English Teacher (maternity cover)

The English Department comprises of eight members of staff: four full‐time and four part‐time (with a number of staff holding positions of responsibility and leadership across the school). Teachers in the department are dedicated to making their students’ experience in these subjects a positive one and aim to enthuse and inspire all students, whilst nurturing reading, writing, speaking and listening skills so that they can achieve their full potential inside and outside of the classroom.

The English classrooms are situated in the heart of the original main school building and regular lessons also take place in the expansive Michael Morpurgo library. All English classrooms have wi-fi access (and all students have Surface devices). Classrooms are also used as tutor group bases. Our traditional school motto, ‘Read and Reap,’ aptly reflects the importance of reading at the heart of the curriculum and we pride ourselves on allowing our students to use what they read to foster a deeper appreciation of the world around them.

A number of trips are organised within the department, ranging from theatre trips to endorse GCSE texts (‘Macbeth’ and ‘An Inspector Calls’); a one-night stay in London to enhance students’ understanding of The Globe Theatre as well as build upon their understanding of Gothic literature, and an A-level trip to Austen’s Bath. Alongside trips are author visits; (Michael Morpurgo); close links with the Appledore Festival (Bali Rai); in-house Shakespeare performances to enhance Key Stage Three study and a range of poetry and prose competitions to stretch and challenge young minds. We also have our very own Poet Laureates who write for special occasions and several extra-curricular clubs run by departmental staff to complement students’ love of language (Socrates, online magazine and the poetry society).

We continue to deliver an annual ‘Creative Writing and Illustration’ community outreach project in conjunction with The Park Community School and South Molton Community College. This allows the department to collaborate with gifted writers and artists from the local area to create pieces that are published within an anthology of collected works. This programme contributed towards the school being shortlisted for ‘Outstanding Community Contribution’ by the Independent Schools’ Awards in 2019. We hope that the successful candidate will be willing to participate in various extracurricular events and activities to promote the department within the local community.

The department is overseen by its HoD, and there is a Second in Department who is responsible for the Key Stage Three Curriculum. At GCSE level, pupils study the AQA (9 to 1) syllabus and students take both the English Language and English Literature GCSEs. The Key Stage Three schemes of work build a foundation of skills based on prose, poetry, drama and non-fiction texts, and students are given opportunities to hone inference and analytical skills as well as experimenting with a range of writing for different purposes and audiences. The school is running A-level courses in English Language (AQA - specification A) and English Literature (Edexcel). Staff members regularly attend AQA and Edexcel Hub meetings as part of CPD.

We are seeking to appoint an energetic, kind and enthusiastic teacher of English to help support the teaching and learning initiatives of the Head of English. The successful candidate would join a team where collaborative working and professional development are at the heart of the department.

This post could suit either a newly qualified teacher, or alternatively an experienced teacher looking for a new challenge. It is anticipated that the appointee would have the ability to contribute to the teaching of A-level English Language and/or English Literature.

The role:

This is a temporary post covering a period of maternity leave. Starting in September 2024, it is a full-time role for the Autumn Term (sharing the role between two part-time appointments would be considered). It would be highly advantageous if applicants could extend the appointment as a part-time role for the Spring and Summer Terms in 2025.

English Responsibilities

• Demonstrate specialist subject knowledge; display a desire to continually evolve in relation to pedagogy and subject-specific areas, and to model positivity, resilience and compassion.
• Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge students in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 ensuring that students’ development and ability to ‘think big’ is at the forefront of our teaching and learning.
• Plan and teach well-structured lessons, which specifically address students’ skills’ gaps but also provide stretch and challenge.
• Identify and adopt the most inspirational and effective teaching and learning strategies for students that promote good progress and outcomes for all students in relation to baseline data and expected targets.
• Deliver specific intervention strategies as directed by the HoD.
• Modify teaching practices to adapt to the strengths and needs of students, especially those with SEND/EAL and to use Personalised Learning Assistants effectively within the classroom to provide appropriate support for students.
• Implement school systems (TEAMS, CPOMS and ISAMS) for assessing and evaluating students’ progress, so that data can be tracked and interventions monitored.
• Make accurate and productive use of assessment, particularly to inform planning.
• Maximise the opportunities presented by consultation evenings to engage parents in their child's progress, and respond to tutor requests about academic progress in their subjects.
• Promote students’ acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills, as well as reading for pleasure.
• Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment, and model and promote positive behaviours for learning which embrace the seven Cs: Courage, Confidence, Caring, Curiosity, Commitment, Creativity and Critical Thinking.
• Engage in all professional learning opportunities provided and be prepared to share good practice, and provide feedback to colleagues from CPD.
• Be willing to lead and organise departmental trips across the Key Stages.
• Show willingness to engage with outreach opportunities with local secondary and primary schools.

General Responsibilities

• Tutoring a group of pupils both academically and pastorally.
• Contribution to our broad extra-curricular (ECA) Programme at lunch times and after school.

Hours of work

The school operates Monday to Friday between the hours of 08:30am and 5:00pm as dictated by the school calendar.

In addition to a competitive salary, we provide parking, daily lunch and access to our outstanding sports facilities.