English Teacher

The Sir Robert Woodard Academy, an Ofsted ‘good’ rated academy and part of the Woodard family of schools, is a dynamic and popular 11–18 academy located between Worthing and Brighton, serving the students of Lancing, Sompting and Shoreham.  Our aim is that every student is known and nurtured and is provided with teaching and learning experiences enabling them to fulfil their potential. 

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic English Teacher with thorough subject knowledge to join the English department from September 2022 (ideally) or January 2023. This is an incredible opportunity to join an excellent team of practitioners who are very excited about the future outcomes of their students. We welcome applications from colleagues at all stages of their career, who are committed to raising achievement in English. 

SRWA teaching staff benefit from the following:

• a collaborative approach and strong collegial relationships;
• the opportunity to join and/or benefit from Action Research Groups;
• proven student progress;
• excellent student behaviour;
• an extensive CPD programme tailored to skills and experience;
• strong links with Brighton and Sussex Universities;
• free employee assistance programme, dedicated staff wellbeing space and 1-1 mental health booster sessions available;
• free use of the Academy’s fitness suite;
• free on site car parking and easy access to local public transport;
• cycle to work scheme.

Quotes from full Ofsted inspection report October 2021: Rating of “Good” in all areas:

“The culture at this school is summed up by its motto, ‘Aspire to Achieve’. From Year 7 through to the sixth form, pupils learn to think ambitiously about their futures.”

"The school is a calm and orderly place for pupils to learn….Pupils treat each other with respect … low-level disruption is rare."

"Pupils, parents and carers feel proud of their school…one parent told us ‘we are really impressed with the school, the ethos and the staff’.”

A Staff well-being survey commissioned externally in July 2021 for SRWA revealed that:

These were some of the areas staff considered to be ‘outstanding’:

• Staff morale, workload and job satisfaction
• Opportunity for staff to offer ideas
• Opportunities for staff professional development
• Support from managers and colleagues
• Equality of opportunities for staff
• Appreciation of staff achievement/contribution,
• Induction of new staff
• Students' respect for staff/others.

We are committed to meeting the needs of all students by challenging them to achieve their potential. 

The English department has achieved good GCSE and A Level results over the past few years and the English department is committed to meeting the needs of all students by challenging them to achieve their potential. They are a dynamic team with a strong shared purpose and commitment. The development of innovative classroom approaches and the embracing of new technologies means they have taken a leading role in shaping teaching and learning across the school.

The Accelerated Reader programme was introduced in September 2013 and continues to be a successful tool in developing a reading culture at Key Stage 3.

The Curriculum has been designed to ensure that it is sufficiently challenging and engaging; students study a diverse range of texts including dystopian short stories, romantic poetry and Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at KS3. We encourage our students to take their English skills outside of the classroom by offering opportunities to attend creative writing, public speaking, debate and book clubs as well as launching a school newspaper this year.

The English department is housed in our modern building with technology in every classroom. At the heart of the Academy is the Learning Resource Centre, which is an accessible resource for all students and staff as we grow a love of reading in the student body.

The successful candidate will:

• demonstrate the skills of a good teacher
• be able to interest, encourage and engage students
• provide appropriate levels of challenge so that all students make good progress
• use methods and resources that enable all students to learn effectively
• use assessment information effectively to plan the next steps in students learning
• make effective use of their time
• secure high standards of behaviour from students

be able to demonstrate a proven track record of recent and successful class teaching in mixed ability classes of aged 11-18 students (or of successful training for ECTs).

Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to interview and withdraw the advertisement before the closing date, should the right candidate be appointed.

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share in this commitment. All posts will be subject to safeguarding and vetting checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal record self-declaration form.