At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in shaping an ambitious languages curriculum and inspire students.
- Company: Kingsmead School, known for its inclusive and enriching educational environment.
- Benefits: Supportive culture, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence the future of language education in a diverse community.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and foster cultural curiosity and empathy through language learning.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and expertise in modern foreign languages education.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ 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 challenges posed by such an ambitious curriculum. Exceptional behaviour is maintained through 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 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 instill 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 organizational 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 lead a passionate department at a pivotal stage of its development.
Learning Director of Department - Modern Foreign Languages in London employer: Kingsmead School
Kingsmead School is an exceptional employer that prioritises both academic excellence and the holistic development of its students, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional growth, teachers are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and share best practices, while the vibrant school culture promotes inclusivity and celebrates diversity. Located in a dynamic community, the school offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on students' lives, particularly in the Modern Foreign Languages department, where innovative teaching methods and a rich curriculum are at the forefront of educational success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Director of Department - Modern Foreign Languages in London
✨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 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 fire in your belly for fostering cultural curiosity and empathy.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss curriculum development! Be ready to talk about your vision for an ambitious, inclusive language curriculum. We need to know how you’ll lead the team in shaping and embedding this exciting new direction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow the process closely!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Director of Department - Modern Foreign Languages in London
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 anecdotes 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 Collaborative Spirit:Since the Languages Department thrives on teamwork, emphasise your experience in collaborative settings. Talk about how you've worked with colleagues to enhance teaching practices or develop resources that benefit all students.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. Remember, we want to see your ideas without wading through unnecessary fluff!
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 you can contribute to its development and implementation, especially in terms of inclusion and equity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that demonstrate your strategic leadership abilities. Think about times when you've inspired or motivated a team, and be ready to share how you foster collaboration and trust among colleagues.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decisions
Be prepared to talk about how you’ve used assessment and data to improve student outcomes in the past. Highlight specific strategies you’ve implemented to close gaps for disadvantaged pupils.
✨Engage with the Wider School Community
Express your commitment to the wider life of the school. Discuss how you plan to integrate enrichment opportunities and support pastoral priorities, showing that you understand the importance of a holistic educational experience.
