Head of English (K-12 Whole School)

About Benenden School Guangzhou

Benenden School Guangzhou is the first of five world-class bilingual schools planned in partnership between CTF Education Group (CTFEG) and Benenden School. Opening in 2023, this co-educational day and boarding school will cater for 1,600 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, offering a bilingual curriculum based on the Chinese National Curriculum and the international GCSE and A-level programmes..

Benenden School Guangzhou will stand as the flagship Benenden school, the first school outside the UK to adopt and adapt Benenden’s highly regarded ‘A Complete Education’ model (ACE). The ACE curriculum has been developed by and for Benenden School UK so that their students can realise their academic potential, grow as individuals, and become prepared for life beyond school. ACE combines a focus on academic achievement, personal development and engendering a firm understanding of the world in which we live. CTFEG are collaborating with Benenden School UK to develop a bespoke model of education for its Guangzhou students. Modern and dynamic in design, the model will allow teachers to deliver a local and international integrated curriculum targeting the individual learning and development needs of each student. Benenden School Guangzhou will stand strongly committed to providing an education that empowers the next generation to be future ready.

About the role

The English co-ordinator directs the teaching and learning across the school. He/she will work with the senior leadership team to ensure high quality education and improved standards of learning, achievement, and efficiency in English for all the pupils, based on the Benenden School vision and value. He/she is expected to foster enthusiasm for and achievement in, his/her subject in students and department staff, and to strive constantly to maintain and improve standards of achievement. He/she advises the academic management on curricular and policy-making developments relating to his/her subject area beyond the school. 

The English co-ordinator will inspire a forward-thinking culture within the English team to undertake their duty of care to the pupils and their professional duty to the wider Benenden Community.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The English Co-ordinator will:

• Play a leading role in the recruitment of English staff.
• Work closely with the English lead teacher and delegate specific roles where appropriate.
• Take responsibility for activities and trips throughout the year linked to English, ensuring that these are accurately scheduled, and relevant pre-activity regulations/arrangements are adhered to alongside the Director of CCAs.
• Co-ordinate any English assemblies.
• Work with the Director of CCAs on all English CCAs to ensure quality of provision. 
• Develop an English policy that represents the holistic vision of Benenden School Guangzhou.
• Communicate with parents in regard to any specific pastoral or SEN needs of pupils, ensuring communication with relevant staff where appropriate, including the Boarding Team.
• Hold regular information session with parents in regard to English development within the school.
• To play a key role in curriculum development and the training of English teachers within the school.
• Take a lead in the appraisal process for English teachers throughout the school including monitoring, evaluation, and review of typical classroom teaching
• To play a key part in writing schemes of work for subjects to enable the Chinese National Curriculum requirements to be fully met. He/she will be assisted in this task by the team leader and input from specialists.
• Lead the development of appropriate and age-specific assessment tools, (ensuring achievements are recorded centrally), online learning processes and reporting systems for English throughout the school. 
• To design a training programme featuring the best aspects of modern age-related pedagogy and deliver theory sessions and monitor as well assess the progress of teachers.
• To support the student enrolment process and activities.
• To provide a role model of exemplary teaching within the department.
• To plan, implement and review the curriculum within the framework of the School's declared aims and objectives and in accordance with guidance from external sources.
• To allocate teachers to classes in liaison with senior leadership team.
• To plan and create a comprehensive subject handbook.
• To report to senior management team and board, where appropriate, the progress and attainment of pupils within English throughout the school.
• To manage the ordering, storage and use of English materials, equipment, books, etc. in association with school management.
• To hold regular subject team meetings to encourage collaborative working (ensuring minutes are kept) and report back to staff as a whole where appropriate.

In addition:

• To monitor and check the suitability of examination materials.
• To ensure that the teaching area presents a stimulating learning environment.
• To supervise the use and care of all teaching spaces assigned to the department including adherence to relevant health and safety regulations.
• Advise and guide department members, particularly probationers or newly qualified teachers, and, whenever possible, give staff the opportunity to take on responsibility.
• Keep abreast of current educational developments and own personal development.

Requirements 

Essential:     

• A subject relevant Master's degree or above      
• PGCE/QTS or equivalent teaching qualifications     
• Sound experience of teaching Primary and Junior High School level     
• Experience of curriculum development and in-service delivery      
• Excellent professional presence     
• Excellent presentation skills     
• Sound people skills     
• An ability to relate well to other cultures

Desirable:     

• Previous experience of working overseas (particularly in an Asian cultural setting)     
• Experience of working with children who use English as an additional language (EAL) and delivering English as a second language (ESL)     
• Previous experience with a new school development project
  
  

Selection process:

To submit an application, please email a CV and covering letter to: careers@benendenguangzhou.cn or please contact Miss Chen for an information pack and informal discussion.

Due to global travel restrictions, interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams or in-person where feasible. In-person interviews will be conducted in various locations. 

Benenden School Guangzhou is totally committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks, qualifications checks and pre-employment verification to include an exploration of any gaps in employment.