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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the MFL department, ensuring high standards in teaching French, Spanish, and Chinese.
- Company: Join Streatham & Clapham High School, a vibrant and supportive environment within the GDST network.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, professional development, generous pensions, and free lunches during term time.
- Why this job: Shape students' love for languages and excel in a passionate team dedicated to excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience teaching Spanish to A Level and French to GCSE, with strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Applications close on 22 April 2025; interviews on 25 April 2025.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The role seeks to appoint a dynamic, energetic and inspirational teacher to lead our thriving and highly successful Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department. As Head of MFL, you will be responsible for the professional leadership and management of the MFL department, ensuring the delivery of high standards of teaching and learning that will inspire a love of languages in our students. Your work will shape and develop our exciting MFL provision, ensuring that our students fulfil their academic potential in French, Spanish or Chinese. We are looking for an enthusiastic and positive leader, with excellent subject knowledge and understanding. You will possess experience of teaching Spanish to A Level and French to GCSE, pairing this with strong leadership experience gained within an MFL department (e.g. overseeing schemes of work or key stages).
The MFL department is made up of a team of seven teachers and three language assistants, who all share a vision that promotes excellence in outcomes and inspires passion for the subject. All pupils study French and Mandarin in Year 7. In Year 8, pupils continue with two languages selected from a choice of French, Spanish and Mandarin. At Key Stage 4, girls continue with at least one language and routinely excel – in 2024, we celebrated 100% of our students achieving grades 9-7 in Chinese. At Key Stage 5, students can continue with their preferred language at A Level.
About Streatham & Clapham High School: Streatham & Clapham High School is a vibrant, exciting and fulfilling place in which to work. The School is characterised by a warm, welcoming and supportive atmosphere. New colleagues are supported through a personalised induction programme.
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Free lunches for all staff during term time
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Good transport links
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
For further details and to apply please click the apply button. Applications should be received no later than midday, 22 April 2025. The interviews for this role will be on 25 April 2025. The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. We are committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening will apply to this post.
Head of Modern Foreign Languages employer: STREATHAM AND CLAPHAM HIGH SCHOOL GDST
Contact Detail:
STREATHAM AND CLAPHAM HIGH SCHOOL GDST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Modern Foreign Languages
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in language education and teaching methodologies. Being able to discuss innovative approaches during your interview will demonstrate your commitment to inspiring students and leading a successful MFL department.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff at Streatham & Clapham High School, if possible. Understanding their experiences and insights about the school culture and MFL department can give you an edge in tailoring your approach and showing that you’re a good fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership experience by thinking of specific examples where you've successfully managed a team or implemented new initiatives in an MFL context. This will help you illustrate your capability to lead the department effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the achievements of the MFL department, especially the success rates in exams like GCSE and A Level. Being able to reference these successes and discuss how you can contribute to maintaining or improving them will show your dedication to academic excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the expectations for the Head of Modern Foreign Languages position. Highlight key responsibilities and required qualifications that you can address in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in teaching Spanish to A Level and French to GCSE. Emphasise your leadership roles within an MFL department and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to inspire students.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for languages and your vision for the MFL department. Mention specific strategies you would implement to enhance student engagement and academic success in languages.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at STREATHAM AND CLAPHAM HIGH SCHOOL GDST
✨Showcase Your Passion for Languages
As a candidate for the Head of MFL, it's crucial to express your enthusiasm for teaching languages. Share personal anecdotes about how you developed your love for languages and how you inspire that passion in your students.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles within an MFL department. Discuss specific initiatives you've led, such as developing schemes of work or mentoring new teachers, to showcase your ability to lead and inspire a team.
✨Prepare for Curriculum Questions
Be ready to discuss your approach to curriculum development and how you would enhance the MFL provision at Streatham & Clapham High School. Familiarise yourself with their current offerings and think about innovative ideas you could bring to the table.
✨Emphasise Student Outcomes
Since the school values high academic standards, prepare to talk about how you've previously contributed to student success in languages. Use specific examples of student achievements under your guidance to illustrate your impact on learning outcomes.
