At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic team in modern foreign languages education.
- Company: Kingsmead School, known for its ambitious curriculum and supportive environment.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to student success and enrichment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' language learning and cultural awareness.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching languages and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
About the School
Kingsmead is a large, oversubscribed school that, despite serving a postcode in the top 20% most deprived parts of England, has an ambitious curriculum, with almost exclusively GCSE KS4 and A Level KS5, aiming for a high number of EBacc entries while also having a performing and visual arts specialism. The school has a track record of above average progress scores in spite of the challenge posed by such an ambitious curriculum. Exceptional behaviour is maintained, with a consistent approach that combines explicit boundaries with the space to build relationships and support those children who need it. There is a thoughtfully constructed wider school experience for the children, with an ambitious combination of clubs, trips, careers guidance and wider enrichment.
The Languages Department
The Languages Department is a well-established and highly valued team, currently formed of eight specialist colleagues, the majority of whom are very experienced practitioners. The team is united by a strong, shared belief in the power of language learning—not only to develop linguistic competence, but also to foster cultural curiosity, empathy, confidence, literacy, cognitive flexibility and global awareness for all pupils, regardless of background. All students study a language (French or Spanish) at Key Stage 3, and the majority continue with the study of that language at Key Stage 4. The department has a healthy intake at KS5 and students achieve very well in their A-Level examinations. In addition, Turkish lessons are run and pupils are enabled to enter GCSE and A-level examinations in a wide range of community and home languages, reflecting and celebrating the rich linguistic diversity of the school community. The majority of teachers are allocated their own teaching rooms, allowing for purposeful, language-rich learning environments that reflect the identity of the department. Colleagues enjoy access to a wide range of digital platforms and resources to support high-quality modern languages teaching, homework, retrieval practice and independent learning. The department has been working collaboratively on the development of a new, ambitious curriculum, designed to meet the needs of our diverse cohort and to reflect the latest thinking in language pedagogy.
The successful candidate will play a crucial role in leading the team to continue shaping, refining and embedding this curriculum, ensuring consistency, challenge and progression across all key stages. The Languages team is supportive, friendly and highly collaborative, with a strong culture of shared planning, professional dialogue and mutual support. Staff work closely together to review practice, develop resources and ensure that all pupils, regardless of their background, are able to succeed in languages.
The role
The Deputy Learning Director of Department for Modern Foreign Languages will demonstrate:
- Strategic, credible leadership, with the ability to inspire, motivate and support a team of experienced professionals, consistently promoting and implementing school policies.
- A clear vision for languages education, grounded in inclusion and equity.
- The ability to model and instil a culture of high expectations for all.
- Curriculum expertise, with the ability to lead the implementation and embedding of a coherent, ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum.
- A commitment to high-quality teaching and learning, informed by evidence-based pedagogy and reflective practice and modelled consistently in the planning and delivery of lessons.
- The ability to use assessment and data intelligently to secure strong outcomes and close gaps, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration with all stakeholders and shared accountability.
- A commitment to professional development, both for themselves and for colleagues within the department, and to a growth-mindset approach to feedback.
- Strong organisational skills, with the capacity to manage resources, priorities and time effectively.
- A commitment to the wider life of the school, including safeguarding, pastoral priorities and enrichment opportunities.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious leader to build on strong foundations and help to lead a passionate department at a pivotal stage of its development.
Deputy Learning Director of Department - Modern Foreign Languages employer: Kingsmead School
Kingsmead School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and high-quality teaching. With a strong commitment to inclusion and equity, the Deputy Learning Director of Department for Modern Foreign Languages will have the opportunity to lead a passionate team in shaping an ambitious curriculum while benefiting from a wealth of resources and a vibrant school community. Located in a diverse area, Kingsmead provides a meaningful environment where educators can make a significant impact on students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Learning Director of Department - Modern Foreign Languages
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Kingsmead, especially in the Languages Department. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the school culture and what they really value in a Deputy Learning Director.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for languages! In interviews, share specific examples of how you've inspired students in language learning. We want to see that you can foster cultural curiosity and empathy, just like the team at Kingsmead.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss curriculum development! Be ready to talk about your experience with implementing ambitious curriculums and how you’ve used data to close gaps for disadvantaged pupils. This is key for the role, so let’s nail it!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re all about making the process as smooth as possible for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Learning Director of Department - Modern Foreign Languages
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Languages:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for language learning shine through! Share personal experiences or insights that highlight why you believe in the power of languages and how it can impact students' lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific needs and values of Kingsmead. Mention how your vision aligns with their ambitious curriculum and commitment to inclusion and equity in language education.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Deputy Learning Director, you'll need to inspire and support your team. Use your application to showcase examples of how you've successfully led teams, implemented new strategies, or fostered collaboration among colleagues.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While it's important to maintain a professional tone, don't be afraid to let your personality come through. A touch of warmth and authenticity can make your application stand out. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kingsmead School
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the ambitious curriculum the school has in place. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals for language education and how you can contribute to refining and embedding this curriculum.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Highlight your strategic leadership skills and how you’ve fostered a culture of high expectations and collaboration among colleagues.
✨Emphasise Inclusion and Equity
Be prepared to discuss your commitment to inclusion and equity in language education. Share specific strategies you’ve implemented to support disadvantaged pupils and ensure all students succeed, regardless of their background.
✨Engage with the Wider School Community
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of the wider school experience. Talk about how you plan to contribute to enrichment opportunities and collaborate with other departments to enhance student learning and engagement.
