RECRUITMENT PACK: Vice Principal Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The Vision for Education within a Church of England Academy There are fundamental reasons, rooted in the Bible, which have motivated centuries of Christian involvement in schooling in this country and around the world. The God of all creation is concerned with everything related to education. There is a fresh articulation of the Church of England s vision for education as we meet the challenges and take the opportunities offered by the present situation. It is not simply for Church schools but, recognising the Church of England s involvement in education over many centuries, seeks to promote educational excellence everywhere, for everyone. In Church schools like St Edward s Church of England Academy, the deeply Christian foundation for this vision will be seen explicitly in teaching and learning both in RE and across the curriculum, and also in the authentically Christian worship and ethos. The Church s vision for education can be expressed and promoted as one of human flourishing that inspires what the school is and does. The vision is deeply Christian, with the promise by Jesus of life in all its fullness at its heart. This vision embraces the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, moral and social development of children and young people. We offer a vision of human flourishing for all, one that embraces excellence and academic rigour, but set them in a wider framework. This is worked out theologically and educationally through four basic elements which permeate our vision for education: Wisdom Hope Community Dignity The vision, in line with the Church of England s role as the established Church, is for the common good of the whole human community and its environment, whether national, regional or local. It is hospitable to diversity, respects freedom of religion and belief, and encourages others to contribute from the depths of their own traditions and understandings. It invites collaboration, alliances, negotiation of differences, and the forming of new settlements in order to serve the flourishing of a healthily plural society and democracy, together with a healthily plural educational system. Page 2 of 8
St Edward s Church of England Academy Ethos and Values The ethos and values of St Edward s Church of England Academy are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and underpin everything that we are and do, which is encompassed in the word RESPECT. Each letter links to the Academy motto Learn for Life Learn for Life o Recognise and Encourage - everyone s potential, individual skills and talents o Strive to be the best we can be o Prepare for the challenges of life o Empathise - promoting the values of respect, kindness, compassion, fairness, forgiveness, love, honesty and trust o Christian a community where we learn from the teachings of Jesus so that we can contribute to the family of St Edward s and beyond o Teamwork an environment where we work together so we can all achieve our potential Page 3 of 8
INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: Vice Principal Teaching, Learning and Assessment Welcome to St Edward s Church of England Academy. We aim to recruit great people. We would rather make no appointment than appoint someone who is not suited to our ethos. For this reason, we clearly articulate our vision, values and expectations when putting together information for applicants and we always give a lot of attention to appointing the right person. We aim to recruit staff who: Are excited by their role and by the prospect of working with young people; Love the processes of learning and teaching and are keen to continually develop their own skills; Recognise that teaching can be a demanding job but react positively to those demands rather than complaining; Will subscribe to the ethos of the Academy and go the extra mile in terms of time and commitment to get the very best from our young people; Are quick to praise and slow to criticise; and are not afraid to admit to seeing themselves as potential leaders of the future. Tom Hutchinson Principal Page 4 of 8
THE POST From September 2018 we are looking to appoint a new Vice Principal for Teaching, Learning and Assessment to ensure that teaching and learning is good or better all day, every day within the Academy. You will be part of a dynamic leadership team who are driven by providing the best for our pupils every day. We are looking for leaders who are on a mission the kind of people who make others smile because of their enthusiasm; the kind of people who will get satisfaction from seeing our children learn to do things that staff in other schools might take for granted. In return, you will get a lot back from our young people they are lovely and you will be working for an Academy that will take an active interest in your wellbeing and development. The post is suitable for both aspiring and experienced leaders from both primary and secondary backgrounds. RECRUITMENT TIMETABLE Advertisement appears w/c 23 rd April 2018 Closing date for applications (by 08:00am) 11 th May 2018 Final shortlisting and contact with candidates 11 th May 2018 (12 noon) References will be requested at this stage Interviews 17 th and 18 th May 2018 Page 5 of 8
JOB DESCRIPTION Vice Principal - Teaching Learning and Assessment (TLA) Salary Range: Leadership 13-17 Responsible To: Principal Responsible for: All aspects of Teaching, Leaning and Assessment Main Responsibilities Lead on ensuring all areas of TLA will be good or better by the end of academic year 2018-19 and beyond. To work with Governors, Senior and Middle Leaders to ensure that the Academy's strategic aims and objectives are implemented and are consistent with our motto Learn for Life. Ensure that effective and responsive planning processes are in place and advise and direct Senior and Middle Leaders in agreeing and achieving robust targets and quality standards. Ensure that the Academy is compliant with the SIAMS Framework. To challenge the Principal and develop strategy jointly. Agree and monitor the performance objectives so that they contribute to the achievement of whole Academy and national targets. Ensure that methods, systems and procedures for both formative and summative assessments are consistent and robust across the Academy. Lead on support plans (where TLA is not yet good for a sustained period). Lead on coaching for improvement. Lead and Monitor impact of CPD. To model and promote the values of the school by being an exemplar of outstanding practice and professional standards Ensure the collation of data and the management of systems to do so. Ensure the production of reports, statistics and other documentation as required by the Principal for consideration by the Governors, Senior Leadership Team, relevant subcommittees and external agencies. Develop and implement strategy that is consistent with the future vision of the Academy; encourage and develop links and relationships with other providers, community groups, professional bodies and employers. Have responsibility for the progress of key groups and develop and manage actions plans linked to external funding streams eg Pupil Premium. Report upon designated areas of responsibility to the appropriate Leader and advise on significant issues and new developments likely to impact upon the Academy's future strategy or policy. Ensure that the Academy fulfils the various statutory and other requirements of government funding and other external agencies in the delivery of the curriculum. Ensure that effective quality systems and procedures are in place to ensure student entitlement and encourage and facilitate continuous improvement in quality standards and performance within the extended curriculum. To create and manage a successful school timetable alongside the Data Manager Lead on the integration of new technologies to ensure that delivery is innovative, exciting, efficient and relevant to the 21st century. Page 6 of 8
Support effective performance management of staff teams that ensures consistent and appropriate performance standards in relation to TLA. Manage performance, appraise, coach and lead continuous professional development of staff to rapidly drive up standards of TLA. Promote and foster diversity and widening participation, ensuring compliance with statutory and monitoring requirements promoting an inclusive learning environment, which fosters achievement and progression. Ensure that systems and resources are in place to facilitate the management and development of educational opportunities that enable students with diverse needs to have access to a broad and balanced curriculum fit for their needs. Manage budgets relating to TLA and ensure cost effectiveness and impact on outcomes. Ensure that the Duty of Care responsibilities are applied in an effective manner, putting the needs of the student first, maintaining high standards and demonstrate a proactive approach to inclusive management. Ensure that, within the area of responsibility, appropriate risk assessments are undertaken and subsequently monitored and managed. Continue to develop effective relationships with external organisations and stakeholders Represent the Principal at internal and external meetings as required. Lead by example and act as a role model for staff and students. Candidates Person Specification The following qualifications, qualities, skills and experience are considered necessary in this key post: An appropriate academic or professional qualification at degree or higher degree level. Impactive experience and proven track record at middle or senior leadership. A high degree of personal motivation to succeed. Ability to lead major change and development as demonstrated by performance in previous positions. Experience of effective performance improvement and quality assurance in the education sector. A sound understanding of the relevant qualification frameworks and of a range of teaching and learning strategies. Awareness of a variety of relevant funding mechanisms and income streams and the acumen to ensure cost-effectiveness in the delivery of the Academy's learning programmes. Ability to think strategically and to communicate that thinking effectively. The ability to set and achieve demanding performance targets and to effectively manage any identified underperformance. Have the ability to deliver challenge and support in equal measure. Passionate! Interpersonal and communication skills of a high order, which are applicable to a range of audiences. Demonstrate qualities of a Leader and the ability to work flexibly and effectively as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Page 7 of 8
Willingness to work variable hours when necessary to meet the requirements of the post. Commitment to equality and diversity of opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, creed, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. Proven ability to negotiate with and influence a variety of individuals and organisations. Attitudes and Beliefs Uphold the ethos and values of the Academy. Not settle for anything less than the best. Promote a 'can do' culture and have an unreserved belief that all can succeed. Take full responsibility for one's own actions. Actively promote equality, diversity and inclusivity throughout all aspects of Academy life. Have a full commitment to ensure a caring healthy and safe environment. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous personal and organisational improvement to high professional and personal standards of work. Note: 1. This job description is current as at the date shown below. In consultation with you, it is liable to variation in order to reflect changes in the job. 2. In addition to the above, you may be required to undertake such other duties as the Principal may require and as may be reasonably commensurate with your grade. 3. You will be expected to participate in development reviews and undertake personal development and training, which may be of benefit to you and the Academy. You may also be required to undergo Emergency First Aid Training and undertake the duties of an Academy First Aider. 4. All staff are required to understand and follow the latest KCSIE. Senior Leaders are expected to read understand and comply with the whole document. HOW TO APPLY Please read the information in this pack. If you decide to apply you should include a letter with your application form on no more than two sides of A4, giving your reasons for applying for the post, addressing information you have read in the pack and particularly the person specification, and outline any relevant experience and personal qualities you would bring to St Edward s Church of England Academy. Please download an application pack from our website http://stedwards.academy or contact the Principal s PA via morris.s@st-edwards.staffs.sch.uk Please do not send a general letter; we really are looking for someone who is prepared to respond to us as an individual school. You can be sure we will take time and care in reading your letter; we appreciate how much energy goes into it. Please ensure that you address your application to Tom Hutchinson - Principal, St Edwards Church of England Academy Westwood Road Leek Staffordshire ST13 8DN Page 8 of 8