Teacher of English

Thank you for considering St. Mary's Catholic Academy for the next stage in your career.

We are seeking to appoint a talented teacher of English. The role starts from 1st September 2024. We can offer a full time or part time role, dependant upon the needs of the successful candidate. The post would suit an ECT or an experienced teacher. The successful candidate will be able to teach English at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. With the potential for teaching some Key Stage 5 in time.

This is a fabulous opportunity for you to join us and work with a fantastic group of committed staff who believe strongly in education and working to improve the life chances of our children and young people.

Applications must be sent electronically to admin@st-mary.blackpool.sch.uk by midday on Monday 15th April 2024.

CURRICULUM

The post will involve teaching English at various key stages.

At Key Stage 3, St Mary’s English Department offers a rich and varied curriculum. Thematic modules provide inspiring and exciting challenges for all learners.

At Key Stage 4, we currently follow the AQA English Language and English Literature specifications. We offer two AS / A2 subjects: English Literature and English Language. Both subjects are popular and engaging, leading to successful outcomes for our students.

ACCOMMODATION

The accommodation consists of an eight classroom learning house, along with a covered outside area that is shared with Modern Foreign Languages. The rooms are bright and well-resourced with fixed LCD flat screens in each learning space. There is some variety in the learning spaces available which would allow for different approaches to the teaching of English to be explored.

PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS

In line with the Academy Raising Achievement Plan, the English Department will work towards the following Key Goals:

Transforming Learning

The department is keen to develop further extra-curricular provisions, specifically around the area of creative writing and English within the world of the Media. We work closely with the Academy Learning Resource Centre and would like to further strengthen connections between the Department and the Library. Regular theatre trips complement our Department ethos and we are always looking for opportunities to bring Literature to life!

Due to national changes within English, the Department has created new KS3 schemes of work to ensure that students are prepared for the new GCSE curriculum, whilst simultaneously offering them the opportunity to be creative and enjoy the subject. By working closely with the Blackpool Research School, we are continually reflecting on practice and pedagogy, revising schemes of work as necessary and we look forward to a fresh input.

Further Raise Achievement & Attainment at GCSE & A-Level

Further work will be completed with our high achieving students and with those who are capable of reaching top grades at GCSE and A-Level. We look forward to developing new strategies to stretch and challenge these students during their completion of the new GCSE and A-Level qualifications.

To Further Strengthen Our Catholic Ethos

The English Department is vibrant and thriving with a broad range of teaching experience. We are a supportive network of committed staff, working as a team to encourage progression, success and enjoyment at work. We have an excellent history with supporting ITT students. We will continue to offer places for trainee teachers, observation placements for University students and will maintain our excellent partnerships with training providers. We currently have 3 trained subject mentors within the department and offer at least two placements per year. Our staff are constantly developing quality formative feedback and coaching skills and this allows us to offer excellent support to trainee or new staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualified teacher status at graduate level.
• ENGLISH Degree/Degree containing substantial ENGLISH element.
• Recent professional development/teaching placement relevant to the post.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE and APTITUDE

• A clear philosophy for the teaching of ENGLISH.
• Knowledge of some strategies that will enhance learning and raise the attainment of all students in ENGLISH.
• Ability to use ICT to transform learning.
• Effective communicator – verbally and in writing.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Ability to form good relationships with both colleagues and students.
• Commitment to actively supporting the distinctive ethos of the school.
• Commitment to assisting with the development of extra-curricular activities.
• Resilience, commitment, ability to work under pressure and a sense of humour.
• An excellent attendance and punctuality record. (Please note that excellent attendance is considered to be 95% attendance over the past two academic years. Directors will take note of one off illnesses/absences and individual circumstances).
• High expectations of all students.
• Enthusiasm for career development.

The standard contact time for teachers is 25 out of 30 periods per fortnight (23 for NQTs), including a period of PSHE with your form and an additional 90 minutes of enhanced CPD time.

St. Mary’s is a highly regarded, oversubscribed and successful school with:

• A caring ethos and high standards.
• An Outstanding Diocesan Inspection Report (March 2017)
• A full Ofsted Inspection of St Mary’s in May 2022 was extremely positive and confirmed that St Mary’s Catholic Academy continues to be good in all areas. You can read a copy of the report on the Academy's website.
• An outstanding induction programme, friendly staff, high quality professional cover supervisors, ICT technicians and admin support and a strong family ethos which make St. Mary’s a great place to work.
• State of the art facilities housed in our £22.5 million pound refurbished campus.

We would be delighted to receive your application.

The Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners, staff and visitors.

All posts are subject to:

• To DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)
• Medical clearance
• Verification of your qualifications and National Insurance number.
• References are required including a judgement about your suitability to work with children.
• Open references will not be accepted.
• A member of the interview panel will be trained in implementing Child Protection procedures.
• In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023, an online search will be carried out.

For teaching positions, barred list checks and prohibition from teaching checks will be carried out.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

For further details please refer to the application pack.