Head of Drama in London

Are you a passionate teacher looking for your next step? We are looking for a qualified, experienced teacher to join Harris Academy Falconwood as Head of Drama.

At Harris Academy Falconwood, our vision, ‘Knowledge is Power, We make it stick,' is more than just a motto: it's the bedrock of everything we do. We passionately believe in providing a first-class education that goes far beyond the everyday. We understand that education is the most potent engine for social mobility, empowering young people to transcend their circumstances and seize opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. Our aim is to create a platform for true social mobility, tapping into every child's unique potential and setting them on a path towards ambitious destinations and informed choices.

We achieve this through a broad, diverse, and ambitious curriculum, designed to do so much more than just impart facts. As highlighted in our recent Ofsted report from March 2025, students at Harris Academy Falconwood receive "a very strong education" and "achieve highly," a direct result of our "carefully designed, ambitious curriculum" that "promotes pupils' academic and personal achievements extremely well." This curriculum supports students to not only learn the powerful knowledge they need to succeed academically, but also to develop great character, cultivate healthy habits for life, and profoundly broaden their horizons. We believe in nurturing the whole child, ensuring they are well-rounded individuals ready for the complexities of the modern world.

Our commitment to inclusion is paramount to our mission for all students to succeed. This is why we are proud that Ofsted recognised how "the needs of disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified and met well," ensuring "all pupils the same high-quality experiences." We want our students to emerge from Harris Academy Falconwood as confident, articulate individuals, fully equipped to navigate the demands of a fast-paced, ever-changing world. We strive to instil resilience and adaptability, so they can face challenges head‑on. Beyond academic excellence, we want our students to not only recognise injustice but to actively challenge it. We foster an environment where kindness and support thrive, encouraging every student to contribute positively to the communities they belong to, and to truly understand and enjoy a sense of belonging right here at the academy. We know that a supported student is a successful student, which is why we pride ourselves on putting student personal development and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do to ensure every student goes on to live a happy and successful life.

Harris Academy Falconwood stands as a beacon of educational excellence. The academy's recent, remarkable progress is a testament to the effective leadership of all staff and the hard work of our outstanding students.

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.
• 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.
• Harris Allowance (usually £2,000 for Inner London and £1,500 for Outer London).
• Annual Loyalty Bonus.
• Teachers Pension Scheme.
• Wellbeing Cash Plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Many other benefits.

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.

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.