Head of French

The Head of French will lead the development and delivery of the French curriculum across the whole school, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning. This role is pivotal in promoting French as a foreign language while also supporting the increasing number of francophone students at KISU. The successful candidate will inspire a love for the language, foster cultural awareness, and create an inclusive environment for all learners.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Curriculum Development:

• Lead and oversee the French curriculum from Early Years to Sixth Form, ensuring progression and continuity across key stages.
• Develop and implement innovative teaching strategies that engage and challenge all students, both beginners and fluent speakers.
• Ensure the curriculum reflects the diverse needs of students, including supporting francophone students in maintaining and advancing their language skills.
• Collaborate with colleagues to integrate French across the wider curriculum where appropriate.

Teaching and Learning:

• Deliver high-quality, differentiated French lessons across primary and secondary levels.
• Create an engaging and immersive learning environment that promotes language acquisition and appreciation of French culture.
• Foster language development in both foreign language learners and native speakers, recognising their different needs and strengths.
• Utilise a variety of resources, including digital tools, to enhance language learning.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring:

• Develop and implement effective assessment practices to track student progress in French at all levels.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback to students, parents, and school leadership.
• Prepare students for external examinations and internationally recognised language qualifications, where appropriate.

Pastoral and Inclusion Responsibilities:

• Provide tailored support to francophone students to ensure their smooth integration and continued academic success.
• Advocate for francophone students and foster a school culture that values linguistic diversity.
• Work closely with the pastoral team to ensure the well-being and academic progression of all students.

Professional Development and Collaboration:

• Lead and support the professional development of staff teaching French across the school.
• Stay informed about current trends and best practices in language teaching, bringing new ideas and methods to the school.
• Participate in and contribute to whole-school events and initiatives that celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity.

Person Specification:

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in French, Education, or a related field (or equivalent).
• Recognised Teaching Qualification (PGCE or equivalent).
• Proven experience teaching French at both primary and secondary levels.
• Experience leading a department or managing a language programme is desirable.
• Fluency in French and strong command of English.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong leadership and organisational skills with the ability to motivate and inspire students and staff.
• Passion for the French language and culture, with a commitment to promoting multiculturalism in the school environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Ability to adapt teaching to meet the needs of a diverse student body, including francophone learners and those new to the language.
• Proficiency in integrating technology into language learning.

Desirable:

• Experience teaching in an international school environment.
• Familiarity with the IB, IGCSE, or British curricula.
• Experience supporting EAL (English as an Additional Language) or multilingual learners.