TEACHER OF ENGLISH AND MEDIA STUDIES (Maternity Cover)
We are seeking to appoint an inspiring and talented teacher for a maternity cover who can enable
English and Media Studies to achieve even greater success. An energetic, proactive and creative
person will have the opportunity to develop initiatives. A particular expertise in and an ability to teach
English across Key Stages 3 and 4 and up to A2 Level Media Studies is essential. The ability to teach
Advanced Level English Language would be an advantage. The person appointed will need to be
forward thinking and have high expectations of themselves and the students.
The person appointed will have:
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Good academic qualifications and excellent classroom teaching skills;
A proven track record of sound classroom management;
An interest in management of people/projects;
An interest in teaching at examination levels;
Good interpersonal communication and organisational skills;
Excellent attendance;
Willingness to contribute to the extra-curricular life of the school, eg theatre visits, productions.
There is a well-established induction programme for all new staff in line with our commitment to
“Investors in People”. The School takes a pride in developing staff and there are many international
opportunities as part of our Language College initiatives.
The School is forward looking, the students are highly motivated and the management is very
supportive.
If you want to take up this challenge, we would love to hear from you.
If you would like to visit the School before you apply, please contact the Head of English, Gillian Barrett,
directly.
English Faculty
The Faculty has nine full-time and two part-time teachers.
English is taught throughout Key Stages 3 and 4 and all students are entered for GCSE English and
English Literature (WJEC). In 2012 the A*-C pass rate was 100% in English and English Literature. In
English Language 89% achieved A/A* and in English Literature 69% achieved A/A*.
Drama is taught at Key Stage 3. It is also a highly popular GCSE choice and with a 68% A*/A pass rate
in 2012.
English Literature has always been a popular subject at Advanced level. There are 6 groups in the Sixth
Form. In 2012 the pass rate was 89% students gaining A-C at AS and 100% A*-C at A2. We also offer
English Language (100% A-C at AS, 84% A*-C at A2) and Media Studies. Theatre Studies is also a
popular option with 100% gaining A-C at AS and 86% gaining A*-C at A2. 18 Year 13 students attained
A* at A2 level in the Faculty in 2012.
Media Studies is taught throughout Key Stage 5 and is one of the most popular subjects offered at
Advanced Level. The department offers a fully enriched programme of study that continually enables
students to exercise their academic and creative flair. In 2012, 97% of year 12 students achieved A-C
grades and 100% of year 13 students achieved A*-C grades. A large number of students choose to
develop their interest in the subject further by studying Media Studies, Film Studies or Television
Production at university.
The Faculty provides a full, varied and exciting programme of extra-curricular activities. These include
theatre visits; Debating Society; Poetry Workshops; Prose Appreciation Workshop; the School Yearbook
and a School Magazine. Book Week is celebrated each year with staff and students participating
dressed as characters from literature.
Other information
The English Faculty moved into a brand new building in September 2006. It has a suite of 16
classrooms, each with an interactive whiteboard. There is a designated Media Editing Suite and a
shared IT facility. Classrooms on each floor can be opened out to make a large teaching or performance
space. There is a purpose built Drama Studio with a lighting rig and curtaining. The studio is also
equipped with specialist ICT equipment.
The School is committed to independent learning, encouraging students to think for themselves and take
risks in order to develop into lifelong leaders. As leader of the English Faculty, Gillian Barrett (TLR1
English) sees English as one of the leading edge subjects in this area. English teachers are encouraged
to be imaginative and flexible in their teaching skills. This is student led learning at its best. The Faculty
works as a supportive team, sharing skills and resources, everyone has a voice and expertise to share.
Students see English as a lively and exciting place to be. Take up at A Level in Literature, Language,
Media Studies and Theatre Studies validates this approach, as do our results.
Thinking Schools
The Weald of Kent is committed to developing fully the independent thinking skills possessed by our
students. We commenced in September 2011 our journey towards becoming officially accredited as a
Thinking School. Our whole staff have been trained in the use of Hyerle’s Thinking Maps and the first
ten of Tony Ryan’s Thinkers’ Keys. Thunks are used throughout the school to stimulate our students’
thinking. We aim to develop our students’ ability to move from sharing what they know to how they know
something. All staff throughout the school are expected to engage with our work as a Thinking School
and use thinking methodologies in their lessons. This year all staff will be trained in the use of Habits of
Mind and the last ten of Tony Ryan’s Thinkers’ Keys. This is an exciting time to join the Weald of Kent
as we continue to develop our work as a Thinking School.
Staff Development
As an accredited ‘Investors in People’ school we are passionate about staff development and believe
that every employee should have an individual development plan. Plans are tailored to help and support
staff in new positions, existing posts and preparation for promotion. A whole range of developmental and
capacity building training is available, supporting staff to develop their skills and professionalism. This
includes:
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A well-established, tailored, induction programme
Performance development programme
CPD days and CPD workshops
Relevant external courses and training
Thinking Schools Training
Mentoring-Coaching programme
Investment in Excellence (IiE)
Embedding Outstanding Teaching
Embedding Outstanding Leadership
If you would like to work in a forward-looking environment where students are well motivated and
management is supportive – this could be the position for you!
What next?
If you are prepared to take up this exciting challenge then we would love to hear from you. If you would
like to visit the school before application, to find out more about the position, we would be happy to make
an appointment with you to show you around the school. (Please contact Sophie Clark, Deputy
Headteacher on 01732 373500 or sophie.clark@wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk.
Closing date for applications is Monday 15 October 2012
If you are short-listed, references will be requested from 15 October 2012
Interviews will take place week commencing 22 October 2012
Job Description for All Teaching Staff (including those who have met the UPS1, 2
& 3 Standards and/or may hold a position of responsibility)
Purpose
All teachers are leaders of learning and are committed to delivering the school’s vision and the
high ambitions for the school’s future. Their proactive support leads to sustained improvements
and raised standards across the organization. As members of both “Standards” (Faculties) and
Development (Tutoring) teams they model and actively implement “Development and
Standards” policies and contribute to their development. They are accountable for specific
identified and agreed operational functions within the teams to which they belong and which
form part of the areas’ day to day work.
All teachers strive to be an outstanding teacher and tutor who also consistently models
Professional Standards. All teachers, given the nature of the school’s context, accept that all
teaching and tutoring should, when applying the Ofsted criteria, be at least good.
Teachers’ on-going professional development is valued as part of the school’s commitment to
Investors in People and staff recognize their responsibility in seeking to improve their practice.
Feedback to support professional development is provided formally and informally including
through Performance Management reviews and the routine, rigorous and robust Quality
Assurance process which underpins the school’s self-evaluation strategies. Staff are aware that
underperformance will be challenged and that they will be held accountable for the performance
of students for whom they have a direct responsibility. Whilst it is accepted that not all students
will realize their full potential evidence of strategies to remove barriers to inclusion and
achievement should always be maintained. In addition, all staff support the school’s single
opportunity policy and promote community cohesion as well actively support the activities of the
school community and the wider community through its work as a Language and Science
Specialist School.
Areas of Responsibility and Key Tasks:
General
Teachers are responsible for the achievement and attainment of students they tutor and teach.
In addition, as leaders of learning and as part of on-going professional development teachers
will be required depending on their experience to take on some responsibility for the
development of policy and practice. Line Managers should ensure that specific contributions
and areas of development including those that link directly to the job description are noted and
reviewed as part of the Performance Management process.
Teaching, Tutoring and Learning
All teachers will support by:
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implementing “developmental” and “standards” policy in line with ECM principles.
establishing a learning environment that extends students’ academic, personal, learning and
thinking skills in order to increase their independence and prepare them to take their place as
responsible adults.
ensuring classroom practice is always engaging and challenging and that student behaviour is
well managed and safe.
delivering learning, tutoring and teaching that when judged against the Ofsted criteria is judged to
be at least good.
Ensuring learning is inclusive and that they maintain an overview of each individual student’s
progress and identify appropriate intervention strategies to enable them to realize their potential.
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Taking responsibility for Reporting and Assessment of the specified groups of students, taking a
proactive role in the organization and delivery of the reporting and assessment process including
consultation and information evenings for the relevant year groups.
Leading Learning and Team Work
All teachers will support by:
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Fostering positive working relationships across the school community.
Developing positive relationships with parents, Governors and other stakeholders.
Considering constructive criticism.
Following the guidance regarding adults who work with young people.
Maintaining a clear view of how subject and faculty targets contribute to achieving the school’s
targets for academic, attendance and personal development.
Proactively contributing to the development and delivery of “developmental” and standards policy
in line with ECM.
Operational Responsibilities 2011-2012:
 To ensure students and tutees for which you are responsible are supported to achieve their
academic and personal targets in line with the school’s vision.
 To intervene whenever necessary to ensure that students are adhering to school expectations
with regard to behaviour, dress code and health and safety both in and outside the classroom.
 To assist other team members with the delivery of key events and moments planned for the
relevant year groups.
 To contribute to Curriculum and Specialism development and take a proactive role in shaping
decisions and the delivery of curricula and extracurricular based activities including ACT Day.
 To foster positive links with the parents and carers of the students you teach and tutor in the
school ensuring parents are well informed about the curriculum and academic, attendance and
personal targets for their children.
 To work on negotiated and specified areas of responsibility and professional development as
identified as part of the Performance Management process.
Name of Post Holder:
tba
Reports to:
Senior Director of Standards (English)
Salary range:
MPS/UPS
The post holder will carry out the duties of a teacher as set out in the Pay and Conditions
document and any amendments in future years contained within future Pay and Conditions
documents. This includes any duties as may reasonably be directed by the Headteacher.
Signed and dated:………………………………………………………………………(Teacher)
Signed and dated:………………………………………………………………………(Headteacher)