ST RICHARD GWYN
CATHOLIC HIGH
SCHOOL
YSGOL UWCHRADD
GATHOLIG RICHARD
GWYN SANT
Argae Lane, Barry,
Vale of Glamorgan, CF63 1BL
Tel: 01446 729250
Fax: 01446 720898
E mail:
info@strichardgwyn.co.uk
Website: www.strichardgwyn.co.uk
Headteacher: Mr M J Clinch BA (HONS)
Dear Candidate
February 2013
Teacher of English
Thank you for expressing an interest in the above post. I enclose below further
information which hopefully will encourage you to apply.
THE POST
The governors are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic English specialist to join a hard
working team. English is currently part of the wider Curriculum Team of Language and
Communication. The whole team comprises nine full time members of staff, four of
whom are specialist English teachers.
English is one of the flagship departments in the school. The department is well led with
high expectations of both staff and students. English can rightly boast about their
impressive results in each of the past three years. In 2012, impressively, 78% of all
students achieved a C grade or better at GCSE.
The department enjoys a favourable reputation within the LEA. A recent ESTYN
inspection highlighted the good teaching that goes on in the department and the positive
contribution made by the English teachers to whole school improvement.
The successful candidate will be expected to teach across the age and ability range up to
KS4. In Key Stage 3 there are five units of study in each year group, focusing on a wide
range of literature and language work. All Key Stage 4 pupils are entered for both WJEC
English Language and English Literature. Results compare favourably against national
and internal statistics. A current departmental priority is to improve the accuracy of
written work across both key stages.
We are seeking an ambitious teacher to help the department improve still further. We
are specifically looking for high calibre candidates who have the potential to progress
quickly in their career. The successful candidate will be innovative, well organised,
self-motivated and a committed team player able to contribute positively to a small but
effective team.
Specific departmental responsibilities will be agreed with the head of department and
will reflect the strengths of the successful candidate.
THE SCHOOL
St Richard Gwyn is an 11-16 mixed comprehensive with 670 on roll. The school is
oversubscribed which reflects the school’s recent success and growing reputation. We
have the privilege of being the only Catholic High School in the Vale of Glamorgan. Our
catchment area covers parishes as far afield as Llantwit Major, Cowbridge and Rhoose
in the west, to Barry and Penarth in the east.
We are proud of our size. As the smallest High School in the area we are able to provide
a personal touch so often missing in larger schools. It means we can create a caring and
disciplined community which focuses on teaching and learning. Our strong and effective
pastoral system is strength of the school.
Pupils and staff get to know each other well. Strong relationships are built which we feel
is conducive to effective learning. Many parents also actively support their children’s
learning.
Academic standards are improving year on year. In 2012 87% of our students gained
5 A*-C. Given our intake this represents a significant achievement. Value Added scores
are high, especially in English. In 2012 the English department made a significant
contribution to the School being placed in Band 1. We were in fact listed second in the
whole of Wales in the Banding list. The school is at the forefront of many developments
within the Authority and teachers from this school are often asked to facilitate INSET
courses for colleagues outside of the school.
The ESTYN inspection of January 2011 was very favourable. St Richard Gwyn was
judged to be a ‘good’ school with ‘good’ prospects for improvement with elements of
excellent practice.
Mass is celebrated weekly with over 100 pupils and staff regularly in attendance. There
are many liturgical events which are supported by the local clergy. The Archbishop
himself is a regular visitor. The Archdiocesan inspection of January 2011 also praised
the work of the teaching staff.
OUR STAFF
The school has a very committed and friendly staff numbering 39 teachers and 24
support staff and all contribute to a strong ethos. There are no cliques in the staffroom.
A lot is asked of staff in a small school and teachers here work very hard for their pupils.
The benefits of this hard work are seen in the results that we achieve and the fact that
you get noticed as a teacher more in small schools. Many staff have moved on to greater
things and this post offers the opportunity to get noticed and to make a swift career
progression.
If you wish for further clarification of the role, or if you would like to visit the school
prior to your application, then please do not hesitate to contact me through my PA Mrs
Caroline Robinson at c.robinson@strichardgwyn.co.uk.
Mike Clinch
Headteacher