Teacher of English and Media Studies

The English, Media and Drama Faculty:

The school is looking to appoint a committed, enthusiastic individual as a teacher of English and Media Studies. The position also has a small amount of drama teaching included within the timetable. The Faculty consists of a team of committed specialist teachers who are supported by a team of experienced and highly effective teaching Assistants.

Currently all years have four 60 minute periods of English each week. One period a week is dedicated to literacy. All groups are set by ability. The department follows the National Strategy Framework for Teaching at Key Stage 3 and follows the EDUQAS specification for English Language and Literature for KS4. Skills in the three Attainment Targets - Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing - are taught in an integrated way.

In planning Schemes of Work our aim is to retain an element of teacher choice and professionalism whilst at the same time ensuring that all pupils receive a similar diet and their full entitlement in English. We achieve this by relying on the professionalism of department members, close co-operation, the development of shared resources and careful and thorough assessment and recording procedures.

Media Studies is offered as a GCSE at Key Stage 4 and students also follow the EDUQAS specification. Media Studies is a popular choice with a breadth of student ability in each class. Students are taught Media Studies in a large ICT suite which offers the chance to use either PCs or work at desks.

Considerable effort has been put into the development of materials and Schemes of Work and all staff are encouraged to contribute new ideas. Our on-going aim is to add to and develop existing schemes to take account of developments and changes in the future. The requirements of the framework for teaching English have been built into the Programme of Study for Years 7, 8 & 9.

Assessment on a regular basis is well-established, with pupils building up portfolios of work across Key Stage 3. We have developed our framework for assessment without levels and have created and standardised new criteria on a regular basis. Pupils are given the opportunity to develop their Speaking and Listening skills by means of a wide range of activities.

Assessment is seen as an integral part of the teaching and learning process and an integrated assessment and recording system is in place for Key Stage 3. This incorporates both teacher and pupil assessment and target setting. A programme of common assignments is in place and cross-marking and standardisation procedures are well established.

At GCSE level the majority of students reach or exceed their FFT 20 aspirational target. English is a strong department within the school. A Progress 8 score of +0.2 was achieved in English which places it in the second quintile for progress nationally. The results for Media Studies have been more varied and the successful candidate will help to deliver stability in outcomes for Media Studies.

The department regularly trains ITTs and through the previous CL for English who was an SLE, members of the departmental team have worked in school-to-school support to raise attainment in other English departments.

We believe that the success of the department is due to a number of factors, which include an effective marking policy, high expectations of all pupils, positive pupil/teacher relationships and the creation of attractive learning environments.

All specialist English teachers have their own classrooms which are all equipped with their own interactive whiteboard, DVD, and projectors. All staff are provided with their own laptop computer.

The successful candidate would be expected to lead and develop excellence in the teaching and learning of English. They will do this by being an outstanding practitioner themselves with evidence of positive value-added outcomes for their own classes. They will ensure ongoing evaluation of teaching and learning through thorough quality assurance processes. They will lead the development of programmes of study and resources, developing and strengthening the team.

The department is also keen to provide enrichment opportunities for students through a range of extra-curricular clubs and activities such as poetry club, young writers and book and film club. Activities students have participated in within English are many and varied, including: Runshaw College AGT days, the Rotary Youth Speaks competition (with a notable success in the National competition), visits from leading authors and projects such as designing and building theme parks. The department also organises trips to the theatre. The department works closely with the school’s Learning Resources Centre to provide a culture of reading, reinforced by independent reading in Key Stage 3 classes.

This is a department which prides itself on its success. The successful applicant will join a team of professional and highly motivated teachers accustomed to achieving excellent results and looking to ensure positive P8 outcomes for the department year on year.

Professional Development:

Staff at Balshaw’s have an hour per week of dedicated Professional Development time which takes place on a Monday evening. Balshaw’s is also a member of a number of local Teaching Alliance networks and staff both deliver training and are able to take part in training across these networks.

All staff are provided with laptop computers, have a dedicated staffroom, staff silent working room, CPD library, Staff Health and Wellbeing Resource Library and various kitchen areas and departmental offices. Staff also benefit from the use of a fully-equipped fitness suite.

As you can see, this is a strong, dynamic department to work in. We are looking to recruit the best teacher possible to this role whether they are an NQT or an experienced teacher looking for the opportunity to work in an outstanding department in an outstanding school.

The closing date is midnight on Friday 26th April.  Shortlisting is expected to take place on Tuesday 30th April and interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 7th May.