Teacher of English

The Post

This is a key post in a dynamic and strong department. We are looking for someone with a genuine and infectious passion for their subject, who will enthuse and engage the students they teach; someone with high expectations for all students whatever their prior attainment.

We welcome applications from experienced teachers as well as those new to the profession and currently in training.

Didcot Girls’ School is an accredited teaching school with a significant track record for successful fast-track career progression, leadership development and excellent CPD. The school is also part of Ridgeway Education Trust, a growing multi-academy trust, which provides the opportunity for school improvement and leadership work across schools in the future.

For further information about the department, please email Gina Hunter, Head of English on ghunter@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk

DGS English Department

The English Department developed their own ‘mastery’ curriculum at Key Stage 3 many years ago, and this has been refined over many years. This curriculum includes a highly coherent model for skills progression, explicit teaching of key English concepts, and a rigorous model for assessment. It has been conceived to prepare students for the challenges of GCSEs, whilst maintaining a balanced, culturally rich experience of English. Most importantly, it has been created by a team of practising teachers who are committed to a process of iterative refinement. 

In Years 10 and 11, students follow the AQA specifications for English Language and English Literature. English is a popular option in the joint Sixth form: we offer AQA’s Specification A for Literature and AQA’s Specification A for Language and Literature.

The English Department has a close working relationship with the vibrant and growing Media department. Media is a popular subject at GCSE and A-Level.

Outcomes

Results at all levels are very strong. In 2023, 93% of students achieved at least one grade 4 or above in English Language or Literature, 85% of students achieved at least one grade 5 or above and 53% achieved at least one grade 7 or above. In comparison to national statistics for girls’ achievement, students at DGS achieve, on average, at least 10% better nationally, from a truly comprehensive intake. A level English Literature, and Language and Literature, is very popular. Results are strong, with many students opting to study English at university and a significant proportion of students receiving top grades of A-A* (44% in English Literature, 29% in English Language and Literature).

Extra-Curricular Activities

The school has a strong culture of Reading for Pleasure. There are fortnightly Reading for Pleasure lessons in the Library for Years 7 and 8, regular visits from authors, a strong team of Reading Ambassadors and engagement with local and national book awards. There are regular theatre trips and regular university visits for KS5 students. The department runs successful catch-up provision for KS3 and KS4 students, which includes reading mentoring programmes, run by older students, for struggling or reluctant readers at KS3.

Didcot Girls’ School

Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In November 2022, the school was judged again to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff:

“Leaders support staff very well. They have established a collaborative and respectful working environment. With the Trust, they provide highly valued training and leadership programmes. Staff are exceptionally proud to work at the school.”

Ofsted also noted the high standards within the school and commented that “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary.”

We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration.

We are committed to continuous professional development and have wide-ranging training and development opportunities. We are also mindful of the competing demands people face in their lives and make every effort to accommodate flexible working.

Summer 2023 GCSE results were superb with 85% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 71% doing the same at 5+.  Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong with 34% of grades awarded as A* or A and 66% achieving Grades A*-B. These results place us as one of the highest performing schools in the county.  These results place us as one of the highest performing schools in the county. Didcot Girls’ School has also been named as one of the top ten comprehensive schools in south-east England by the Sunday Times Parent Power performance table for 2023-24.

RET – Ridgeway Education Trust

As a member of Ridgeway Education Trust, Didcot Girls’ School (Ofsted Outstanding November 2022) works in close partnership with St Birinus School (Ofsted Good, February 2020) All Saints’ CE Primary School, Long Wittenham CE Primary School, Sutton Courtenay Church of England Primary and a 400 strong mixed Didcot Sixth Form (Ofsted Outstanding, November 2022) which is based predominantly at St Birinus.  

 Employing great staff is key to the success of our school: the Headteacher is actively involved in every interview process.  

 We understand that valuing and developing our staff is the best way to release and realise their potential. In return, we seek staff who are passionate about working with young people, resilient, and with a truly growth mindset. If this is you, we look forward to hearing from you!  

Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced.

RET SCITT

Didcot Girls’ School plays a key role in teacher training, as founding partners in our own SCITT (RET SCITT), we are working with Teach First and Orchard Learning Alliance to provide outstanding teacher training across both secondary and primary phases. This provides opportunities for our teachers to help develop the next generation of teachers whilst also ensuring that teacher development remains a core part of our ethos. 

This ethos allows us to maintain our track record of highly successful fast-track career progression, leadership development and excellent CPD. There is the possibility of leadership responsibility on appointment for the right candidate. The school's place as a leading school in Ridgeway Education Trust also provides the opportunity for school improvement and leadership work across trust schools in the future.