Key Stage 3 Religious Studies Coordinator

Greenshaw High School is a highly over-subscribed 11 to 18 mixed comprehensive secondary school situated in Sutton, South West London. We are proud of our strong local reputation, having over 4,000 applications for 300 places in September 2024. 

In October 2024 the hard work of our students and staff was recognised by Ofsted. The inspection team described the school as offering "an exceptional standard of education", using the words "flourishing, "inclusive" and "friendly" to describe our school. In the report Quality of Education, Behaviour & Attitudes, Sixth Form and Leadership & Management were all graded as Outstanding. 

We have a very diverse population of students, offering a comprehensive range of opportunities for colleagues who work here. Our students - of all groups - have done incredibly well over the last few years, with our GCSE achievement always being at least in the top 20% of the country, and over 60 Sixth Form students attending Russell Group universities each year. 

We are looking for a Key Stage 3 Religious Studies Coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity to join GLT/Greenshaw High School and become an integral member of the Religious Studies Department.

 About the Department 

The Religious Studies department is a forward thinking, lively and positive team of experienced specialist teachers. Our aim is to ensure that all students think critically about their beliefs and the views of others, and engage fully in developing as responsible, respectful and informed young people. All students at Greenshaw study Religious Studies in Years 7 to 9. In Year 10 and 11, students study a course entitled Social and Religious Studies, which prepares them for the AQA Specification A Religious Studies GCSE, focusing on Christian and Islamic beliefs and practices, and philosophical and ethical themes. RS remains a very popular subject in Sixth Form where we offer AQA Philosophy A-Level covering Epistemology, Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics. Results at both GCSE and A Level are consistently excellent. 

We believe that Religious Studies offers a unique opportunity to prepare students for living in an increasingly diverse society. We encourage our students to examine their own beliefs; analyse a variety of views; consider life’s big philosophical questions; and examine their own decision-making and behaviour through a study of contemporary issues. We invite students to look at issues within their own local community, across the wider UK and then internationally through topical case studies. Our goal is to shape the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students; to build community cohesion on a local and national level; to promote equal opportunities; to encourage diversity; and to develop in our students the critical thinking and writing skills essential to success in the workplace.

 Main responsibilities:

•  Teach your subject area up to Key Stage 4 (up to Key Stage 5 is desirable);
• Play a central role in the department, contributing to extra-curricular activities, revision sessions, competitions, trips and open days;
• Make a vital contribution to the efficient running of the department including setting and marking examinations and undertaking administrative tasks as delegated by the Head of Department;
• Continue to develop the high standards of work and expectation of student progress within the department;
• Enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the department and wider school through sharing resources and good practice, lesson observation, collaborative teaching and mentoring;
• Adhere to the school’s principles of teaching, learning and assessment;
• Take responsibility for professional learning and fully engage in the school’s Professional Growth Programme;
• Promote high levels of written and oral academic language and develop students’ knowledge of the world;
• Set the highest standards and behavioural expectations in lessons and around the school;
• Maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and act as a role model to young people;
• Select, use and prepare appropriate resources that maximise the impact of teaching on student learning;
• Actively liaise with all specialist support available to provide appropriate provision for students with different learning and/or behavioural needs, but to remain accountable for the progress of those students;
• Undertake the role of form tutor;
• Commit to and supporting the school’s policy and practice in relation to safeguarding and child protection;
• Undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably requested by the Headteacher in accordance with the relevant Pay and Conditions Document.

You will need:

•  Hold an appropriate teaching certificate and Qualified Teacher Status
• Hold a recognised degree (or equivalent) with a good classification in a relevant subject
• Excellent subject knowledge and a genuine passion for teaching your subject
• Detailed knowledge of current curriculum and pedagogical developments in the teaching of your subject and the wider curriculum
• Experience teaching Key Stage 5
• Ability to teach your subject area up to Key Stage 4
• Desire to further raise overall achievement in your subject area through promoting the highest standards of teaching and learning
• A flexible approach to the teaching of your subject that seeks to promote the learning opportunities of all students and to secure the highest possible levels of achievement
• Demonstrate a commitment to following the school’s principles of teaching, learning and assessment
• Have an effective approach to behaviour management, setting the highest standards and behavioural expectations
• Have sound skills as a classroom practitioner
• Willingness to participate in extra-curricular activities
• Willing to take responsibility for professional learning and fully engage in the school’s Professional Growth Programme
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents and colleagues
• Able to work effectively within a team and to make an active contribution to the success of the department, including co-planning and peer review
• Ability to teach your subject area up to Key Stage 5
• Have high professional standards and expectations
• Demonstrate a commitment to the role of tutor as a central figure in the life of a student and their parents/guardians
• Ability to appropriately deal with confidential information
• Demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive education and to the active promotion of equal opportunity
• Desire to enhance and develop skills and knowledge through CPD
• Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and development of young people and help demonstrate a positive attitude to helping them achieve their potential
• Recognition of the importance of personal responsibility for Health and Safety
• Commitment to the school’s ethos, aims and its whole community

 Closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday 8th May 2025. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.

 We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or adjustments to interact with us, please let us know.

 Greenshaw Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share this commitment.