, Deputy Head, and the Headmistress as appropriate

To liaise with the Learning Development Department, ensuring that the needs of all pupils are met

To communicate with parents and other schools, as applicable

To produce an annual Departmental Review, to be submitted to the Head of Upper School and Deputy Head by the start of each Michaelmas term

Liaise regularly with the Leadership Team to develop learning and pupil outcomes

As line manager to be responsible for the performance management of teachers as identified in the whole school performance management policy document and to ensure that performance objectives reflect personal, subject and whole school development needs

To develop and enhance the teaching practice and professional development of others

To take a lead role in monitoring and developing the quality of teaching and learning in the Department

Undertake lesson observations, learning walks, work scrutiny, student voice exercises and so on as part of the agreed Department and whole-school monitoring

Teaching

To teach English within Upper KS2 and KS3, as timetabled, including preparing pupils for Common Entrance and scholarship examinations

To keep appropriate lesson plans and records

To monitor and review the progress of pupils through regular assessment

To prepare for and attend Parents’ meetings

To take an active part in the extra-curricular life of the school and its pupils

Assist with cover requirements, where necessary

Any other duties as commensurate with the post, that the Headmistress may from time to time ask the Teacher to perform

Pastoral care

To share in the corporate responsibility of the pastoral care, well-being and discipline of all pupils at Kitebrook Preparatory

To assume the role of Form Tutor in the Upper School

Public Relations

To be readily and enthusiastically available to Parents, displaying approachability and professionalism at all times.

Other

To comply with, and adhere to, agreed whole school policies, as set out in the Staff Handbook

To oversee annual Oral English Examination Board exams for all pupils in Year 1 and above

Liaise effectively with other staff when planning and running events

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be likely to fit the following profile:

Qualifications

Good honours degree

A postgraduate teaching qualification, including QTS

Evidence of further relevant professional development

Skills

Inspiring and enthusiastic teacher of English and leader of staff

Ability to lead, inspire and support pupils and colleagues

Excellent organisational and administrative skills

Excellent ICT skills with spreadsheets and experience of data analysis 

Ability to forge links with parents, the wider community and local partnerships

Experience

Evidence of successful, inspiring and innovative teaching at all levels

Evidence of commitment to a wide range of co-curricular activities

Experience of collaborating with colleagues

Recent KS3 teaching experience

Excellent knowledge of ISEB 13+ Common Entrance English syllabus and a track record of excellent results would be an advantage

Personal Qualities

High levels of personal and professional integrity

Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality

Personal warmth to gain the confidence of pupils, staff and parents

High standards of personal presence and presentation

Ability to communicate concisely and sensitively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences

An ability to offer Latin or TPR in addition would be an advantage

Attitudes

A team player with leadership qualities

A reflective and flexible approach

Positive, enthusiastic and energetic approach to life

Ability to think creatively and imaginatively

Supportive of the School’s ethos

High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and conduct

Commitment to professional development