Teacher of Religion and Philosophy

Inspire the next generation of leaders at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace. We are seeking an outstanding Teacher of Religion and Philosophy to work within our high performing Academy, this position is open to both NQTs and more experienced teachers.

Religion and Philosophy is delivered through a composite KS3 programme of three distinct disciplines; theology (study of the World Religions), Philosophy (study of existence and ethics), and Politics (study of British values of democracy). The curriculum is intended to encourage all students to think philosophically and ethically about the world, to value diversity, to seek meaning in life and consider their role within it. The next stage of the department’s development is to drive the Religious Studies curriculum into the future with the rebuilding of an innovative GCSE curriculum at KS4 that provides an outstanding learning experience for students, and the potential development of philosophy at Key Stage 5.

Religion and Philosophy is an integral part of the Humanities faculty; a very successful faculty within the school with experienced specialists who work tirelessly to ensure that teaching is the best it can be. This is achieved through working collaboratively across the subjects and key stages, supporting innovative teaching and sharing outstanding practice. The Humanities subjects are popular at GCSE and A Level, with students enjoying great success. Outside of the classroom and the faculty, RE plays a prominent part in Academy life; whole school assemblies, Thematic Days and Co-curricular activities through trips. Our RS specialists lead on these important areas in the Academy and so must have demonstrable commitment to promoting diversity equality and inclusion in academic practice.

Your opportunity

We can offer you the opportunity to advance your career within a supportive academy environment. You will be part of a Federation established in developing practitioners and nurturing excellent future leaders, with unrivalled opportunities for progression; whatever your aspirations as a teacher, middle or senior leader, our Teaching School Alliance provides a range of bespoke courses and qualifications, including our Aspiring Leaders NPQML and NPQSL programmes to help you achieve your ambitions more quickly. 

What we are looking for:

We look for talented individuals who want to be a part of transforming education in London, and helping create exceptional places of learning. We would like to appoint a dynamic and inspirational qualified teacher. We are looking for an effective and enthusiastic classroom teacher who will be able to complement our dedicated team of outstanding practitioners. The successful candidate will ideally have significant experience in inner-city, multi-racial and urban areas.

We are looking for a strong communicator with proven strengths in engaging with, inspiring and motivating, not just the school community, but the wider community. You should hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree.

Please download the job pack for a full job description and person specification.

About Harris City Academy Crystal Palace:

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace is a pioneering academy for 1,300 students aged 11-18, and celebrated its 25th anniversary last academic year. The founding academy of the Harris Federation, it has three consecutive outstanding judgments by Ofsted, most recently finding the academy to be outstanding in every aspect in 2014. It is one of the most oversubscribed comprehensive schools in the country and in the top 5% for performance.

Why work at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace?

A long established and highly successful school: one of the most oversubscribed in the country and the top school in Croydon at Attainment 8 2017

As a Teaching School, we are able to offer all teachers an extensive programme of first class professional development and a vibrant learning community giving all the opportunities to excel.

All the advantages of a successful academy group, including a strong central team of support, teaching and leadership staff

Generous Harris rewards and benefits package

Come and see us in action: visits to Harris City Academy Crystal Palace are strongly encouraged and very welcome. Please call 0208 771 2261 or info@harriscrystalpalace.org.uk to arrange a time to come in or an informal conversation with the Principal.

Harris Benefits

As part of the Harris Federation, we can offer you a range of benefits, including:

Access to a diverse network of phase and subject specialist groups

Support and mentoring from some of the best leaders in education

A performance and loyalty bonus

Pension scheme (TPS) and access to our Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan, covering a range of health and wellbeing benefits

The opportunity to work with our amazing students!

Click here for a full list of Harris benefits.

The Harris Federation

Our academy is part of the Harris Federation, the leading large Multi Academy Trust in the country for both primary and secondary education. Harris has an unrivalled track record in raising standards and achieving success for the children in our academies. 

Closing the gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers is paramount to what we do. Social mobility has always been a core mission of the Harris Federation, which is why we have continuously set out to transform standards in schools that had, in some cases, failed for generations before joining us. We are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education in order to nurture their individual potential.  Join us in creating spaces of learning where children everywhere are nurtured for their potential and given the tools necessary to shape their own future.    

Professional development and sharing best practice are a key part of the Harris Federation success, and we can draw on this to offer you top quality training at every stage of your career path, from Beginner Teacher to Middle Leader. We will invest in you with coaching, mentoring, and can offer a wide range of training programmes, delivered by our Teaching School Alliance. 

We look for motivated support staff who are committed to helping us transform lives and who will share our belief that every child has the potential to do well.  

Please note: academies may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and this job may be withdrawn at any point without notice. You will still be able to add information until the closing date, but you will not be able to submit your application. With this in mind, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Harris academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. In line with our commitments to safeguarding, the Harris Federation uses preferred agencies and is unable to work with any agencies where Terms of Business have not been agreed by both parties prior to an engagement. Harris Federation is fully committed to equality and to valuing diversity as an employer and a provider of education. Click here to view our full equality and diversity statement.