Head of French

The Post:

We are looking to appoint a well qualified, enthusiastic and experienced Head of French for this academically selective school from 1 September 2020.  

The person must have experience of teaching French to A Level and to potential Oxbridge candidates. The ability to offer a second Modern Language, German or Spanish, to GCSE would be an advantage. 

The successful candidate will be expected to develop opportunities for pupils to put their language learning into context, by organising cultural or exchange visits to French speaking countries. 

The Modern Foreign Languages Department:

Modern Foreign Languages thrive at KEHS and are extremely successful. French is currently the first Modern Foreign Language and is offered to all girls in the Thirds (Year 7). Girls in the Lower Fourth (Year 8) study a second modern language (choosing either German or Spanish) alongside French and continue with both languages and Latin until the end of the Upper Fourth (Year 9). All pupils must take at least one Modern Foreign Language to GCSE level, and approximately half of each year group opt to take two. Russian and Italian are also currently offered in alternate years in Year 10 as optional courses to GCSE. 

In the Sixth Form, all five languages are offered to A Level, and approximately one third of each year group opts for a Modern Language at A Level. Examination boards are: AQA for French, Spanish and German and Edexcel for Italian and Russian. Examination results are consistently among the best in the School; in 2019, 90% of pupils achieved Grades 7-9 at GCSE, and at A Level, 92% of pupils achieved A*/A grades in French. Each year, girls go on to study languages at top universities; this year, four students have conditional offers to study a language at Oxford or Cambridge.  

The Modern Foreign Language Department comprises members of staff with specialisms in French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish, some of whom are dual linguists. Equal emphasis is given to the four language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking and colleagues are supported by Foreign Language Assistants in all five languages, who help students develop their communication skills in the target language. The department aims to stimulate independent learning and intellectual curiosity and encourages all pupils to embrace the study of languages. 

There are several educational visits, including exchanges to Germany, Spain and Italy. The Russian department has links with schools in Russia, with students participating in Skype conferences. The department is committed, passionate and keen to embrace new initiatives.

How to apply:

If you wish to be considered for this post, please complete an application form (available for download at: www.kehs.org.uk/useful-information/vacancies)  giving full details of your qualification s and experience and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two referees and send it, together with a letter to the Principal outlining the reasons for your application (maximum two sides of A4 please). 

The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 24 February. Early applications are most welcome; depending on the number of applications received, we reserve the right to bring the deadline forward.

Email applications can be sent to recruitment@kes.bham.sch.uk  

Interviews will take place provisionally on Friday 6 March. 

As part of the interview process, we would like you to teach a class; further details will be sent to shortlisted candidates. 

The person appointed must be able to satisfy the Principal and governors as to their suitability to work with children: They will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, bring in their qualification certificates for verification and provide evidence of their employment history. The appointee may also be required to undergo a medical examination before the appointment is confirmed.

If you have any queries about the role or would like to discuss it in more detail, please contact Jo Ollier, HR Manager, on jeo@kes.bham.sch.uk