Head of English – Apply now at Guardian Jobs.
Posted 3 days ago – first 25 applicants invited.
Working With Us
At Harris Academy Orpington, we have worked hard to create an environment where we look after and care for each other. Whilst being incredibly rewarding, working in schools can sometimes be hard. Colleagues know that we work together as a team and look out for one another – the environment here is one of care, nurture and support, along with a bit of challenge. The academy opened in September 2016 as part of the Harris federation. We are a community school that serves families in and out of Orpington, and we are committed to providing outstanding education and helping students succeed.
About This Opportunity
We are looking for a qualified, experienced English teacher to join Harris Academy Orpington as the Head of English, starting in April or sooner. The successful candidate will have QTS and strong subject knowledge teaching up to and including KS5. They should be a dedicated and highly motivated practitioner with a proven track record of driving up standards, excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to sharing expertise and raising the department to the next level.
Not suitable for ECTs.
Main Areas of Responsibility
* Accountable for leading, managing and developing the subject area.
* Raise standards of student attainment and achievement across the department.
* Ensure provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum.
* Teach the subject across the age and ability range.
* Facilitate and encourage a learning experience that unlocks students’ individual potential.
* Effectively manage staff, financial and physical resources.
* Support the school’s responsibility to provide and monitor opportunities for personal and academic growth.
* Operational and strategic planning (formulating improvement plans, syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, marking policies, assessment and teaching strategies).
* Ensuring delivery of a high‑quality, cost‑effective curriculum and leading its development.
* Staff development – recruiting, building and managing an effective team.
* Student outcomes – managing target setting, monitoring and evaluation systems, maintaining accurate student data.
* Pastoral system – acting as a form tutor to a selected group of students.
* Outstanding teaching and role‑modeling.
What We Are Looking For
* Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree, and ideally management training.
* Demonstrate successful teaching of GCSE at good or better level.
* Experience of initiating and managing change effectively.
* Evidence of raising achievement and value added for groups.
* Knowledge of current curriculum developments and their implications.
* Good understanding of contemporary educational thinking.
* Insight into how children learn and how to raise achievement standards.
* Excellent communication skills, both speech and writing.
* Excellent organisational skills.
* Ability to build and sustain professional relationships with students.
* Ability to contribute to a safe and protective environment.
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.
What We Can Offer You
Teacher Development
At Harris we have curated professional development pathways that support career ambitions. We offer a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with programmes at the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership to guide your development. Find out more here.
Flexible Working
We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We provide flexible working options adapted to the needs of the academy and our employees.
Benefits
In addition to career development, we offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes the Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, a Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, an Employee Assistance Programme and many other benefits. Learn more on our website.
Safeguarding Notice
All Harris Federation academies are committed to safeguarding children and young people. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced DBS check, references, and an online search. Where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We are committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive environment.
Applying for This Position
Thank you for your interest. If you would like to discuss this opportunity or request a visit, please email the academy via the Why work page on harriscareers.
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and make offers before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.
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