Closing date: 9am Monday 19th May 2014
Job description: Second in Charge – English – TLR £2,586
The Ebbsfleet Academy Location: Swanscombe, Kent
The Ebbsfleet Academy is a non-selective Academy, (ages 11-16), that strives to develop independent, determined and self-motivated individuals.
Teachers are committed to ensuring lessons are engaging and challenging on the Academy’s broad and balanced curriculum, whilst class sizes are small to support this.
The Academy is seen as a centre of excellence in sport and physical education and students have access to a wide range of extra-curricular activities from sports to photography and astronomy.
Student Voice is very important to Ebbsfleet and the students actively participate in House and Academy council discussions. To further advance students’ voices, tutor groups comprise of mixed ages to expand student contact across years and give tutors more contact with individuals.
The Ebbsfleet Academy prioritises parent communication, always keeping parents up to date, as well as holding weekly surgeries with the Principal. The Academy is well maintained with excellent facilities to provide the highest quality training and resources.
For more information about The Ebbsfleet Academy, visit www.theebbsfleetacademy.kent.sch.uk
Call 01580 712754 | Email [email protected] | www.brooklearningtrust.org.uk Brook Learning Trust, The High Weald Academy, Angley Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2PJ
Job Description
Dear applicant,
Thank you for showing an interest in joining The Ebbsfleet Academy at what is a truly exciting time.
We opened as a new academy in September 2013 (in a wave of publicity for our exceptionally high standards and uncompromising stance on uniform and behaviour - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2418983/Ebbsfleet-Academy-head-sent-home-5-pupils-wrong- uniforms.html)
The predecessor school closed last summer with final results that made it the 25th worst performing school in the country; had OFSTED visited that year the school would have undoubtedly (and deservedly) gone into special measures. I had been put into the predecessor school to support, and a few weeks after arriving became the acting head following the existing head’s departure. However, with an extensive background in school improvement I could see that, under new leadership, with a focus on teaching and learning, the highest of standards, rigorous accountability and a clear vision, there was huge (yet wasted) potential in the students and many of the staff.
I have been lucky in being able to appoint a stunning new leadership team, all handpicked, to work with me to make The Ebbsfleet Academy the number one school of choice in the local community; eventually we will become outstanding. This is a genuinely exciting time to join the academy, to become part of the team that is going to embed and drive further school improvement. The Ebbsfleet Academy has the highest of academic (and other) standards at its core and will provide hugely rewarding opportunities for teachers who are committed to working hard and to making a difference for our students, all of whom deserve the best education.
There are lots of schools, and there are lots of jobs. This specific role requires an intelligent, hardworking professional who will not baulk at a challenge, who is not afraid of hard work, and who likes and enjoys working with children. In return I can guarantee you a rewarding, enjoyable leadership role where you will have genuine responsibility and decision making powers. If you share my simple, common sense approach to how schools improve by focussing on teaching and learning and insisting on high standards in all things; if you enjoy the challenge and reward of leading and driving rapid school improvement; if you would embrace working as part of the wider Brook Learning Trust, benefiting from the support of high quality professionals whilst helping to shape and develop The Ebbsfleet Academy’s own distinct identity and ethos; and if you believe that all students can achieve, and achieve well, regardless of background or postcode I would love to hear from you.
Please feel free to contact me directly by phone (01322 623100) or email ([email protected]) if you wish to discuss this further or to arrange a visit. I also would direct you to read the comments from parents in the letter I recently sent to incoming students, and the comments of Year 11s in their letters of applications to be prefects; they reaffirm what I know about the rewarding journey that we have just begun.
Yours faithfully
Alison Colwell
Call 01580 712754 | Email [email protected] | www.brooklearningtrust.org.uk Brook Learning Trust, The High Weald Academy, Angley Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2PJ
Job Description
Second in Charge – English – TLR £2,586
Purpose: To support the Subject Leader in the effective management and leadership of English.
Vision: To be an outstanding community academy, whose focus is on learning, as well as on personal and social development, and to be ambitious for all regardless of circumstance.
General expectations: • to demonstrate high professional practice in all areas of work • to help progress the academy towards our vision, through a focus on raising the aspirations of students • to be an excellent role model for students, commanding respect and being a positive presence around the academy • to be efficient and effective, highly organised in all areas of work • to promote actively the academy’s ethos through actions and words • to adhere to the staff dress code • to participate in duties as directed
Leadership expectations: • to pursue and deliver academy strategies and agreed actions in a positive and consistent manner • to be an excellent team leader, capable of building a successful team and getting the best out of colleagues • to think creatively about the academy, to be prepared to take risks and to innovate • to be an excellent communicator with a high degree of emotional intelligence • to have responsibility for the performance and line management of staff
Specific accountabilities: . to assist in the monitoring of the quality of teaching and learning • to be responsible for the physical environment of the English area, creating an effective and stimulating leaning environment • to be responsible for the quality of cover work set in English • to be responsible for monitoring the quality of English homework . to deputise for the Subject Leader across the full range of duties when required to ensure teachers in English are aware of SEND information for all students
….and to support the Subject Leader for English in her/his key accountabilities: • raising attainment and progress in English • tracking progress within English, recognising and acting on achievement and under-achievement • quality assuring of all assessment, recording and reporting for English • taking responsibility for the curriculum content in English • monitoring behaviour, uniform, attendance, punctuality and all matters of student conduct within English, and supporting teachers in these areas • maintaining up-to-date knowledge of developments in English
Call 01580 712754 | Email [email protected] | www.brooklearningtrust.org.uk Brook Learning Trust, The High Weald Academy, Angley Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2PJ
Job Description
Comments from the Year 11 prefects
“The best thing about the Ebbsfleet Academy is “The best thing about the academy is its that the school motto is “Aspire, Excel”, and I impeccably high standards.” think this is what the student body is encouraged to do.” “I love the consistent approach adopted by all staff members as all students are completely “As a student of The Ebbsfleet Academy I can aware of where they stand.” hold my head up high.” “The teaching has improved since the school “I think that the school’s achievement ladder is a became an academy.” great incentive for people to behave and follow the 3 main school rules correctly.” “Being a prefect for The Ebbsfleet Academy would be a privilege. I would be delighted if you “There is a great atmosphere and buzz at The were to hand me the prefect badge to wear with Ebbsfleet Academy wherever you go, whatever pride.” lesson you’re in, whatever year group you talk to, there’s so much positivity.” “The teachers are much more closely monitored to make sure they are providing the highest “Students like the new rules, we like to feel we possible education.” are going forward.” “I find myself not wanting to settle for statistical “From what I can see The Ebbsfleet Academy is averages anymore. It goes further now. Not only soaring high above most schools in the area.” do I want to reach my expectations but I want to exceed them, and the academy makes this “The best things about The Ebbsfleet Academy possible.” are the new staff and rules. They push students so they can do the best of their ability and “The best thing about the academy is the achieve good grades.” fairness in which all students are treated.”
“The best thing about the academy so far I think “I may not have the perfect past as a student but must be the rules as classes have become so I want to have the perfect future as one.” much calmer.” “At first I thought the rules were a bit harsh but “I want to be a prefect more than anything as now I realise why they needed to change.” the academy has improved my chances of being a successful well rounded adult.” “There are many things that stand out and what I think are brilliant about the academy, but one “I am proud to call myself a student of The thing I really respect from all the staff is the Ebbsfleet Academy.” consistency and the high standards.”
“I believe the change has been the best thing “I feel that all staff encourage me to be all I can that has happened to my education. The be and more.“ academy has exemplary standards and this has encouraged me to do the same.”
Call 01580 712754 | Email [email protected] | www.brooklearningtrust.org.uk Brook Learning Trust, The High Weald Academy, Angley Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2PJ
Job Description
Comments from parents, since opening in September 2013
“All I can say is that every night he says to me “I have to admit to you that before visiting the 'I can't wait to go to school tomorrow' which after school I was somewhat sceptical as to what I the stress of last year is music to my ears.” was going to experience. However, I have got to say that after our visit last Wednesday and “Emily and myself were really impressed with quizzing poor Mr Smith at length I was very your school and the changes you have made. I impressed for a number of reasons - the also take this opportunity to let you know enthusiasm of the new teaching staff, the I observed the excellent conduct of the students facilities the school has to offer, the behaviour of on their way to and leaving school and how the students, the commitment of the staff to proud they should be of themselves, a credit to student achievement and the dedicated small their school and you.” class sizes.”
“I feel I must thank you. I had my reservations “We are very encouraged by what you have said before viewing the academy. I have read up on about the more able children being stretched.” the old school and I must say you have had your work cut out. Your high expectations on uniform “My eldest daughter is in year 9 and is doing and behaviour are very impressive and many very well and really enjoys the changes that schools would benefit from you taking over.” have happened since the change over.”
“Both of my girls have changed so much in so “We think that your plans and vision for the little time towards their teaching since the future of the academy are fantastic and fully change over. Such a more positive attitude. It's support what you wish to achieve.” lovely to see a Head Teacher that acts on issues straight away with teaching. Well done to “I feel excited and optimistic for the future of the you and your team, you have won my vote.” school and would like to thank you for your obvious commitment in undertaking such a huge “My daughter has been keeping me up to date challenge.” and she has every confidence in you, the fact you listen to them makes them feel respected “Last evening proved somewhat of a watershed and important which is wonderful. You are doing moment for us, as your message about the a great job”. forthcoming changes at the school resonated with us at every level, the messages regarding “I came along with a very negative attitude today uniform, homework, appearance, attitude. Every and really had no intentions of applying for my Child, Every Day, No Excuses is a perfect son to come to you next year. Obviously message.” historically the school, as it was, had an awful reputation and I was probably expecting pretty “Your personal commitment and passion leaves much the same. However, after attending the us in no doubt the pot of gold will be at the end school and seeing the planning, effort and new of the rainbow.” measures you have implemented I certainly “I wanted to say that I was very impressed with changed my thoughts with regards to the what has been put in place from September for academy. The teaching staff have a very good the new academy. As a parent I am behind you relationship with their pupils, and I was very all the way.” pleased that the senior staff, including yourself, still have a good interaction with the children.”
Call 01580 712754 | Email [email protected] | www.brooklearningtrust.org.uk Brook Learning Trust, The High Weald Academy, Angley Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2PJ
Job Description
The Brook Learning Trust
The Ebbsfleet Academy is part of the Brook Learning Trust.
The Brook Learning Trust consists of three secondary phase Academies and is dedicated to its vision of outstanding achievement and progress, raising aspirations and maximising potential.
Established in 2010, the Trust recognises the power of education to transform lives and communities, promote social justice and champion learning for all. The Trust’s Academies pride themselves in raising, not only educational standards, but also respect, pride and integrity within their students.
The Trust’s Academies all have distinctive identities and retain individuality whilst benefitting from the support, services and expertise of the Trust.
For more information about the Brook Learning Trust, visit www.brooklearningtrust.org.uk
Call 01580 712754 | Email [email protected] | www.brooklearningtrust.org.uk Brook Learning Trust, The High Weald Academy, Angley Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2PJ