Head of Modern Foreign Languages

Arden is an exceptional school because it combines a strong family ethos with high academic standards, it sits at the heart of the community and is at the peak of academic excellence. Situated just minutes off Junction 5 of the M42 and only 3 miles from the town of Solihull, visitors will be welcomed by our confident, articulate, proud and caring students. Our recent Ofsted report spoke about the culture of ‘exceptionally high aspirations that permeate the school’ and ‘the positive relationships between staff and pupils’ where ‘teachers teach individuals, not classes’. Our focus is to provide opportunity and success for our students; so we are always striving for better.

Arden is the lead school in a hugely successful trust that will provide the applicant with many opportunities for collaboration and development.

We are looking to appoint a passionate and highly driven Head of Modern Foreign Languages who has the vision and ambition to lead a talented and successful department. The successful candidate will have outstanding subject knowledge and an excellent understanding of the curriculum, with the ability to motivate students through inspirational, personalised teaching.

We are very proud to offer 3 languages throughout Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 (French, Spanish and German), providing students with the opportunity to develop a love of languages and European culture. The language department also provides many opportunities for students through school co-curricular clubs and foreign educational visits. Languages holds a highly valued place on our curriculum.

The successful candidate will be able to lead the department with an unrelenting drive to continually develop and improve the delivery of languages learning to ensure our students have the highest quality experiences of Modern Foreign Languages across all Key Stages.

We encourage skilled and highly motivated practitioners of all levels of experience to apply. We are committed to supporting the right person to develop within this position through high quality leadership coaching.

We are offering two opportunities to see the school and find out more about the role prior to final application. These visits will consist of an opportunity to see the department, meet some of our fantastic students and have a coffee and a chat with the Associate Headteacher and the Deputy Headteacher who line manages MFL.

Visits are available at the following times:

Friday 10th January 2025 2:30pm – 4pm

Tuesday 14th January 2025 2:30pm – 4pm

This is an excellent opportunity:

• for a talented and inspiring teacher to join a thriving school
• to work with students who are committed to their learning and passionate about their own development
• to further develop an already high-functioning department of 6 skilled teachers
• to lead the ongoing development and embedding of a high-quality language curriculum across KS3 through to KS5
• to work to raise the outcomes for all students by inspiring and motivating students and staff alike

Our A Level language uptake is something we are proud of, with students studying A Level languages in French, Spanish and German. The successful applicant should, therefore, have the ability to teach at least two languages to GCSE and one to A Level.

The department currently has 6 full-time members of staff and we are looking for an inspiring leader who has the highest of aspirations for both staff and students and who is committed and passionate about language learning. Leadership experience is not essential but applicants must be able to demonstrate the skills required to lead a department and have an ambition for the very highest performance of the school.

Annually, the department runs a residential trip to France for the whole of Year 7 and other exchange or residential visits to parts of Europe. The successful candidate must be willing to oversee and participate in these opportunities for our students.

In every way, the Languages Department mirrors the aims and beliefs of the school. All staff work hard, supported by a committed leadership team, to provide a safe and encouraging environment for learning. Arden students love to acquire new knowledge and skills. Our teachers relish the opportunity to deliver engaging, challenging lessons to committed students, supported by caring and supportive families.

The school has an excellent record of success at GCSE and A Level:

GCSEs - In summer 2024, the school’s Progress 8 score was +0.6, with an Attainment 8 score of 57.71, which shows the excellent attainment of our school. 68% of our students achieved a grade 5 in both English and Maths, with 82% achieving this at grade 4. More than 40% of the GCSE grades awarded were grade 7 and above, with 23% being awarded at grade 8 & 9.

A Levels - In 2024, students achieved an average grade of a B. Our average points score of 40.06 demonstrates the excellent outcomes that our students achieve. 40% of grades awarded were A*/A and 69% of grades awarded were A*- B.

In return, we can offer you:

A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors.

Enthusiastic students who enjoy learning and engage positively in all aspects of school life.

Access to high-quality continuing professional development and the opportunity for personal growth and development.

A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity.

Commitment to Middle Leader Development through:

• Middle Leader cross-trust training
• Middle Leader progress meetings with Associate Head teacher and Executive Head teacher.
• Middle Leader support through highly effective SLT Line Manager

A Senior Leadership team who is committed to promoting the best environment and outcomes for staff and students.

Use of your own personal laptop.

Teacher Pension.

Cycle to Work scheme.

Free on-site parking.

Children of staff who are permanently employed at Arden Academy are eligible for a ‘staff’ priority for our main school and Sixth Form admissions (please see Admissions on our school website for full details).

Further details are available to download below or from our school website: www.arden.solihull.sch.uk/vacancies/

Application forms should be completed in full and attached to a letter of application. CVs cannot be accepted as part of our Safer Recruitment guidelines. Please address all correspondence to Mr D Warwood, Associate Headteacher.

Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 20th January 2025.

Interviews: Friday 31st January 2025.

Arden Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religion. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS Disclosure and, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, will be subject to a social media online search.