Head of Business and Economics

Arden is an exceptional school because it combines a strong family ethos with high academic standards, it sits at the heart of the community and is at the peak of academic excellence. Situated just minutes off Junction 5 of the M42 and only 3 miles from the town of Solihull, visitors will be welcomed by our confident, articulate, proud and caring 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’. Our focus is to provide opportunity and success for our students; so we are always striving for better.

Arden is the lead school in a hugely successful trust that will provide the applicant with many opportunities for collaboration and development.

We are looking to appoint a passionate and highly driven Head of Business & Economics who has the vision and ambition to lead this department. The successful candidate will have excellent subject knowledge and be able to motivate pupils through inspirational, personalised teaching.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented teacher to join a thriving school and work with pupils who are committed to their learning and passionate about their development. The successful applicant will lead a department of three specialist colleagues who are committed to ensuring that each pupil achieves their full potential academically and personally.

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. We run a highly regarded Middle Leader development training programme across the trust where our Middle Leaders work with Senior Leaders from across the Trust and Middle Leader colleagues in all of our schools to collaborate, consider aspects of leadership, and share best practice. Excellent line management ensures this position is well supported and that Middle Leaders are given every opportunity to develop and showcase their drive and leadership skills.

GCSE Business (OCR) and Cambridge National Enterprise & Marketing are hugely popular, as are both A-Level Business and A-Level Economics (both AQA). Many pupils decide to continue their studies further within the department, opting for A-Level subjects that they have studied during KS4, highlighting their respect and enjoyment of the subject. There is also a significant uptake of Business A-Level and Economics A-Level from pupils who have not previously studied these subjects at GCSE, embracing the challenge of a new subject.

The successful applicant should therefore be able to teach GCSE Business and/or OCR Enterprise & Marketing (or have experience of other vocational Business qualifications) across Key Stage 4. Although the ability to teach A-Level Business or Economics is desirable it is not essential, given the level of experience we have within the department.

In every way the Business & Economics 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. The recent Ofsted report highlighted the fact that ‘Leaders have planned a curriculum that is ambitious for all pupils’. It is true that Arden pupils love to acquire new knowledge and skills; our teachers relish the opportunity to deliver engaging, challenging lessons to committed pupils, supported by caring families. To help support this, the school prides itself on having strong links with the local business community, and local universities.

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

GCSEs - In summer 2023, the school’s Progress 8 score was +0.66, with an Attainment 8 score of 50.29, which shows the excellent attainment of our school. 64% of our pupils achieved a Grade 5 in both English and Maths, with 83% achieving this at Grade 4. More than 35% of the GCSE grades awarded were Grade 7 and above, with 20% being awarded at Grade 8 & 9.

A Levels - In 2023 pupils achieved an average grade of a B. Our average points score of 39.38 demonstrates the excellent outcomes that our pupils achieve. 35.5% of grades awarded were A*/A and 66% of grades awarded were A*- B.

In return, we can offer you:

A positive and innovative learning culture supported by pupils, staff, parents and governors. Enthusiastic pupils who enjoy learning and engage positively in all aspects of school life.

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 Headteacher and Executive Headteacher
• 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 outcomes for staff and pupils.
• Teacher Pension.
• Use of your own personal laptop.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Free on-site parking.

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).

Further details are available to download below or from our school website: www.arden.solihull.sch.uk/vacancies/

Application forms should be completed in full and attached to a letter of application. CVs cannot be accepted as part of our Safer Recruitment guidelines. Please address all correspondence to Mr D Warwood, Associate Headteacher.

Closing date: Monday 29th April 2024.

Interviews: Friday 3rd May 2024.

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 and, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, will be subject to a social media online search.