Head of English

ROLE SPECIFICATION

The academic success of Brighton College Vietnam is due to excellent, innovative and well-planned teaching. We are looking for individuals who foster a passion for learning and who can demonstrate an ability, and genuine desire, to develop pupils to their fullest potential. The successful candidate is likely to be an experienced practitioner with a proven track record of effective teaching, having obtained excellent public examination results with previous cohorts. Prior management experience is not a necessity, although a clear understanding of the challenges involved in leading an ambitious department is required.

Several members of our teaching staff have pursued different career paths and have made the move to teaching at a later point. We view this diversity as a strength. We seek candidates with a demonstrable ability to thrive in an intellectually invigorating environment. The ability to inspire children is key, as is a willingness to support the ambition and values of the school and to be involved in the breadth of College life. Successful candidates will be self-reliant and adaptable, with high levels of initiative. Candidates should have a strong academic record, including a good degree in a relevant subject.

As Head of Department, a key part of your role will be to ensure the smooth running of a department in which each member is valued and works together cohesively as well as setting the academic direction for your subject.

Reports to: Deputy Head Academic

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To create and develop a positive team atmosphere
•  To drive and be a role model for excellent standards of teaching and learning
• To introduce creative initiatives and drive collaborative projects to ensure that a varied and inspiring curriculum is maintained at all times to enable the children to explore the subject and develop in your department
• To ensure that all members of the department encourage each pupil to reach their academic potential through enthusiastic and personalised teaching, tailored stretch and challenge, rigorous record keeping and follow up
• To track and monitor the progress of all pupils across your department
• To work with your departmental team on matters of setting and individual pupil needs
• Oversee an annual update of all policies, handbooks and documentation in relation to the department including: staffing, curriculum plan, schemes of work, timetabling, job descriptions, budget, INSET, assessments, meetings, visits/visitors and risk assessments.
• To ensure Schemes of Work are in place and up-to-date
• To oversee examinations and assessments within the Department
• To work with the Pre-Prep leaders to develop and consolidate the subject within the College
• To take a lead in the future development of your department in the College.
• To be responsible for the Department budget and the ordering of all equipment
• To be responsible for the Department’s contributions to the College website, social media and publications as necessary
• To oversee and proofread reports
• To be responsible for your Departmental Development Plan and to contribute to the College’s Self Evaluation and Development Plan
• To attend all meetings and INSET as required, attending and contributing to Heads of Department
• To plan meetings and arranging and leading regular Departmental meetings
• To keep abreast of the latest educational practices and philosophies, and developments within your subject area.
• To maintain close links and regular contact with the professional bodies with which your department holds membership
• To lead by example in all areas of school life and to be a powerful role model for colleagues as an outstanding practitioner

Teaching and Learning

• To encourage each pupil to reach their academic potential through enthusiastic and personalised teaching, tailored stretch and challenge, rigorous record keeping and follow up
• To be aware of, and comply with, all the College policies including those for marking and assessment, teaching and learning and reporting
• To develop and share schemes of work and resources, using in-house formats
• To assist with covering colleagues as required
• To attend all meetings and INSET as required
• To prepare, invigilate and assess, as required, internal and external tests and examinations

Pastoral

• To be aware of and act upon all policies regarding the safeguarding of children
• To work within a house structure as a Tutor in a specified year group
• To show an active interest in each child’s personal and domestic circumstances, and to foster the personal and social development of each pupil in your care
• To actively promote the social, moral and cultural ethos of the College community
• To promote pride in the College among the pupil body through high standards of dress, behaviour and commitment
• To create an atmosphere of support by being aware of, and fully compliant with all the College Policies.
• To be familiar with all the College’s policies on health and safety and be proactive in ensuring the safety of all members of the College community at all times
• To promote exemplary behaviour and a responsible attitude amongst all pupils at all times
• To be aware of and comply with the College’s rewards and disciplinary policies, promoting exemplary behaviour and a responsible attitude amongst all pupils at all times
• To be aware of and act upon all policies regarding the safeguarding of children

Professional Responsibilities

• To promote pride in the College among the pupil body through high standards of dress behaviour and commitment
• To ensure that all communication is acted upon appropriately and in a timely manner
• To attend parents’ evenings, assemblies, productions, sporting and other special school events during term time as the Head of College may from time to time require
• To be responsible for all College resources, particularly those in your care, reporting damage or loss to the appropriate authority within the College
• To contribute to the virtual learning environment, the website, social media and publications in support of your work
• To foster a close partnership with parents, initiating contact in appropriate circumstances and ensuring that there is a record of this
• To carry out any reasonable professional request made by the Head of College or member of the SLT and actively support the Co-Curricular Programme

PERSON SPECIFICATION (Please refer to the attached supporting document for further details).

Safeguarding: Brighton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expects all employees to share this commitment. All applicants should read the College’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, which is available on our website, and are required to declare any information as requested on the application form. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, such as the International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) if they are UK based/UK national or a police certificate from every country that they have worked in outside the UK, as well as written/verbal reference checks from previous employers and qualification verification checks.

Hear from our team: Discover what our colleagues say about working at Brighton College Vietnam!

**Please note that only fully completed applications will be processed.