Director of English

At Harris Academy Merton we promote the ethos ‘Achievement is Success’ and believe every student has the right to the highest standard of education so that they can accomplish their aspirations. Our aim is to give every student an educational experience that is enjoyable and holistic so that they develop into responsible, articulate and successful young people. We combine the traditional values of strong discipline, good manners, respect and pride in appearance with contemporary best practice in teaching and technology.

We are seeking to appoint an experienced leader to further enhance the consistently outstanding outcomes from our exceptional English Department.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• 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 faculty.
• To effectively and efficiently manage and deploy teaching/support staff, financial and physical resources across the subject area.
• To lead development for literacy, through the WORD 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 faculty 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 two 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.
• Understand creative whole school strategies for improving literacy and numeracy and the importance of this in raising achievement.
• 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.

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.

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.

Benefits
In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package.

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.

Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

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.