Head of French (0.8)

Head of French (0.8)

We are delighted to welcome applications from outstanding, dynamic and suitably experienced individuals for the role of Head of French, to be in post in September 2025.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of French to lead and contribute to the strategic development of the languages provision across the school. The Head of French will have responsibility for developing a coherent, effective and inspiring approach to the curricular and co-curricular provision of French.

The Head of French is line-managed by the Deputy Head Academic and has responsibility for the following:

•      The delivery of French and support of the development of MFL throughout the whole School.

•      The delivery of the school’s aims and policies.

•      Promoting and supporting the school’s code of ethics.

Key Tasks:

•      Being responsible for all aspects of French provision within the School; working in conjunction with the Head of Classics to provide excellent MFL provision.

•      Developing an appropriately ambitious, robust and innovative French curriculum, which will serve to inspire and motivate academically able, intellectually curious pupils while also ensuring that they are thoroughly prepared for public examinations.

•      Developing comprehensive associated Schemes of Work.

•      Line managing all teaching staff within the French department.

•      Taking responsibility for standards of teaching and learning within the French department, including, conducting regular lesson observations.

•      Organising and chairing regular departmental meetings and playing an active role in meetings of Heads of Department.

•      Assisting the SLT with the shortlisting, interviewing and appointment of teaching staff as required.

•      Ensuring the provision of a comprehensive co-curricular offering from the French department and fostering a culture in which broad and regular co-curricular engagement is a routine aspect of pupil life.

•      Teaching an appropriate period allocation of French, including the preparation of classes for public examinations.

•      Overseeing and promoting a culture of Continuing Professional Development within the department and support colleagues in their professional development.

•      Working closely with the SENDCo, Heads of Section and with the Admissions Department to ensure that appropriate provision is made both in entry assessment and in the department’s Schemes of Work for candidates and pupils with additional needs.

•      Arranging for the setting and marking of internal examinations as required.

•      Taking overall responsibility for the departmental budget.

•      Liaising with the SLT and others as appropriate to develop and support Community Partnership opportunities. Promoting French within the School and to prospective parents and pupils.

•      Be an excellent classroom practitioner; demonstrating a range of teaching methods and keeping abreast of developments in the subject area at EYFS, KS1-3; employing a range of teaching resources including the display of pupils’ work.

•      Carrying out assessment according to departmental and school policies. Recording assessment grades/reports etc.) within deadlines set and keeping clear records.

•      Setting and marking of class work and homework according to relevant School and departmental policies.

Teaching:

●      Deliver the highest standard of teaching in French with well-planned lessons that build on the needs of each pupil.

●      Set high, clear and consistent expectations to create an environment which allows all children to thrive and feel confident to contribute.

●      Model respectful and positive interactions with others.

●      Give timely feedback which is consistent and identifies clearly what the student has done well and next steps for their learning. 

●      Ensure all pupils, whatever their ability, partake in French and make progress.

●      Ensure pupils are fully aware and engaged in the lesson's intent and objectives. 

●      Differentiate lessons appropriately to ensure every pupil has the opportunity to experience success.

●      Document progress and attainment of students.

●      Write effective reports adhering to the school's policy and deadlines.

●      To be willing to offer an additional subject

●      Provide cover as and when required. 

●      Perform break, lunchtime and after school duties as required. 

●      Undertake one after school club a week until 5pm.

●      Undertake any other reasonable requests made by your line manager. 

Structure and Line Management:

The Head of French reports directly to the Deputy Head Academic.

Safeguarding:

Safeguarding is the responsibility of all staff at St Paul’s Cathedral School and all staff are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care. Staff must be aware of the procedures within the school which support safeguarding and must act in accordance with the school’s Safeguarding Policy and Staff Code of Conduct. 

Hours, Terms and Conditions:

Working Hours:

Four days a week (to be negotiated), term time only, from 08:30-16:00. Lunch is provided.

Attendance at termly INSET is also required, as is attendance at the compulsory Cathedral services including Advent and Palm Sunday (falling on Sunday’s).

A competitive salary is offered, commensurate with qualification and experience.

The school has adopted many of the Cathedral HR policies, including a generous employer Defined Contribution pension scheme.

We are committed to supporting the professional development of all our team members; all staff may apply to the Deputy Head for support with relevant training courses.

Employees may also be entitled to discounted school fees for dependent children, subject to the standard admission process and the availability of places.

The school a generous employer Defined Contribution pension scheme.

Application

All applications must be made via our School application form on the TES (not the TES form) or the St Paul’s Cathedral School website, accompanied by a letter addressed to the Head, Mrs Judith Fremont-Barnes. The deadline for application is Tuesday 6th May. All applications should be sent to: tkeller@spcs.london.sch.uk

Please see full job description and person specification attached.