TEACHER OF ENGLISH RECRUITMENT INFORMATION PACK. Jossey Lane Scawthorpe Doncaster DN5 9DD

Transcription

1 TEACHER OF ENGLISH RECRUITMENT INFORMATION PACK Jossey Lane Scawthorpe Doncaster DN5 9DD

2 TEACHER OF ENGLISH RECRUITMENT INFORMATION PACK Contents Letter from Principal 3 Letter from Director of Education 4 SPTA Vision and Values 5 The Sponsor 6 Why Work for SPTA 7 Introduction 8 Academy s Vision and Value 9 The English Department 10 Application Process 11 Vacancy Advert 12 Job Description 13 Person Specification 15 Academy Statistics 16 2

3 Dear Candidate At Don Valley Academy we believe that our core purpose is to prepare young people to enter a fast moving and rapidly changing environment. To prepare them for such a challenge we work to develop their skills, knowledge and resilience which in turn will enable them to achieve the highest possible qualifications. Don Valley became an academy with the School Partnership Trust Academies in September 2011; we found a sponsor who shared our inclusive ethos, our passion for learning and the highest expectations of each and every member of our school community. We serve the Toll Bar, Bentley, Scawthorpe and Arksey areas in the north of Doncaster with seven partner primary schools and a thriving partnership with our four SPT sister academies. Collaboration exists at both strategic and operational level with shared transformational practice and effective networking across a number of school improvement areas. Our academy is at a very exciting time in its development and this is an excellent time to consider joining us: we have approval for a new school build with construction on site starting this year and finalised by This will enable us to further lever up our paced school improvement journey. Don Valley Academy works with the students to ensure that they learn in a happy and caring environment. Whilst there is a strong emphasis on academic achievement all students are encouraged to take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities outside the classroom. The Mission of the Academy is Raising Expectations for All and we will challenge and motivate the students to ensure that they reach their full potential. We have a thriving sixth form with a bespoke Post 16 centre; evidentially, outcomes for our students are ranked highly across the borough's sixth forms with a sustained development in the number of students applying, successfully, through UCAS. I hope that you will seriously consider applying for a post at our academy; we are looking for leaders of learning who will facilitate world class experiences for all our young people so that every Don Valley student achieves their potential. I look forward to receiving your application. Yours faithfully Karen Squire Principal 3

4 Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in working for the School Partnership Trust Academies group. The School Partnership Trust Academies is an educational charity that sponsors a chain of 40 academies and has a proven track record of securing transformational change and sustainable school improvement. Our vision is to provide high quality education and deliver the best outcomes for young people with an ethos based on four founding principles of Quality, Partnership, Aspiration and Responsibility. At our core we provide outstanding educational provision for families, firmly rooted in the context of the local community. We seek to support lifelong learning, and provide excellence in teaching through high expectations with adherence to traditional values and standards. You will be joining an ambitious and innovative organisation, so we are looking for an imaginative member of staff who can secure positive outcomes for our young people, staff, families and the wider communities that we serve. We are looking for an outstanding member of staff that can take the organisation onto greater success, inspiring the children to attain the highest level possible. If you share our vision and passion for young people and their families then we would like to hear from you. Yours faithfully Paul West Director of Education 4

5 School Partnership Trust Academies Vision and Values Our vision is based on the values and the principles of the School Partnership Trust Academies, the academy sponsor. Our academies pride themselves on being: Institutions with high expectations both for the individual and where there will be a collective responsibility, for raising community aspirations. Caring schools, based upon social responsibility, honesty, equality and consideration for others. Highly successful schools where self-help, self-determination and self-improvement are encouraged. Innovative and energising learning centres which develop lively and enquiring minds for both students and staff. Schools which promote inclusion rather than exclusion and by working in partnership with local agencies and offering a personalised curriculum for all, will strive to adopt a zero exclusion policy. Schools where courtesy, co-operation, enterprise and initiatives are paramount and where tolerance rather than intolerance is practised. Schools which are the centre of the community as a resource, in its services to others and in promoting community and social cohesion. Centres of educational excellence, where no individual is left behind and where all students of any age or background are provided with the support to become responsible and successful citizens. 5

6 THE SPONSOR School Partnership Trust Academies School Partnership Trust Academies is a not for profit charitable organisation that sponsors a chain of academies under a single funding agreement with the Secretary of State for Education. The overall aim of the SPTA is to foster learning communities which promote and provide excellence in teaching, learning and relationships through high expectations and adherence to traditional values and standards. At its core, the SPTA values high quality educational provision for families firmly rooted in the priorities of the local community. SPTA believe in supporting schools as the preferred choice for educational provision within their local community, consequently, we believe all students should have a distinctive offer relevant to their needs and the community in which they live. We believe in the autonomy of local schools and provide challenge and support on their journey of school improvement. In our partnership we currently sponsor a range of Secondary, Primary, Infant, Junior and all through academies. Our partnership of schools encompasses academies and schools that are currently judged across the whole Ofsted effectiveness range, and across the widest possible range of contexts, phase and geographical location, including urban and rural schools and those of religious character. We want to recruit colleagues who are comfortable with our vision and values and hope that the summary given above encourages you to read further. More details about the SPTA, its members and what we are doing can be found at 6

7 Why work for SPTA? The SPTA are highly committed to developing all staff within their roles and creating pathways for further career progression. Work alongside professionals in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Develop your skills alongside like-minded colleagues. Each of the School Partnership Trust Academies retains its autonomy and unique identity while committing to a climate of mutual support and partnership with the SPTA group of Academies. Career Development - The SPTA offers personal development through a range of flexible opportunities. All new staff members receive a comprehensive induction. The SPTA offer a central CPD programme involving a range of training which includes Ofsted training, safer recruitment, pediatric first aid and Evolve training. The programme, called Blue Sky, also has a clear strand of Teaching and Learning and an innovative and exciting Leadership and Development programme. Pension - Every employee of the SPTA has access to a pension scheme. Discounted gym membership - Some of our academies have set up discounted gym membership with local leisure centres. Please check with your Academy regarding this. Cycle to work scheme Work-life balance - We aim to be a 'best practice' employer. We understand that our employment policies need to be flexible and responsive in order to promote diversity and equality, and to attract and retain the highest quality staff. Care First counselling service all employees at SPTA have access to Care First 24 hour telephone counselling support service. Child care vouchers by Sodexo - Child care vouchers work through a salary sacrifice and they are taken from your salary each month before your usual Tax and NI contributions. Mobile Select scheme - Mobile Select gives employees the opportunity of having the latest mobile phone and the cost directly deducted from their gross monthly salary, saving on Tax and National Insurance Contributions. 7

8 Introduction Our sponsor is the School Partnership Trust Academies and our other partners are: Cambridge University, NHS Doncaster and The Pilot Theatre Company. With them, we aim to provide a first class learning experience and a broad curriculum for every student so that they: Enjoy their learning. Achieve the best possible qualifications. Are confident and ambitious. Have the values and beliefs to lead full and healthy lives. Are caring towards others. Make the most of their individual talents. Are well prepared for further study and the world of work. Extra-curricular Opportunities As an academy, we place a lot of value on extra-curricular learning because all learning does not take place in a classroom and stimulating, new experiences are great motivators. We offer a variety of experiences to our students from residential trips to sporting fixtures, theatre visits, Duke of Edinburgh Awards to the Houses of Westminster. We aim to cater for the interests of all our students and, also, to introduce them to activities they might never have experienced before. 8

9 Academy s Vision and Values Mission Statement Raising Expectations for all Our expectations are high and we expect all members of our academy community to show respect, care and courtesy at all times. We promote positive values at every opportunity and always seek to establish effective working partnerships with our students and their families. School Aims We believe in a climate where all young people are seen as unique. At Don Valley they can thrive academically, personally, morally and socially so that they can succeed in their chosen future and understand their role in the community and the family. School Objectives "ACADEMIC" We seek to increase each student's abilities; to communicate in a variety of ways, to manipulate and deal with numbers, to increase the range of physical and practical skills, to develop their ability to solve problems and their aesthetic and cultural appreciation. "PERSONAL" We seek to instil self-discipline in order to promote good working habits, self-esteem, a realistic assessment of personal strengths and weaknesses, and a caring attitude towards themselves, their work and their environment. We also seek to promote initiative and encourage students to ask the question "what happens if...? "MORAL" We seek to increase young people's awareness of different cultures, including their own, to enrich their understanding of moral values and to instil a sense of right and wrong and a respect for the individual and their property. "SOCIAL" We seek to increase young people's tolerance of, and consideration for other people, and to develop our students' ability to co-operate with others whilst working in groups in a variety of situations. "CAREERS, COMMUNITY, FAMILY" We seek to equip Don Valley students with skills to access appropriate Career information and guidance. We want students to understand the needs of the Community and their responsibility within it. We want students to understand the nature of the family group and their changing role within it. 9

10 English Department THE POST Governors wish to appoint an enthusiastic teacher of English who is able to teach from KS3 to A Level for September You must be suitably qualified and be able to demonstrate excellence in the classroom. Experienced and newly qualified colleagues are welcome to apply. NEW BUILD Pupils, staff and the local community are eagerly awaiting the opening of our new academy buildings which is due to open in November This new build will transform the learning environment for the young people in Don Valley Academy. The new build will provide outstanding facilities for the young people and the local community and can only assist in the drive to improve the education for the young people in the local area. THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT The English department consists of large dedicated team of teachers. It is a lively, social and enthusiastic department, committed to providing quality language and literature experiences for all pupils. The department is committed to sharing resources and ideas and regularly meet to collaboratively plan lessons and schemes. All the classrooms have their own interactive whiteboard. We are looking forward to the new build which will house our new suite of rooms, including library and resource centre. The department is well resourced and has developed detailed and effective schemes in line with the new specifications at both GCSE and AS/A Level. The academy also offers Media Studies at A Level. The courses offered to public examination level are EDUQAS AS/ A Level English Combined Literature and Language, which comprises opportunities for literature study as well as creative writing. At Key Stage 4, we study the AQA syllabus at both Language and Literature, and have already developed exciting and engaging resources. 10

11 THE APPLICATION PROCESS Further details about the work of School Partnership Trust Academies including academies it currently sponsors can be found at Completed applications should be returned to or by post to School Partnership Trust Academies, Recruitment Team, Unit 2, Carolina Court, Wisconsin Drive, Lakeside, Doncaster, DN4 5RA. All applications that have been submitted electronically will receive an from the recruitment team confirming receipt. A letter will be sent to shortlisted candidates with details of the interview process. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date please assume your application has been unsuccessful. QUERIES If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information please contact the Recruitment Team on We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and have a policy on the recruitment of exoffenders which is available to applicants on our recruitment website at 11

12 DON VALLEY ACADEMY TEACHER OF ENGLISH Full Time / Permanent MPS NOR 972 (inc 163 in Sixth Form) Required For September 2016 This rapidly improving Academy is looking to appoint an inspirational, creative and committed Teacher of English. You will have the opportunity to teach across the age and ability range (11-18). Experienced and newly qualified colleagues are welcome to apply. This is a hugely exciting time to join our team. Don Valley Academy is a mixed comprehensive on the outskirts of Doncaster which became an Academy on 1 st September 2011 with the School Partnership Trust Academies and our partners include Cambridge University, the Primary Care Trust and Pilot Theatre Company, York. Closing Date: Wednesday 17 th February Noon An application pack can be downloaded from recruitment.schoolpartnershiptrust.org.uk or by contacting our recruitment team on or jobssouth@schoolpartnershiptrust.org.uk The Academy is committed to safeguarding the welfare of its students and the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure. Together we are stronger 12

13 JOB DESCRIPTION TEACHER OF ENGLISH Grade: Hours: Responsible to: Responsible for: MPS Full Time, Permanent Head of Department N/A Purpose of the job: To teach pupils across the full age and ability range present in the academy in order to ensure the highest possible standards of pupil achievement, personal development and well-being. Duties and Responsibilities To promote and be committed to the school s aims and objectives. To maintain and contribute to the development of school policies. To promote and be committed to securing high expectations for learning and the raising of achievement. Within school and subject policies, to: Effectively teach National and School Curricula Set appropriate homework Mark work, assess, record and report student progress Provide a stimulating learning environment Have due regard for maintaining health and safety and security in the area s/he uses Contribute to department and school enrichment programmes To be a member of a pastoral team and, if required, a form tutor carrying out the associated responsibilities To assist with the effective operation of subject and house teams by, individually and with others: Developing schemes of work, resources, teaching and learning strategies Contributing to team review, monitoring and evaluation, and the development of working practices. Participating in working groups and projects Taking part in other professional development activities Other specific duties To undertake any other duty as specified by the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document not mentioned in the above. To comply with any reasonable request from the Principal or designated leader to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in the job description. 13

14 KNOWLEDGE/QUALIFICATIONS TEACHER OF ENGLISH PERSON SPECIFICATION Ess Des MOA Graduate with Qualified Teacher Status for English * A/C An outstanding classroom practitioner * I/R Understanding of health and safety issues and good practice * A/I Knowledge of relevant curriculum developments in English across the secondary age and ability range * A/I/R A knowledge of the new Professional Teaching Standards * A/I EXPERIENCE Teaching of English at KS3 and KS4 * A/I/R Teaching of English at KS5 * A/I Organising extracurricular activities * A/I SKILLS Good organisational and personal management skills * A/I Effective planning and teaching * A/I Effective behaviour management * A/I An ability to demand high standards * A/I Work independently and be a team player * A/I An ability to develop good working relationships with students and staff * A/I Effective time-management * A/I The ability to meet deadlines * A/I Good ICT skills * A BEHAVIOUR AND OTHER RELATED CHARACTERISTICS Commitment to self and team development * A/I Work in ways that promote equality of opportunity, participation, diversity and responsibility * A/I A commitment to abide by and promote the Academy s Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and Child Protection Policies * A/I The post holder will require an enhanced DBS check * C Key: MOA=Method of Assessment, Des=Desirable, ESS=Essential, A=Application, I=Interview and assessment, R=Reference, C=Certificate 14

15 ACADEMY S STATISTICS PAGE Don Valley Academy Facts and Statistics Type of School Secondary Age Range Location Jossey Lane, Scawthorpe, Doncaster, DN5 9DD Co-educational or single sex Co-educational Specialisms Performing Arts Number of students on roll 972 Attendance 94.5% Date school established 1959 and became an Academy in September 2011 School Awards Most improved School in Doncaster for English and Maths 2011 In the top 100 most improved schools nationally ( ) CPD Award Arts Mark Gold IIP Number of teaching staff 80 Number of associate staff 81 % of students on free school 19.5% meals % of students with SEN- 1.75% (including sixth form) statemented % of students with EAL 2.3% GCSE results % 5+ A* to C (and equivalent including English and % Mathematics) % % % % A Level Results 2015 Vocational APS per student Academic APS per entry 195, APS per student 746 Applications for University Admission No of students in 6 th Form % % 100% 100% 100% 15

16 16