Head of English

We are seeking a dynamic and committed Head of English to join our enthusiastic and developing department. The successful candidate will become part of an experienced, mutually supportive and dedicated team, and teach across the year groups in the senior school.    

As a department we frequently exchange ideas and appraise student progress in order to develop what we do; we are eager to challenge and be challenged through innovative and interesting ways of delivering our subject. Our overall aim is to develop confident, eager and independent learners, who are able to communicate clearly. 

Key responsibilities of the post-holder include:

· to take a lead in the future development of the English Department and to show strategic vision, liaising with the Leadership Team as appropriate;

· to provide inspirational teaching and leadership, and to foster a culture of excellence in staff and pupils alike;

· to manage a significant departmental budget, to ensure effective economic expenditure and to lead and organise effective resourcing; 

· to ensure the management and development of appropriate syllabuses, materials and schemes of work at all levels up to and including A Level;

· to line-manage the departmental team including involvement in recruitment, induction of new staff, professional development and annual review;

· to maintain links with the Infant and Junior School to ensure continuity of teaching; 

· to keep abreast of new trends and educational developments related to the subject;

· to ensure that the department is making effective and appropriate provision for SEND, Able and Talented and EAL learners;

· to ensure that the department is making effective and appropriate use of ICT; 

· to organise study visits, lectures and theatre trips as appropriate; 

· to promote the work of the department through displays of work within the department and in other appropriate venues throughout the College; whenever possible to enable pupils to participate in appropriate local and national competitions and events, for example essay writing competitions; 

· to maintain appropriate links with other departments; 

· to supervise the use and care of English resources and rooms allocated to the teaching of the subject;

· to have an overview of literacy across the whole of the College;

· to ensure that the departmental area on the VLE is reviewed and updated on a regular basis.

Curriculum

English is taught in sets throughout KS3 and 4.  Pupils are placed in appropriate sets from Christmas of Year 7; however our approach is flexible and regular monitoring ensures that pupils are in the best position to support as well as to stretch and challenge their learning. Set sizes are between fifteen and twenty. In Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils also take the English Speaking Board examinations. Pupils take Cambridge IGCSE English Language and AQA GCSE English Literature. At KS5 both subjects are offered: AQA English Language and OCR English Literature. 

In English pupils have four 55 minute lessons a week in Years 7 & 8, three lessons in Year 9 and five lessons in Year 10 & 11. There are five AS lessons and 6 A Level lessons per week. 

Key qualities and person specification:

The person appointed should have the following skills and qualities:-

* outstanding professional and personal qualities 

* enthusiastic, innovative and creative, and inspirational in their teaching 

* committed to raising standards and monitoring pupil progress

* able to teach across the curriculum including A Level 

* caring, supportive and willing to adapt their teaching to suit the needs of the pupils

* ability to inspire and lead a team, as well as to support and encourage individuals 

* excellent communication skills

* effective planning, time-management and organisational skills

* clear thinker, resourceful and problem-solver 

* calm under pressure

* willingness to lead and manage extra-curricular sessions 

* proficient with the use of ICT in the classroom

Closing date: Friday 31 March 2017

Interviews to commence: w/c 17 April 2017