The Sir Robert Woodard Academy, an Ofsted ‘good’ rated academy and part of the Woodard family of schools, is a dynamic and popular 11–18 academy located between Worthing and Brighton, serving the students of Lancing, Sompting and Shoreham.
We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic English Teacher with thorough subject knowledge to join the English department from September 2024. This is an incredible opportunity to join an excellent team of practitioners who are very excited about the future outcomes of their students. We welcome applications from colleagues (with QTS) at all stages of their career, including ECTs, who are committed to raising achievement in English. This is a permanent and full time position.
The English department has achieved strong GCSE and A Level results over the past few years, with students being offered a text rich curriculum that prioritises reading for pleasure and progress. Dedicated reading lessons ensure that all students have access to the best writing and the best ideas, with students reading contemporary YA fiction, such as 'Dear Martin' and ‘The Boxer’ alongside established literary classics, such as 'Treasure Island'.
Staff in English form a dynamic team with a strong shared purpose, and there are high expectations for all, with students taught in mixed attainment groups throughout key stages 3 & 4. Lessons in English expose students to a diverse range of texts, including dystopian short stories by Ray Bradbury; Romantic poetry and Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night', and opportunities for writing, both analytically and creatively, punctuate our lessons.
Students in our sixth form, 'W6', take English Literature at A Level, and we are part of the 'Lit in Colour' pioneers programme. Students are encouraged to develop their English skills outside of the classroom, with an extra-curricular offer that includes creative writing, debate club and the ever popular, Dungeons and Dragons!
The English department is housed in our modern building with visualisers in every classroom. At the heart of the Academy is the library, which is an accessible resource for all students and staff as we grow a love of reading in the student body. The Accelerated Reader programme was introduced in September 2013 and continues to be an effective tool in developing a reading culture at Key Stage 3.
At SRWA, our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with wellbeing support, coaching, mentoring and a wide range of top-quality training and CPD programmes delivered at every level up to senior leadership.
SRWA teaching staff benefit from the following:-
- a collaborative approach and strong collegial relationships;
- the opportunity to join and/or benefit from Action Research Groups;
- proven student progress and excellent student behaviour;
- an established STEM group including work with RICARDO Engineering, a world leading company supporting SRWA
- an extensive CPD programme tailored to skills and experience;
- strong links with Brighton and Sussex Universities;
- free employee assistance programme, dedicated staff wellbeing space and 1-1 mental health booster sessions available;
- free use of the Academy’s fitness suite;
- free on site car parking and easy access to local public transport;
- cycle to work scheme;
- free flu jabs.
A Staff Well-being survey commissioned externally in June 2023 revealed these were some of the areas considered ‘outstanding’ by our staff cohort:-
- Staff morale, workload and job satisfaction
- Appreciation of staff achievement/contribution
- Opportunities for staff to develop.
The successful candidate will:-
- demonstrate the skills of a good teacher
- be able to interest, encourage and engage students
- provide appropriate levels of challenge so that all students make good progress
- use methods and resources that enable all students to learn effectively
- use assessment information effectively to plan the next steps in students learning
- make effective use of their time
- secure consistently high standards of behaviour from students
- be able to demonstrate a proven track record of recent and successful class teaching in mixed ability classes of aged 11-18 students (or of successful completion of initial teacher training if applying as an ECT).
Safeguarding Recruitment Statement and Commitment to Equality of Opportunity
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal record self-declaration form and to consent to an online search carried out against their name.
All offers of appointment are conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check. There is a six month probation period for all new post-holders.
The Academy is fully committed to equality of opportunity. We positively welcome applications from all sections of the community.
The academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All posts will be subject to satisfactory references and successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the DBS.