Head of English

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Make sure to apply quickly in order to maximise your chances of being considered for an interview Read the complete job description below.
WORKING WITH US

Harris Garrard Academy is a school that disrupts the status quo in order to drive social mobility for our young people. Our academic results have placed us in the top 10% nationally for secondary and 5% for our primary phase; transforming students' lives forever. We are located in the wider South Thamesmead area and are accessible by fantastic rail and bus transport links (we are on the Elizabeth Line, Bus Superloop bus route). The academy’s stunning working environment is within a purpose built school designed by Norman Foster and nominated for the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2004.

Our vision is clear: nothing is impossible and everything is possible, irrespective of personal characteristics or background. Every problem has a solution. We believe we are more robust, resilient and determined as a team than as a group of individuals. We support, challenge and hold each other to account at all levels within the academy to ensure that our students achieve their potential, are motivated, engaged and fully prepared for life beyond our academy.

As one of Harris’s successful all through academies, staff at all levels belong to a strong, cohesive team working with Executive Principal Wayne Barnett and Head of Academy Kristen Gringeri and the wider SLT team. Staff can expect to grow with us as we continue to innovate and evolve as an academy. With ample opportunity to build on CPD, your potential is limitless with us.

To learn more about working in our academy and what we can offer you, view our academy page via the “why work at” button.

 

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ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are currently looking to appoint a qualified, experienced teacher to join Harris Garrard Academy as Head of English to ensure high standards of teaching and learning across the subject area, continuously developing and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning.

 

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MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The purpose of your role will be:

• To be accountable for student progress and development in the subject area across KS3, KS4 and post 16, including meeting student achievement targets for subject areas which are agreed by the Principal and the Governing Body.
• To ensure high standards of teaching and learning across the subject area through continuously, developing and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning.
• To ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students in the subject area, in accordance with the academy aims and policies, as determined by the Principal and Governing Body.
• To ensure that all school policies and procedures are implemented and applied consistently by all staff in the subject area.
• To ensure agreed tutor programme is implemented and that tutors are effective in their role.
• To ensure effective behaviour for learning is evident throughout department
• To effectively and efficiently manage and deploy teaching/support staff, financial and physical resources across the subject area.
• To support the development for literacy, through the school's strategy, within subject areas, to raise standards of Literacy across the Academy

Your main areas of responsibility will fall under the areas of:

• Operational and strategic planning (including rigorous self-evaluation and review of subject area performance, formulating the subject and department improvement plans, and leading the development of appropriate syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, marking policies, assessment and teaching strategies)
• Ensuring the delivery of an appropriate, comprehensive, high quality and cost effective curriculum and leading development of the subject and its delivery
• Staff development (including recruiting, building and managing an effective team of motivated staff)
• Student outcomes (including ensuring the effective operation of target setting, monitoring and evaluation systems and the input and maintenance of accurate student data)
• Pastoral system (including being a form tutor to a selected group of students)
• Teaching, including acting as an outstanding role model

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you:

• Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a good, relevant undergraduate degree.
• Are an excellent teacher with a minimum of three years' teaching experience.
• Have proven success in raising achievement.
• Have experience of leading others, ensuring high quality performance.
• Have successful experience in implementation of monitoring, evaluation and review process to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
• Demonstrate a high level of ICT skills and experience of how new technologies can be used to raise achievement.
• Have recent experience of involvement in innovative curriculum development.
• Have experience of presenting to a wide audience including teachers, other managers, students and parents.
• Have some successful experience of leading on cross subject initiatives that have contributed to raising achievement.
• Have experience of embedding innovative strategies for Assessment for Learning and Learning to Learn.
• Have recent and relevant experience of managing and implementing change successfully at subject leader level.
• Are willing to use coaching as a model for ensuring on-going professional development.

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

 

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WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Teacher Development

At Harris, we have curated professional development pathways that will guide you towards achieving your career ambitions. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. With a strong network of passionate educators, expert development initiatives and a multitude of opportunities for career progression, your journey with Harris could be the most rewarding one yet.

We offer a wide range of high quality teacher professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership.

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 understand that each individual’s circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.

Benefits

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance (usually £2,000 for Inner London and £1,500 for Outer London), a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits. Learn more about  on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes 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 aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

 

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APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

Thank you for your interest in this position. If you would like to discuss this opportunity, or to request a visit, please email the academy via the Why work page on harriscareers. 

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be help you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process. 

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. xwzovoh Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.