Head of Modern Languages
Reporting to:
1. Academic Deputy Head
2. Headmaster
The Foundation
Prior Park College is an independent day and boarding school for some 590 girls and boys aged
between 11 and 18. The school occupies an imposing 50 acre site on Ralph Allen Drive in Bath,
combining beautiful Grade 1 listed buildings with more modern, purpose-built facilities. There is an
associated Junior School, the Paragon, on a 7.5 acre site in Lyncombe Vale and a further Preparatory
School in Cricklade, Swindon. More information can be found at www.thepriorfoundation.com
The Department
The Head of Department (HoD) is a key position, pivotal to the academic performance of the
College, and the efficient discharge of his or her duties contributes greatly to the smooth running of
the school. This job description is a general one which is intended to cover the major
responsibilities of all HoDs. It is intended to give as clear a guide as possible, not only to help the
HoD by acting as a checklist but also to help other staff by outlining what the HoDs’ responsibilities
are.
This general job specification will usually need to be supplemented by any specific responsibilities
which apply to a particular department.
The major responsibilities of a HoD are the leadership, management, and organisation of a specified
area of the Curriculum.
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a thriving, dynamic department. Modern
Languages enjoy a high profile at Prior Park and we have an enviable record of exam success. Takeup of all three curriculum languages (French, German and Spanish) is strong at both KS4 and KS5.
The number of dual linguists at both GCSE and A level is also robust and we are keen to continue
this trend. We have recently introduced Mandarin as an after-school activity, taught by a member
of the Languages department, and we are keen to see this language become part of the options on
offer at KS3/4.
The Department comprises five full-time and four part-time members of staff, including both a
French and Spanish Language Assistant. We are proud of the friendly, supportive atmosphere in
the languages team and, as well as in departmental meetings, we frequently share resources, ideas
and best practice. There is an annual Appraisal system as well as Peer review that are designed for
career development and to support new initiatives in the department.
Modern Languages is housed in five dedicated classrooms. We have a central office for the MFL
staff. Staff all have their own Ipads and all Year 7 pupils have been issued with school Ipads as
well. We routinely use these and students’ own mobile devices in class and for Prep, to access
authentic resources, to use resources we subscribe to and for recording audio and video files. In
addition the school has two ICT suites which can be booked for classes.
A commitment to cultural knowledge and extra-curricular activities is embodied in our teaching
and we have long-established and successful middle-school exchanges with schools in Bourg St
Maurice, Málaga and Berlin. In addition all Sixth-Form linguists take a work experience placement
in France or do exchanges with our sister schools in Germany and Spain.
We believe in making languages accessible to all and strive to enable each individual to fulfill his or
her potential. We always have gifted and/or native students who take GCSE and A level early and
we have flexibility in the department to offer booster classes in French to those who need extra
support.
In Year 7 we offer a languages carousel. All pupils study French for three periods a fortnight. In
addition all pupils study Spanish or German for half of the year and then swap to study German or
Spanish for the second half of the year, for three lessons a fortnight. At the end of Year 7 pupils opt
for two out of these three languages, for three lesson a fortnight. At the end of Year 8 pupils choose
again, either one or two languages, to study in year 9, for four lessons a fortnight. Our numbers of
pupils opting for two languages in Year 9 and for GCSE has grown, year on year, for the past five
years. We have healthy Sixth-Form groups in all three languages.
In French the main course books are Encore Tricolore & EXPO for years 7-11 and Atouts/AQA
Nelson Thornes for AS/A2. In Spanish Listos is used up to GCSE and AQA Nelson Thornes for
AS/A2. In German pupils follow Echo Express in Years 7- 9, Na Klar for GCSE and AQA Nelson
Thornes for AS/A2. At the moment we use the WJEC examination board for GCSE and AQA for
AS/A2 and we are in the process of deciding what boards/GCSEs we will use for the new
examinations from September 2016.
Curriculum
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To establish and make explicit Departmental aims and objectives; and to help to evaluate
and develop the curriculum to meet these objectives, largely through the annual
Department Development Plan.
To ensure that schemes of work are produced, monitored and regularly reviewed and
updated.
To develop assessment processes which are compatible with school policy.
To ensure the appropriate differentiation of the curriculum to meet the needs of all levels of
pupil ability.
To promote teaching and learning styles which stimulate pupil interest and involvement in
learning.
To monitor teaching and learning within the department.
To keep up with developments in the departmental subject teaching through appropriate
INSET, including participation in CANFORD meetings.
To contribute, as necessary, to the planning of the whole school curriculum and timetable in
Academic Committee.
Organisation of the department
 To inspire the team, providing leadership and enthusiasm.
 To structure a department team, creating a cogent internal structure.
 To deploy teachers, consistent with their strengths, weaknesses and career development
while answering the needs of the school.
 To allocate pupils to groups.
 To organise teaching resources. (See Resources and Accommodation)
 To develop the wider teaching and learning activities of the department, outside the
classroom. Organise and lead trips arranged to enhance the curriculum.
 To provide counselling for and liaison with higher education in conjunction with the careers
department.
 To deploy non-teaching staff within the department and to allocate responsibilities.
 To hold regular departmental meetings, whose minutes are recorded and can be made
available to senior management / inspectors.
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To be responsible for health and safety within the department.
To update the Departmental contributions to the School website.
Support of teaching staff
 To support and direct staff within the department.
 To make detailed arrangements for the induction of all newly appointed teachers; and to
provide a full programme of guidance and support for teachers in their probationary year.
 To promote the professional development of all staff within the department, to organise
departmental INSET. This may be scheduled shortly before or after term with the
expectation of attendance by all members of the Department.
 To lead and evaluate the work of teachers within the Department
 Co-ordinate peer review, in the first instance within the Department, proceeding to interdepartment reviews. Store peer review forms in the Department and summarise to Second
Deputy Head as requested.
 To establish an effective structure for consultation within the department.
 To provide disciplinary support when necessary.
 To play a part in the appointment of new staff.
 To assist in the appraisal process.
 To assist with recruitment within the Department
Pupils
 To establish appropriately high levels of expectation by setting down clear guidelines for
establishing good standards of behaviour and achievement within the department including
the careful presentation of work and the care of books and equipment.
 To establish procedures for the monitoring and recording of progress.
 To co-ordinate reporting within the department so that there is consistency.
 To set up a co-ordinated marking policy including the consistent awarding of Effort and
Achievement Grades and Merits across the department.
Examinations
 To establish departmental policy on entry to external examinations in accordance with that
of the School.
 To define criteria for entry, to forecast, record, monitor results and provide comments on
external Examinations.
 To liaise with the Academic Deputy Head and Examinations Officer in relation to entry
procedures.
 To implement school policy on internal examinations, including preparation and assessment.
 To organise departmental internal exams, ensuring that members of the department know
what exam preparation and marking is expected of them.
 To prepare for external exams and provide coursework marks.
 To prepare and mark Entrance/Scholarship Examinations.
Resources and accommodation
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To establish and maintain through forward planning appropriate resources for the subject or
curriculum area.
To allocate resources and accommodation within the Department to meet Curriculum
objectives.
To make arrangements for recording and checking of stock.
To enhance the learning environment through the effective display of pupils’ work and other
Materials and through care of the environment.
To negotiate departmental capitation with Senior Management and manage departmental
budgets, again mainly through the annual Department Development Plan and its follow-up.
Personal and Professional Specification
The ideal candidate will display the following attributes:
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Relevant teaching qualification, including an honours degree in a Modern Language
Continuous updating of knowledge and expertise; willingness to learn;
Eagerness to make an active contribution to the policies and aspirations of the College;
Keenness to take responsibility for professional development and to use the outcomes for
their own benefit and that of the school;
Drive to achieve the best possible results; high expectations in the tasks and objectives set for
themselves and others;
Effective communication skills; selecting and using appropriate media to communicate;
A willingness to work beyond the contracted hours when the occasion demands;
Ability to plan (short, medium and long term), prioritise and manage time well ensuring
decisions are implemented; anticipation of problems and challenges, viewing them as an
opportunity to do something different and creative;
Loyalty and integrity;
Willingness to take on challenges;
The ability to assimilate different types of information, come to logical conclusions, identify
options and make sound judgements; persistence in looking for new and improved ways of
doing things.
Role Duties
We are looking to appoint an inspiring teacher who believes, above all, that children learn more in a
lively, disciplined environment, where expectations are high, but enjoyment is the key to learning.
The successful candidate will teach English from Year 7 to Year 11
Some of the duties in this post involve:
▪ assessing homework and coursework, set and mark tests and provide appropriate feedback;
▪ maintaining records and write academic reports;
▪ attending parents evenings and where appropriate hold meetings with parents to discuss
student progress:
▪ contributing to schemes of work and work to the guidelines provided, planning lessons
carefully and regularly setting and marking written work;
▪ participating in trips;
▪ acting in accordance with advice from the SENCO, the Head of EAL, the Medical team and
House staff on the best approach to individual students;
▪ participating in the system of cover for absent colleagues.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other additional, reasonable tasks falling within
capabilities of the post holder may be required, depending on the needs of the College.
Induction, In-Service Training (INSET) and Appraisal
Teachers are required to:
▪ attend the induction programme
▪ participate in the system of appraisal
▪ identify their own training needs in consultation with their Head of Department
▪ ensure they are familiar with the Common Room Handbook and school guidance policies
▪ be aware of, and act in accordance with, school Health and Safety policies (as set out in the
Health and Safety Manual).
Pastoral role and Wider Contribution
Teachers will:
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act as House tutors (unless their other roles/duties preclude this), being part of a team
reporting to a Housemaster/Housemistress and making a full contribution to the House.
This role involves routine registration, monitoring of academic progress and general welfare,
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conducting and generating pastoral sessions, supervision in House (as directed by the HsM)
and supporting House events;
contribute to the extra-curricular programme of the school. For example, it is expected that
all teachers run at least one activity per week (4.45 – 5.45pm) every term. Support for
General Studies, evening events, weekend activities (including occasional Sunday trips), and
PDP and the Pastoral Programme is expected;
Take part in games and community activities (such as CCF/Prior Concern/D of E, school
trips), including contribution to Saturday fixtures and afternoon duties throughout 2 terms;
discharge necessary routine duties, such as Dining Hall and queue supervision, and cover for
colleagues and contribute to the good order of the school;
be expected to lead and co-ordinate morning prayers (and evening prayers in boarding
Houses), or as a minimum deliver the House or year group prayer at morning tutor group
registration;
offer a positive example in all that they do and provide a professional presence at all times.
Salary
Prior Park College operates its own pay scale. The salary will be according to experience.
Teachers are entitled to be members of the teachers’ pension scheme. Free car park is available. Staff
are entitled to use school facilities, eg. gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness suite etc.
Child Protection
Prior Park Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including
checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Data Protection
In the course of employment at Prior Park Educational Trust, staff may have access to confidential
information relating to pupils and their families and are required to exercise due consideration in
the way they use such information. Staff should not act in any way which might be prejudicial to the
School’s interest. Information which may be included in the category covers both the general
business of the school and information regarding specific individuals. A strict code of confidentiality
must be adhered to at all times. The School is registered under the Data Protection Act 1984 and
staff must not at any time use the personal data held by the school or disclose such data to a third
person.