Head of English

Pembridge Hall is undergoing a dynamic period of development in which innovative thinking is encouraged and every teacher’s contribution is valued. 

Pembridge Hall is an independent girls’ preparatory school (ages 4 – 11) of 460 girls set in a tranquil residential square in Notting Hill. Pembridge prepares its pupils for many of the top day and boarding senior schools in the country and therefore works at a level significantly above National Curriculum expectations. It is part of the Alpha Plus Group of Schools. 

Inspired and Pembridge Hall are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The protection of our students’ welfare is the responsibility of all staff within Inspired schools and individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of our organisation. All members of staff must have an enhanced DBS and prohibition order clearance and pre-appointment safeguarding checks will be undertaken before any candidate is confirmed in post. Staff will be aware of and follow the safeguarding, Prevent Duty, anti-bullying and behaviour and discipline policies of the school, and partake in training on safeguarding, prevent duty and personal welfare. 

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Head of Subject is responsible for ensuring that a high challenge and well-balanced curriculum, in the particular subject area, is taught effectively and consistently throughout the school, leading to the highest standards of learning and achievement for all pupils. They will provide leadership in the organisation and management of a subject, including pupils, staff, premises and environment. They will be supported by the Head of Reception and Lower School English. Additionally, they are expected to promote and support the ethos, aims and vision of the school and maintain its philosophy of education. The Head of English is responsible to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and ultimately the Head.  

Leadership 

• Ensure the effective delivery of the subject throughout the school by coordinating planning, teaching methods and resources to support learning. 
• Review, monitor and evaluate practice, ensuring that teaching is academically rigorous, innovative and creative and provide feedback to the Senior Leadership Team. 
• Through meetings and professional dialogue, liaise with Assistant Heads Academic, Heads of Key Stage and Subject Coordinator colleagues in order to ensure high standards of teaching and learning. 
• Ensure that subject plans enhance pupils’ experiences educationally, socially, spiritually and culturally. 
• Support and advise staff in the development of their classroom practice, where appropriate. 

Teaching and Learning 

• Contribute to raising standards of attainment by preparing and teaching stimulating and energetic lessons of a high standard and according to pupils’ needs. 
• Follow programmes of study, carrying out necessary assessments, keeping required records and monitoring pupils in accordance with agreed department and school policies. 
• Facilitate and encourage a learning experience which provides pupils with the opportunity to develop self-esteem and interpersonal skills. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

Qualifications        

• Honours degree in a relevant subject 
• Teaching qualification together with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) 

Experience       

• Experience of teaching children in the primary age range 
• Experience of highly effective teaching of subject across the primary age range as shown through strong student progress 

Skills    

•  Able to use a range of teaching and learning strategies 
• Effective use of strategies to motivate and engage students as effective learners and to promote good student relationships 
• A confident and competent user of ICT 
• Ability to use student assessment data to raise standards 
• Able to communicate both orally and in writing to students and their parents 

Knowledge 

•  A clear philosophy on how and why the subject should be taught 
• Subject knowledge sufficient to challenge able students and achieve high outcomes 
• A good understanding of curriculum developments in relevant subjects. 

Personal competencies and qualities

• Enthusiasm and a positive outlook 
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team