Head of English

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; Reigate and Banstead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Coast and Vale Learning Trust is seeking an inspirational and ambitious Head of English to foster a love of English across the school and drive excellence in teaching and learning. The post holder will lead the department at Dunottar School, shaping curriculum and co-curricular provision while supporting colleagues and promoting high standards.

The successful candidate will play a full role in the wider life of the school, sharing best practice and contributing to ongoing school improvement and

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a school department or equivalent.
• Commitment to high standards of academic achievement.
• Experience developing curriculum and co-curricular provision.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the English department.
• Support and develop colleagues.
• Lead curriculum development and co-curricular provision.
• Represent department in wider school life.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum planning

Teacher development

Strategic thinking

Communication

Job description

The Department

The English Department, one of the largest in the school, has excellent added value with examination results. At GCSE, students follow the AQA syllabus for English Language and English Literature while at A level, they follow the OCR English literature syllabus.

The department is friendly, welcoming and supportive: staff are keen to share resources and embrace new ideas, aspiring to keep their teaching fresh and exciting.

As reading underpins the whole curriculum, Year 7-9 students are encouraged to read as widely as they can through weekly Sparx Reader homework. In addition to this, Year 7 are introduced to new writers and genres through fortnightly library lessons. The department aims to enrich the curriculum in a range of ways, including visiting speakers and theatre trips. Co-curricular involvements include a student ezine, a 'Tales & Trails' storytelling and walking club, our 'Outloud@Dunottar' open mic poetry & prose night and a British Sign Language Club. The department also runs activities to engage the most able students in the year group. It goes without saying, however, that all students are challenged to realise their potential.

The Role

We are seeking an inspirational and ambitious Head of English with the vision and leadership skills to foster a love of English across the school, stimulate intellectual curiosity, and drive excellence in teaching and learning. The successful candidate will be fully committed to the aims and ethos of both the English Department and Dunottar School.

We are looking for a well-qualified and talented teacher and leader who will provide clear strategic direction for the department, support and develop colleagues, and promote the highest standards of academic achievement. The successful candidate will share our passion for continuous improvement, champion best practice, and lead the ongoing development of the department's curriculum and co-curricular provision.

In addition, the Head of English will play a full and active role in the wider life of the school, contributing to our extensive and varied co-curricular programme during the working week and, on occasion, at weekends. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic advocate for English, inspiring students and staff alike and helping to shape the future direction of the department.