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- Tasks: Lead and develop the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum while inspiring students and staff.
- Company: Swanshurst School, an outstanding secondary school for girls aged 11-19.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by fostering a love for languages.
- Qualifications: Experience teaching French and Spanish, with a passion for education and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
Swanshurst is a large outstanding school for girls aged 11‑19. Ofsted (May 2024) described it as an "exceptional place for pupils to learn" and called the curriculum "exemplary". The school is part of the newly formed West Midlands Academy Trust (WMAT), which opened in January 2025, and is one of the three founding members. We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Head of Modern Foreign Languages to lead and further develop our vibrant and successful MFL department at our outstanding secondary school.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the MFL curriculum, including sequencing and writing schemes of work that fulfil school requirements.
- Coordinate all aspects of curriculum delivery and quality assurance.
- Collaborate with other departments to share strong practice.
- Lead training sessions for staff on new curriculum developments and school teaching and learning priorities.
- Develop and deliver training to staff to develop subject knowledge and pedagogical knowledge.
Key Competencies
- Strong teaching track record and impact in KS3/KS4/KS5 MFL.
- Evidence of attainment and progress in key stages.
- Impact on curriculum development and the practice of others.
- Eagerness to develop leadership skills and vision for growth of colleagues.
- Excellent leadership, management and commitment to support youngsters.
- Drive to make a difference to every child at Swanshurst.
Qualifications & Eligibility
- Expectations include teaching French and Spanish at Key Stage 3 and at least one of these languages at Key Stage 4/5; the department also teaches GCSE German and Arabic.
- All candidates must meet immigration and safeguarding requirements.
- The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and reference checks will be conducted.
Head of Department: Modern Foreign Languages at Swanshurst School in Birmingham employer: Swanshurst School
Contact Detail:
Swanshurst School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department: Modern Foreign Languages at Swanshurst School in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Swanshurst School through LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give us insights into the school culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your MFL curriculum knowledge. We should be ready to discuss innovative teaching methods and how we can enhance the learning experience for students at all key stages.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our leadership skills! Think of examples where we've led training sessions or collaborated with other departments. This will highlight our ability to develop and inspire colleagues, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the Swanshurst team and contributing to their exceptional environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department: Modern Foreign Languages at Swanshurst School in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and competencies outlined in the job description. We want to see how you can lead and develop the MFL curriculum at Swanshurst!
Showcase Your Impact: Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your teaching track record and how you've positively impacted students' attainment and progress. We love seeing evidence of your success in KS3/KS4/KS5 MFL!
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about leading a vibrant department, make sure to highlight any previous leadership experiences. We’re looking for someone eager to develop their leadership skills and vision for growth, so let that shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swanshurst School
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the MFL curriculum, especially how it aligns with the school's vision. Be ready to discuss your ideas for sequencing and writing schemes of work that meet school requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led training sessions or collaborated with other departments. Highlight your impact on curriculum development and how you've supported colleagues in enhancing their teaching practices.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Languages
Express your enthusiasm for teaching French, Spanish, and any other languages you’re familiar with. Share specific success stories from your teaching experience that illustrate your commitment to student progress and engagement.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions about how you would handle challenges in the MFL department. Think about scenarios involving curriculum delivery, quality assurance, and staff training, and be ready to share your strategies for overcoming these challenges.