Head of English

Harris Garrard Academy is a school that disrupts the status quo in order to drive social mobility for our young people. Our academic results have placed us in the top 10% nationally for secondary and 5% for our primary phase; transforming students' lives forever. We are located in the wider South Thamesmead area and are accessible by fantastic rail and bus transport links. The academy’s stunning working environment is within a purpose-built school designed by Norman Foster and nominated for the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2004. Our vision is clear: nothing is impossible and everything is possible, irrespective of personal characteristics or background. Every problem has a solution. We believe we are more robust, resilient and determined as a team than as a group of individuals. We support, challenge and hold each other to account at all levels within the academy to ensure that our students achieve their potential, are motivated, engaged and fully prepared for life beyond our academy.

We are currently looking to appoint a qualified, experienced teacher to join Harris Garrard Academy as Head of English to ensure high standards of teaching and learning across the subject area, continuously developing and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning.

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 department.
• To effectively and efficiently manage and deploy teaching/support staff, financial and physical resources across the subject area.
• To support the development for literacy, through the school's 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 department 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 three 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.
• 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

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 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.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits.

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.

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. Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.