Head of German

Job Title: Head of German 

Job Purpose: To lead the German Department in achieving outstanding teaching and learning and to inspire, encourage and empower our pupils to achieve their very best in the subject of German  

Reporting Line: Head of MFL   

Start Date: September 2023 

Tenure: Permanent, Full-Time 

Salary: Competitive – based on the Surbiton High School Pay Scale, plus TLR and remission 

Application Deadline: 8:00am, Wednesday 22 February 2023

Interviews to be held week commencing: 27 February 2023

Key Responsibilities: 

Teaching and Learning  

• Lead by example - model outstanding teaching and learning, this will include suitable remission for the post. 
• Lead the Department in pursuit of continuous improvement through innovation, strategic planning, and sharing of best practice.  
• Monitor the quality of teaching and learning through regular observations of Department staff, work scrutiny and pupil feedback.  
• Challenge teachers who underperform and use coaching strategies to help them improve, working closely with SLT line manager to ensure that correct support is provided.  
• Coach and support members of the Department to quality assure skill/knowledge base along with willingness to improve/develop is high.  
• Develop members of the team through clear and carefully planned distribution of suitable tasks – for example peer observation, methods for using AfL and other new initiatives. Identify strengths in the team to ensure the embracing of new teaching strategies, and pupils’ learning.   

Results   

• Track and monitor pupil progress and achievement within the subject area across all Key Stages, using baseline data.  
• Lead in taking appropriate action to intervene in pupils’ underachievement, which is likely to include communication with the appropriate Form Tutor/HOY/SLT member and parent/s.  
• Promote the use of target-setting and high quality pupil feedback to inform teaching and learning strategies.  
• Ensure that teachers support pupil progress.  

Curriculum   

• Work collaboratively with the Department for continuous self-improvement of Curricular Schemes of Work.  
• Use areas of strength and expertise amongst the team and beyond SHS to enhance curriculum delivery.  
• Lead, with appropriate consultation, on changes in specifications and/or exam board.  
• Ensure that pupils are advised on relevant university courses and maintain subject links with relevant industries, careers and higher education.  
• Maintain good lines of communication with Head of Modern Languages responding accurately and in a timely manner to requests for information and advice 
• Work in collaboration with Heads of French and German to ensure parity and consistency of subject delivery across Key Stages   

Co-Curricular   

• Working collectively as a team, identifying suitable co-curricular activities that enrich the curriculum and broaden the pupil learning experience.  
• Delegate the organisation and administration of trips appropriately amongst the team.  
• Monitor and develop/support the contribution made by members of the team to co-curricular activities.  
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date information is maintained in relevant co-curricular documentation.  

Values   

• Engage in on-going personal and professional development in order to provide high quality and innovative educational leadership.  
• Effectively communicate whole School changes to the team, coaching teachers to develop their understanding and skill base surrounding new learning strategies.   
• Create alignment with the School’s values and ethos to ensure Departmental ownership of whole school strategic development. 
• Ensure Department compliance with agreed School policies for assessment, recording, contacts with parents etc.  
• Promote the School’s ethos of May Love Always Lead Us and the Best in Everyone.  
• Implement all school policies.  
• Work co-operatively with SLT and all colleagues.   

Staff and Resources  

• Demonstrate and role model constructive leadership behaviours including:  
• Providing encouragement, support and assistance to colleagues at all levels.   
• Managing the performance of all staff in line with current legislation and United Learning policy and procedure.  
• Being aware of and able to positively influence staff morale.   
• Support staff through coaching and mentoring to be outstanding practitioners.  
• Advise SLT on staffing requirements, the deployment of Department staff (including technical support staff) and the timetabling of courses, classes and rooms.  
• Ensure effective Department communication, both informally and through regular Departmental meetings.  
• Participate in the appointment of Department staff where required.  

Subject Specific  

• The ability and interest in teaching either French or Spanish to KS3 would be an advantage. 
• There may be particular responsibilities linked to the subject that may be added when necessary.  

General 

• Carrying out any such duties as may be reasonably requested.  

Please see the attached complete Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

To Apply:

Please apply online by clicking on the following:

https://www.networxrecruitment.com/Jobs/Advert/2992403?cid=1567

Surbiton High School is culturally diverse and are fully committed to celebrating, respecting and learning about inclusion and diversity throughout the community.

Surbiton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, Disclosure and Barring Service and Online/Social media Searches

Please note that the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.

For any queries relating to the role or your application, please email 

recruitment@surbitonhigh.com