Introduction The Academy s Primary School has a leadership team consisting of the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Literacy Co-ordinator The Headteacher is a member of the Academy Leadership Team of: Head of Primary, Head of Secondary, and Head of the Courtyard. Advert: 15 April 2016 Closing: 3 May 2016 (by midday) Interviews: Week commencing 16 May 2016 Appointment: 1 September 2016 Visits welcome 25 29 April Contract The Academy has its own contract of employment based on the conditions of service of Deputy Head Teachers and Assistant Head Teachers as published in the School Teachers Pay & Conditions document. All staff will be expected to work an extended week and be available for work on 200 days a year as opposed to the normal 195 days. Salary The salary range will be at the appropriate point on the Leadership Scale within the range L16-21 1
Background of the Academy St Mary Magdalene is a Church of England Academy. It opened in September 2007 in an award-winning light and spacious building. The Academy consists of a Primary School (one form entry) and a Secondary School (six form entry), the latter covering the full 11-18 age range. The school is heavily oversubscribed at all entry points and has excellent results at Key Stage 2 and both GCSE and Sixth Form. Primary admission criteria gives a preference to those children who attend church whilst the admission criteria at age eleven include distance, church primary school attendance and aptitude (for which pupils sit an exam). The Primary School is an authorised International Baccalaureate World School and is an authorised provider of the IB Primary Years Programme. From Reception Class through to Year 6 the children learn through units of inquiry under the six transdisciplinary themes of: Sharing the planet How we express ourselves Who we are Where we are in time and place How the world works How we organise ourselves Each year has six units of inquiry that cover each of the transdisciplinary themes except in Reception Class where there are four units of inquiry. Within our daily curriculum there is a strong emphasis on basic skills and the learning of reading, writing and mathematics. In Reception Class, alongside the PYP, the children also work towards meeting and exceeding the Early Learning Goals from the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. In Years 1 to 6, alongside the PYP the children also cover the programmes of study as set out in the National Curriculum The Primary School also delivers the Readwriteinc programme for phonics teaching and this begins in Reception Class. As a Church of England Academy we follow the LDBS scheme of work for RE with children learning both about religion and from religion. Religions studied include Christianity and other faiths. From Year 1 all children learn an additional modern foreign language Spanish or Mandarin and these are taught by language specialists. Outstanding teaching and learning are fundamental to us achieving our core aspiration for happy, successful children at the school. The Academy s specialism is Humanities and Global Citizenship and the creation of well-rounded young people, able to take their place in the local, national and international community is at the heart of all we do. As a result, the school is proud to hold the British Council International School Award and to be recognised by the Confucius Institute as a school which excels in the teaching of Chinese 2
language and culture. Charitable Giving is core to our global and Christian beliefs and every year the pupils and staff vote for an international charity to be the focus of our fundraising efforts. The Academy operates a 28-hour teaching week and this includes a one hour after-school club. After-school clubs are offered each term in order to allow children to further develop their interests and enjoyment in a choice of areas and these include cricket, tennis, football, basketball, dance, gymnastics, choir, chess, book club, maths club, magazine club, gardening and arts and crafts. The Academy s Sponsors are the London Diocesan Board for Schools who contributed to the 43 million cost of the Academy. Their vision is to have an inspirational community of learning and achievement that will make a positive contribution to community cohesion in Islington. The Governors are committed to providing an outstanding educational experience. Their aim is that the Academy is an inclusive Christian community of learning which nurtures young people who are high achievers discovering their vocation in a global society. 3
ST MARY MAGDALENE ACADEMY JOB DESCRIPTION: Primary Headteacher PURPOSE OF THE POST To support the Academy's stated aims and maximise the achievement of all staff and students in the Primary School. To establish and maintain the Academy s Christian ethos. ACCOUNTABILITY Accountable to: Executive Director Accountable for: Deputy Head of Primary and Literacy Co-ordinator As Headteacher to ensure that all staff are fulfilling their leadership and management roles. To provide vision and gain commitment to the Academy s values and to guide and inspire the team. To monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, learning and achievement in the Academy. LEADERSHIP ROLE To have day to day responsibility for reception year through to end of Year 6. To help formulate whole Academy policy in conjunction with the Executive Director. To lead the monitoring and evaluation of the Academy s curriculum and pastoral delivery. To service the needs of the Governing body As a member of the Academy s ALT, to take corporate responsibility for policy formulation, strategic planning, overseeing the implementation of corporate strategy and the continual quality improvement. Core duties and responsibilities: To continually communicate the Academy s vision to all stakeholders securing a shared commitment to success, high quality education and standards for all students. To support all Teachers to deliver high quality learning experiences which are demand-led and effective. To construct the Primary Development Planning and manage all activities to ensure targets are reliable and achievable. 4
To establish the highest possible standards of behaviour, learning, attainment and achievement. To work as an ambassador for the Academy with key external groups. To work collegially with the ALT to develop policy and implement ground breaking initiatives To develop and direct the strategic planning and delivery of the Academy s curriculum, quality and professional development so that the Academy is able to provide effective services to its students in line with national, regional and local needs. To ensure that there are effective teaching and learning activities so that they meet the needs of students. To ensure the effective operation of curriculum activities. To provide effective leadership, direction and management for all staff in curriculum delivery and human resources related issues. To have a shared responsibility for effective budgeting and financial management. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: Day to day running of the Primary School. Quality assurance: To direct and ensure the effective operation of the curriculum across the Academy so that it operates to the highest possible quality standards meeting the needs of the students, awarding bodies and of the Inspectorate. To ensure that every student has access to the curriculum regardless of ability. To ensure that all staff have access to up-to-date Continuing Professional Development facilitating cutting edge Curriculum delivery. To implement a series of Academy Focus Days celebrating the interrelationship of Humanities & Global Citizenship. Develop and maximise the effective and efficient use of the Academy s teaching and learning resources. To ensure effective teaching and learning across the Academy through a co-ordinated and supportive approach to lesson observation To lead on the Academy s Internal Review and Evaluation Process ensuring continual improvements in teaching and learning. To develop effective strategic partnerships and working relationships with key stakeholders. To act as the Academy Nominee for Ofsted/HMI inspections. To Maintain an effective up-to-date knowledge of and lead on curriculum, teaching and learning methodology, quality standards, Ofsted inspections, DfE and Government requirements, examination board and related requirements across the Academy. 5
Staff Responsibilities: Information for Headteacher Primary School To provide effective leadership, direction and management for staff. Line management responsibility for the Deputy Head and Literacy Coordinator. To chair meetings of team members, ensuring effective consultation, delegation of responsibility and successful implementation of outcomes. To implement effective procedures to support members of staff who are underperforming and where necessary apply the appropriate competency/capability policy. To provide appropriate support if a grievance is initiated. Top ensure the health, safety and welfare of staff. Responsibility for the effective Performance Management of assigned staff. Responsibility for recruitment, effective induction of newly qualified staff, deployment and professional development of staff in allocated areas. To ensure effective communication with staff promoting successful team working so that they are fully aware of and focused on achieving Academy objectives. To provide information about the work and performance of staff, where this is relevant to their future employment in the Academy or elsewhere. To ensure all staff undertake their duty of care and professional responsibilities. Corporate Responsibilities: To maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and best practice and provide advice to the Executive Director, Sponsor, colleagues and Governors. To develop policies and procedures which reflect best practice and any statutory requirements for example, legislation, codes of practice, contractual arrangements, and insurance. To pursue and promote the achievement and integration of diversity and equality of opportunity throughout all the Academy s activities. To plan, monitor and review health and safety within your area of control. To develop effective communication processes which address the needs of all staff. To maintain effective relationships with local, regional and national agencies. To manage the effective completion of the self-assessment and development planning process. To develop appropriate external relations with other senior professionals and represent the Academy in external discussions regarding strategy, curriculum and quality matters where appropriate. To report to the Governing Body and its committees as appropriate and chair relevant Academy committees and working groups. 6
To participate in the Academy s Performance Management process and engage in continuous professional development and networking to ensure that professional and strategic contributions are up-to-date. To provide positive leadership by creating a dynamic, supportive and innovative environment that encourages commitment to the Academy and the achievement of high standards of performance through effective teamwork. To undertake such other reasonable duties as the Executive Director may require from time to time and review your role profile at least annually with the Executive Director. 7
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