Job Title: Curriculum Leader for English

 Purpose of the Post 

To set and deliver clear aims and objectives for the Curriculum Area that contribute to the wider vision of Thamesmead School, leading your team to provide a high-quality curriculum which ensures effective subject delivery and maximises student enjoyment, progress, and achievement 

Accountable to: Assigned Leadership Team Member 

Accountable for: The Curriculum area of English 

TLR: 1.2 

Key Accountabilities 

Strategic direction and development of the curriculum area 

Within the context of the school’s aims and policies to develop implement, monitor and evaluate subject policies, plans, targets and practices, which relate to your curriculum area of responsibility. 

Key Tasks 

• to develop and share an exciting vision for outstanding learning across the English Curriculum Area and plan to realise it; 

• establish short, medium and long term plans for the development of the subject and monitor and evaluate their progress; 

• to monitor the progress of students through the effective use of data and implement intervention programmes where necessary; 

• implement, monitor and evaluate school policies as they relate to the subject; 

• use information on local and national change and initiatives to update policies and practices in the subject; 

• foster a climate which helps staff in your curriculum area to maintain a positive attitude to the teaching of the subject; 

• establish a clear understanding of how the curriculum area contributes to students’ spiritual, moral, emotional, cultural, social development. Use this understanding to promote the schools’ values, and our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion; 

• highlight those aspects of the curriculum area which prepare the students for the opportunities and responsibilities of adult life; 

• ensure the consistency of high standards across the Curriculum Area; 

• to lead and investigate any Stage 1 complaints in accordance with the School’s Complaints Policy. 

Teaching and Learning 

Secure and sustain effective teaching, evaluate standards of students’ achievements and set realistic and meaningful targets for improvement. 

Key Tasks 

• review schemes of learning to ensure full national curriculum and exam board subject coverage, learning continuity and knowledge and skill progression for all students in an environment that fosters student enjoyment; 

• to ensure a curriculum environment in which students learn well, feel safe and adopt safe practices. 

• contribute to the development of students’ literacy, personal development, critical thinking and study skills; 

• establish and implement clear assessment, reporting procedures within the school’s Assessment Recording Reporting Policy; 

• ensure information on students’ prior attainments and achievements are used effectively to secure good progress; 

• monitor and evaluate progress against student targets; 

• monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning in the department and use the analysis for further improvements; 

• establish a partnership with parents involving them in and informing them of their child’s learning and progress; 

• develop opportunities to gather feedback using Student Voice; 

• provide guidance on a variety of teaching and learning methodologies to meet the differing needs of all students; 

• developing wider curricular opportunities to enhance, extend and enrich student knowledge and understanding and promote a love of English. 

Leading and managing staff 

Provide the support, information and opportunities for development necessary for all those involved in the teaching of the curriculum to sustain motivation and improvement of standards. 

Key Tasks 

• establish best practice procedures in curriculum planning and delivery across the department area; 

• help staff achieve constructive working relationships with students and parents; 

• establish clear expectations and constructive working relationships among staff; 

• take responsibility for your own CPD and audit the training needs of staff and play the leading role in their continuing professional development and pay progression; 

• ensure that trainees and Early Career Teachers are appropriately trained and supported; 

• support the SENDCO to ensure the implementation of appropriate provision for SEND students; 

• ensure that SLT line manager and are well informed about developments relating to the department; 

• sustain your own motivation and that of the staff within the curriculum area. 

Efficient and effective development of the staff and resources 

The Curriculum Leader will identify appropriate resources for the Department and ensure they are used effectively, efficiently and safely. 

Key Tasks 

• advise the line manager and liaise with the Senior Leader responsible for the timetable on the best deployment of staff; 

• establish staff and resource needs and likely priorities for expenditure and advise the line manager/business manager; 

• ensure resources including and capitation are effectively managed; 

• use curriculum accommodation to the best effect to create an effective and stimulating learning environment; 

• ensure there is a safe and orderly working and learning environment; 

• play a full part in the recruitment of new staff to the curriculum area. 

Wider contribution to school leadership and organisation 

Key Tasks 

• Attending Middle Leadership Team (MLT) meetings and contributing positively to the direction and development of school policy and practices; 

• Leading on the development of curriculum related whole school policy; 

• Sharing the best practice in your Curriculum Area with MLT; 

• Supporting the day to day smooth running of the school through contribution to leading subject detention supervision; 

• Providing support to ensure effective work is provided for students in the unforeseen absence of unforeseen absence of the department. 

Thamesmead School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).