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- Tasks: Lead and develop the Modern Foreign Languages curriculum at an outstanding school.
- Company: Swanshurst School, a vibrant and exceptional place for girls aged 11-19.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Be part of a newly formed academy trust with exciting future prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while leading a dynamic MFL department.
- Qualifications: Strong teaching experience in MFL and a passion for developing others.
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: 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 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
✨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 diving deep into the MFL curriculum. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and teaching methods. We want to show that we’re not just passionate about languages, but also about innovative teaching practices!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you’ve led training sessions or developed curriculum initiatives. We need to demonstrate how we can inspire and grow the MFL department at Swanshurst.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that we’re serious about joining the Swanshurst team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department: Modern Foreign Languages at Swanshurst School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Languages: When writing your application, let your love for Modern Foreign Languages shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to teaching languages, as this will resonate with us at Swanshurst.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of MFL role. Highlight your achievements in curriculum development and leadership, and don’t forget to mention any collaborative projects you've been involved in. We want to see how you can contribute to our vibrant department!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where appropriate to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 for KS3, KS4, and KS5. Be ready to discuss how you would sequence and write schemes of work that meet the school's requirements. This shows your commitment to delivering an exemplary curriculum.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led training sessions or collaborated with other departments in the past. Highlight your ability to develop staff knowledge and pedagogical skills, as this is crucial for the role. We want to see your vision for growth and how you can inspire others.
✨Demonstrate Impact on Student Progress
Be ready to share specific examples of how your teaching has positively impacted student attainment and progress. Use data or anecdotes to illustrate your success in driving results in MFL, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Every Child
Express your passion for making a difference in every student's life at Swanshurst. Discuss your strategies for supporting diverse learners and how you plan to foster an inclusive environment within the MFL department.