Head of English

Overview

About This Opportunity: Are you an enthusiastic and passionate English teacher looking to step into middle leadership? Could you inspire us to continue to improve and raise students\’ achievements, have a commitment to sharing expertise and bring the department to the next level?

We are looking for a qualified, experienced English teacher to join Harris Academy Orpington as the Head of English, starting in April or September. The successful candidate will have QTS and strong subject knowledge teaching up to and including KS5. The role requires a dedicated and highly motivated practitioner with a proven track record of driving up standards, with excellent interpersonal skills to join our highly committed team, sharing in the school’s values, vision and ethos. Not suitable for ECTs.

Main Areas of Responsibility

• To be accountable for leading, managing and developing the subject area.
• To raise standards of student attainment and achievement within the whole subject/curriculum area and to monitor and support student progress.
• To ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students studying in the department, in accordance with the aims of the academy and the curricular policies determined by the Governing Body and Principal.
• To teach the relevant subject across the age and ability range.
• To facilitate and encourage a learning experience which provides students with the opportunity to achieve their individual potential.
• To effectively manage and deploy staff, financial and physical resources within the department.
• To share and support the school’s responsibility to provide and monitor opportunities for personal and academic growth.

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
• Have experience of initiation and effective management of change
• Show evidence of raising achievement in present post and showing good value added for groups
• Have knowledge of current curriculum developments in subject and their implications
• Have good knowledge and understanding of current educational thinking
• Show good understanding of how children learn and how to raise standards of achievement
• Have good communication skills in speech and writing
• Display excellent organisational skills
• Are able to build and sustain professional standards and relationships with students
• Are able to contribute towards creating a safe and protective environment

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. 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 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 our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced DBS check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students and are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

Working with Us

At Harris Academy Orpington, we have worked hard to create an environment where we look after and care for each other. The environment here is one of care, nurture and support, with a bit of challenge. Our academy opened in September 2016 as part of the Harris federation, and we are a community school serving families in and around Orpington. We are ambitious, tenacious and enterprising and committed to helping our students succeed. Our motto is “Together We Can.” To learn more about working in our academy, view our academy page via the “why work at” button.