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Berkhamsted School is situated in the historic Hertfordshire town of Berkhamsted, a prosperous community surrounded by Chiltern countryside and within easy reach of London. Berkhamsted is a leading Independent School for pupils aged 3 to 18 years, the foundation of which dates back to 1541 (when John Incent, the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, successfully applied to King Henry the VIII for a license to purchase a piece of land for a ‘freescole’)
In 1888 a Girls School was founded in Berkhamsted under the same governing body, and the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools merged to form a diamond school in 1997. The Prep School was also integrated at this stage, and the School became Berkhamsted Collegiate School.
In 2011 the School merged with Heatherton House, a small independent day School for girls in Chesham Bois, and became the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Operating as a satellite Prep School, Heatherton provides a feed of Girls to the Berkhamsted Girls School every year. In 2012 Berkhamsted Schools Group acquired Haresfoot, a small proprietary prep school in Berkhamsted This site now houses the Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Berkhamsted Day Nursery Limited, and Berkhamsted Prep takes children from age 7-11
Berkhamsted is the only School in the Herts, Beds and Bucks region, and one of only a small number of Schools in the country, to offer a ‘diamond’ structure that combines the best of both single-sex and coeducational teaching Boys and Girls are taught together until the age of 11 (Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep), separately from the age of 11-16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint sixth form (Berkhamsted Sixth)
Job Description
The Opportunity
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Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
We are seeking to appoint an inspirational, passionate, and well-qualified English graduate or associated degree to head up this dynamic department from September 2024 or January 2025. The successful candidate will have a strong academic profile and the ability to manage and lead a large team.
The Department
The English department extends over two campuses, Castle and Kings, which are separated by an eight-minute walk. Pupils in Years 7 to 11 are in single-sex groups; boys are taught at Castle and girls at Kings. The department currently enters all Year 11 pupils for the Cambridge IGCSEs in English Literature and AQA Language GCSE, but in Year 10 are moving to study EDEXCEL IGCE to best prepare our students for A-Level study and the skills needed for the workplace. There are usually around 200 pupils in each KS4 year. In 2023, the results were 43% 9 - 7 for English (95% 95) and 73% 9 - 7 for English Literature (99% 9-5).
At A-Level pupils can study English Literature (Edexcel), or English Language and Literature EMC (OCR) exploring a wide range of texts from diverse writers from Toni Morrison to Emily Bronte to Tennessee Williams and so many more. We currently have 60+ Sixth Formers studying English. In 2023 the pass rate for English Literature A Level was 100% A - C (42% A*). Our pass rate for A Level Language and Literature A-C was 100% A-C (20% A*/A).
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Job Description
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Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
The KS3 programme offers a dynamic pathway, which takes students through the literary canon with units ranging from The Roots of the English Language to Dystopian Writing These have been resourced by colleagues; each year group, led by a co-ordinator, focuses on prose, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and forms of creative writing, aiming to lay strong foundations in terms of skills as well as an engagement in the subject to build a reading habit that will last them a lifetime. In Year 7 and 8 pupils have a dedicated 40-minute Library lesson to focus on their reading time and we encourage a varied diet of books by gamifying the lessons as they move around a “Bookopoly” board, which they aspire to complete over the course of the year
The department is fortunate to have a highly qualified and committed, interactive team of staff. There are currently 2 part-time and 11 full-time members of the department. They are not only fine classroom teachers, but also embody the core school value to be adventurous in all they do, showing a readiness to give of their time to extra-curricular activities, some of which are related to the subject (e g debating, public speaking, theatre visits, poetry reading events, book groups and Spelling Bees) Colleagues also help in other areas such as sports, drama, CCF, DoE, community service, music etc
We are seeking an enthusiastic Head of English who has the vision to continue to steer the department through a changing modern learning environment, balancing device use with the need to encourage literacy levels, as well as reading for pleasure and someone who can embrace the forwardthinking approaches to teaching and learning which exist already in the department. The English Department is well-resourced and the successful applicant for this post can rely on the support and creative input from a busy team of professionals. The successful candidate will also expect to contribute to the various events which currently exist within the department (such as the wide selection of creative writing, public reading and spelling competitions) and seek to extend the cultural
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horizons of our students both inside and beyond the classroom
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Outline Job Description
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
The Head of English is required to show leadership in securing standards of excellence in teaching and learning and play a key role in developing school policy and directing the strategic vision for Berkhamsted School. The post holder will also provide the vision for the department and link key objectives into the School Development Plan They are expected to monitor, support, appraise and motivate other members of the department, setting high professional standards in all aspects of work with targets for professional development and improvement. It is the Head of Department’s responsibility to make decisions or give advice, but it is hoped that this can be done within a framework of consultation and co-operation, so that other staff in the department gain experience and training for responsibility.
General Responsibilities
1. Keeping abreast of developments in subject developments, teaching methods etc. and attending meetings and CPD courses by arrangement with the Principal and Vice Principal; making use of any opportunities for inter-departmental initiatives and co-operation. Promoting the department in the wider community.
Curriculum - the strategic direction and development of English within the context of the school’s aims and policies which guides subject policies, plans, targets and practices:
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Formulating the aims of the department; planning schemes of work for the department within the School’s Curriculum Policy; producing, reviewing and updating the departmental documents, practice and policies as necessary; evaluating new syllabuses.
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
Overseeing and co-ordinating applications, staffing and the leadership of educational visits within the department.
Being familiar with all the subject requirements for Public Examinations and ensuring proper preparation of the pupils for them.
Liaising with the Examinations Officer and the Deputy Head - Curriculum and Assessment in arrangements for Public and Internal School Examinations.
Being available and contactable either in person or by email/phone during the examination results periods to advise staff, parents and pupils on examination performance and university entrance.
2. Staff – leading and managing staff to ensure all those with involvement in the teaching or support of the subject receive the leadership, support, challenge, information and professional development necessary to sustain staff motivation and secure improvement in teaching:
Liaising with the Principal and Vice Principal on the recruitment and appointment of new members to the department.
Providing induction for and guidance of new staff in syllabus, resources, procedures for marking, reporting etc.; ensuring effective supervision of probationer teachers within the department.
Ensuring that ‘good practice’, in terms of both teaching and learning, documentation and professionalism is shared and upheld throughout the department
Ensuring the professional development of all members of the department through in-service training, professional organisations and active involvement in wider school activities. Identifying the training needs of all members in the department and liaising with the CPD co-ordinator.
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Encouraging and developing innovative approaches to learning, including online resources
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Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
Evaluating the performance of teaching staff and others within the Department as part of the formal Staff Appraisal process, providing assistance with the development of their careers. Co-ordinating the programmes for lesson observation and work scrutiny in the departments. Organising regular departmental meetings and ensuring good communication within the department and that all are up to date with identified issues, plans made, actions taken within an agreed timescale.
Where necessary, setting work for pupils if a member of the department is absent and liaising over cover.
3. Resources - ensuring the efficient, effective, and safe deployment of Staff and Resources and identifying appropriate additional resources for the department:
Liaising with the Principal, Vice Principal and Deputy Head - Curriculum and Assessment over the annual staffing allocation and matters of staff welfare and development
Preparing estimates for departmental budgets and major equipment at the appropriate time
Managing the departmental budget effectively and informing line managers of any issues. Liaising with the member of SMT responsible for ICT regarding resources, installation and support. Creating and deploying learning resources effectively; ordering textbooks and other material within budget provisions and keeping an account of departmental expenditure. Checking on stock and resources and taking steps to ensure against unreasonable loss, wear and tear
Monitoring the implementation of the School Health and Safety policy within the department, ensuring a safe working environment in line with the Policy for both staff and pupils. Providing and monitoring appropriate risk assessments.
Job Description
Ensuring that all out-of-school activities are in line with the School Health & Safety Policy and Guidelines
4. Pupils – securing and sustaining effective teaching of Biology, evaluating the quality of teaching and standards of pupils’ achievements, setting targets for improvement:
Aiming to raise expectations and get the best out of pupils with varying needs and abilities.
Ensuring that every pupil receives the best teaching and learning experience while in the department
Encouraging interest in Biology and participation in appropriate activities and trips.
Encouraging high standards of work, drawing attention to achievement through classroom displays, exhibitions for Open Days, events, website info etc.
Designing, setting and managing homework, so that it is a valuable extension of class activities and helps pupils to develop independent learning skills. Ensuring formative and summative assessment is meaningful and work set by the department is marked accurately and returned promptly Contributing to pupils’ core skills of literacy, numeracy and I T capability; contributing to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Assisting with the admission and induction of pupils into the school where appropriate. Using data to recognise and nurture the quality of practice within the department and in promoting pupils’ progress.
Ensuring reports are individualised and meaningful, providing a valuable form of communication and self-reflection
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Job Description
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The skills and attributes essential to the Head of Department’s role
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
Leadership skills, attributes and professional competence: the ability to lead, manage and motivate people to work as individuals and as a team towards a common goal.
Decision making skills: the ability to solve problems and make decisions.
Communications skills: the ability to make points clearly, listen accurately and understand the views of others.
Time-management: the ability to plan time effectively and to organise oneself well.
Administrative skills: the ability to organise and run this large department.
Management skills: the ability to work effectively with Senior Leaders, other Middle Leaders and direct reports.
BenefitsBenefits
We boast a competitive salary structure, alongside other benefits, which includes access to a comprehensive pension scheme.
The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We have a developed programme for staff with initiatives and support in the areas of Economic, Physical, Emotional and Social wellbeing.
Free classes and advisory services memberships and discounted rates in local establishments, together with cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, free daily lunch, and fee reduction for staff's children are examples of some of the non-contractual benefits on offer in this programme.
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Watch our video and hear from our colleagues why they enjoy working at the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Find out more about what it is really like to be a member of the community.
Benefits
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Berkhamsted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding
A copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a registered charity dedicated to education: 310630
Application and Next Steps
The closing date for applications is 19 March 2024
Interviews will be held 27 March 2024
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It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children; applicants must be willing to undertake a number of safeguarding checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS). This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Berkhamsted Schools Group along with documentary evidence of qualifications
Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK. Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, the school has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. (If it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn).
Where the successful candidate has worked or been a resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.
Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform the School of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview.
If you have any questions relating to this role please contact the HR department at recruitment@berkhamsted.com
Applicant Information Pack
Head of English
