At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Religious Studies curriculum, fostering critical thinking and reflection.
- Company: Watling Academy, an Ofsted 'Outstanding' secondary school in Milton Keynes.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities, supportive community, and a vibrant learning environment.
- Why this job: Shape young minds and promote empathy through diverse religious exploration.
- Qualifications: Passion for Religious Studies and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to care, education, and opportunity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for Religious Studies and a vision for shaping a dynamic, thought-provoking curriculum? Do you thrive on guiding others to deliver exceptional learning experiences that promote critical thinking and reflection?
Watling Academy is seeking an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Head of Religious Studies to lead our RS provision and champion a rich, inclusive exploration of global belief systems, including Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism and beyond.
As Head of Religious Studies, you will set the direction for an engaging and ambitious curriculum that ignites curiosity and nurtures analytical thinking. You will empower students to question, evaluate and reason, ensuring these skills sit at the heart of our educational ethos.
Your leadership will also shape the wider personal development of our students. Through thoughtful exploration of diverse religious traditions, you will help them develop empathy, cultural awareness and the ability to reflect deeply on their own values and actions. Under your guidance, students will gain a stronger understanding of their place in the world and the impact they can have on others.
Watling Academy is an Ofsted 'Outstanding' secondary school situated on the western edge of Milton Keynes, encompassing the Whitehouse and Fairfields developments. Opening in September 2020, our school is a new and vibrant learning community for students aged 11-18. We are excited to have opened the Watling Academy Sixth Form to our first cohort of Year 12 students from September 2025, which will provide further educational opportunities.
Our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Kindness embody the 'Watling Way' and are integral to the way we interact, learn and grow together as a community.
The Alliance Schools Trust is driven by our mission of Care, Education and Opportunity. We prioritise care by ensuring that no student or staff member ever feels anonymous. Everyone is recognised, valued and supported, creating a strong sense of belonging within our community. Our commitment to education is reflected in our proven track record of academic success, consistently outperforming both Milton Keynes and national averages. We offer opportunity through supportive and dynamic learning environments, where every student can thrive and be well-prepared for future success in higher education or employment. For staff, we offer extensive opportunities for professional development and progression within our growing network of schools, empowering you to advance your career within a united, forward-thinking Trust.
Head of Religious Studies in Milton Keynes employer: Watling Academy
Contact Detail:
Watling Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Religious Studies in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Watling Academy through LinkedIn or social media. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Head of Religious Studies.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can bring the 'Watling Way' to life. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered respect, responsibility, and kindness in your previous roles. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for their community!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your vision for the RS curriculum! Think about innovative ways to engage students with diverse belief systems. Presenting fresh ideas will demonstrate your passion and commitment to shaping an inspiring learning environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Watling Academy team. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Religious Studies in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for Religious Studies shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion can inspire students and shape a dynamic curriculum that encourages critical thinking.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Religious Studies role. Highlight any leadership roles or curriculum development experience that showcases your ability to guide others.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for Watling Academy. Share your vision for the RS curriculum and how you plan to foster empathy and cultural awareness among students.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so we can start reviewing your amazing qualifications!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watling Academy
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Religious Studies curriculum and can articulate how you would shape it. Think about how you can incorporate diverse belief systems and promote critical thinking. Prepare examples of how you've successfully implemented engaging lessons in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire others. Share specific instances where you've guided a team or influenced students positively. Highlight your ability to foster an inclusive environment that encourages empathy and cultural awareness.
✨Connect with the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with Watling Academy’s core values of Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness. During the interview, demonstrate how these values resonate with your teaching philosophy and leadership style. This shows you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the school community.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask the interviewers. Inquire about their vision for the Religious Studies department and how they see it evolving. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the school aligns with your own educational goals.