Teacher of English (Fixed Term Contract - Spring Term 2025)

Purpose of the Job:

In addition to the requirements of a class teacher, the main activities and responsibilities for this post are:

• To support the department’s aim of increasing extra-curricular opportunities for students, including a willingness to lead or partake in exchange and other visits.
• To have an enthusiasm for the subject, which motivates and supports students and encourages a shared understanding of the contribution the subject can make to all aspects of the students’ lives.
• To use relevant school, local and national data to inform targets for development and further improvement of individuals and groups of students that you teach.
• To attend meetings as directed.
• To maintain efficient and effective management and organisation of learning resources including ICT.
• The successful candidate will be confident teaching throughout KS3/4 along with the capability to teach A level English Language.

Area of Responsibilities:-

• Be committed to providing the best possible opportunities for our students by delivering a curriculum that enable students to develop in all areas.
• Run and coordinate departmental clubs to all year groups.
• Develop schemes of work and resources that demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of critical studies.
• Responsible for high quality teaching and effective use of resources to improve standards of learning and achievement.
• Ensure school policies are reflected in daily practice.
• Support the HoF with co-ordinating 11 -18 provision, pedagogy, systems, intervention, pupil achievement, results analysis and improve standards.
• Support the HoF in tackling underachieving staff and pupils in a structured and supportive way.
• Create and manage a caring, supportive, purposeful and stimulating environment, which is conducive to children’s learning.
• Plan and prepare lessons in order to deliver the appropriate courses as stated by the Principal/HoF.
• Work and plan collaboratively on a weekly basis or as indicated by the HoF.
• Mark books on a regular basis ensuring you are following the school policy.
• Identify clear teaching objectives and learning outcomes, with appropriate challenge and high expectations.
• Maintaining good order and discipline among pupils in accordance with the policies of the school and safeguarding their health and safety both when they are authorised to be on the school premises and when they are engaged in authorised school activities elsewhere.
• Organise and manage groups or individual pupils ensuring differentiation of learning needs, reflecting all abilities.
• Plan opportunities to develop the social, emotional and cultural aspects of pupils’ learning.
• Maintain a regular system of monitoring, assessment, record keeping and reporting of children’s progress.
• Prepare appropriate records and reports for parents and HoF.
• Ensure effective use of support staff within the classroom.
• Participate in staff meetings as required, please note briefing is compulsory.
• Proactively contribute to the development and co-ordination of a particular area of the curriculum.
• Be part of a whole school team, actively involved in decision-making on the preparation and development of policies and programmes of study, teaching materials, resources, methods of teaching and pastoral arrangements.
• Liaise with Heads of Year, SLT, parents, outside organisations to promote the cluster of subjects and improve their profile.
• Meet with parents and appropriate agencies, to contribute positively to the education of the children concerned.

Wider School Policy

• Promote the welfare of children and to support the school in safeguarding children through relevant policies and procedures
• Promote equality as an integral part of the role and to treat everyone with fairness and dignity
• Recognise health and safety is a responsibility of every employee, to take reasonable care of self and others and to comply with the Schools Health and Safety policy and any school-specific procedures / rules that apply to this role

This list is not exhaustive but rather an indication of the main requirements of the role.

Person Specification

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• Degree in relevant subject
• PGCE or equivalent
• Qualified teacher status

Desirable

• Further qualifications
• Recent training relating to subject teaching

KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• High standard of subject knowledge and an enthusiasm for the subject
• Evidence of commitment to personal CPD

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Essential

• Proven knowledge and understanding of the subject and its teaching practices and methodology at KS3, GCSE and A-level
• Passion for literature and reading beyond the classroom
• Ability to inspire, motivate and support pupils and colleagues in a successful and dynamic school
• The ability to monitor, evaluate and improve learning in the classroom.
• Up-to-date knowledge of teaching methodology.
• Set high expectations for all pupils to deepen their knowledge and understanding to maximise achievement

 LEADING AND MANAGING STAFF

Essential

• An ability to work with additional adults in the classroom

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

Essential

• A high level of commitment and enthusiasm for the department.
• Highly organised and passionate about ensuring excellence for all in teaching, learning and achievement.
• High standards of Presentation
• Aspirational about your own personal development.
• Excellent communication and motivational skills

Desirable

• Well-developed ICT skills for the classroom.

Employment Conditions and Remuneration

Westholme has its own salary scale. We expect that the professional responsibilities of all teaching staff include the following:

• The kind of preparation and marking necessary to maintain high academic standards
• Involvement in regular co-curricular activities, including those which take place out of  normal school hours and at weekends
• Pro rata supervision/cover duties
• A commitment to upholding the general ethos of the school and the staff code of conduct

The School provides all lunches, tea, coffee etc. and other amenities free of charge.  

Westholme School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and all staff must share this commitment – please refer to our Safer Recruitment and Safeguarding policies on the website.

Westholme School is committed to equality of opportunity in all areas of its work. All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.