Learning without Limits

Head of Year

Candidate information

Page 1 of 11 Multi Academy Trust – Candidate Information Learning without Limits

Letter from Mr Simon Frazer, Principal

Dear Colleague

Thank you for taking an interest in our Academy.

I know how important it is to make the right decision when deciding whether to apply for a new teaching post, especially if you will be joining the profession as an NQT. It is important to find out as much as you can about us, so I would encourage you to visit our website www.guilsborough.northants.sch.uk where you will find lots of information, including our recent newsletters, which will give you a flavour of our academy’s culture.

We would usually welcome prospective applicants to tour our Academy. However, during the Coronovirus pandemic, we are keeping visitors to a minimum. If you would like a virtual meeting with a Senior Colleagues instead, we would be pleased to arrange this. Please contact Helen Thompson, our HR Manager, on [email protected].

Our Ofsted report can be found here, which is another source of information for you and which highlights ‘the positive learning environment in which lessons take place’ and ‘good behaviour’ of our pupils.

While most staff at Guilsborough are long serving members of staff, I joined Guilsborough as Principal in September 2020. I was made to feel extremely welcome. Colleagues’ support for our students, and each other, has been a highlight as we tackle the many challenges facing education during the global Coronavirus pandemic. The messages of support from our parents/carers, examples of which are on our website, have also been heartening as we work hard to make sure our students continue to make the progress we know they can. Long serving colleagues say that they stay because of the pupils, their colleagues, and the training and career development opportunities they are able to access.

My personal belief is when we attract fabulous teachers, look after their welfare and give them an environment where they can flourish, we continue to give our pupils the high-quality education that they deserve.

If you feel that Guilsborough Academy could be the right school for you then we would welcome your application.

With best wishes for the future.

Simon Frazer Principal of Guilsborough Academy

Page 2 of 11 Guilsborough Multi Academy Trust – Candidate Information Learning without Limits

About Guilsborough Multi-Academy Trust We are a small MAT located in North West on the Northamptonshire /Leicestershire/ Warwickshire borders. We are presently comprised of two academies: Guilsborough (11-19) Academy and Church of Primary (4-11) Academy. Guilsborough is a "converter" Academy and formed a Multi Academy Trust with our partner primary school, Naseby Church of England Academy in 2014. The aim of GMAT Our aim is to pursue and promote sustainable excellence in the provision of 4-19 Education for the benefit of our pupils, staff, parents/carers and the wider community. The GMAT Strategy We play an active role in the wider community of educators. We value productive relationships and partnerships that help us to maintain and further develop our expertise, and we also seek opportunities to share our own best practice with others. We value our relationship with church colleagues and the expertise they bring to our Trust. We recognise and encourage the individuality of our academies, and the need for them to reflect the character of the communities that they serve. Success and excellence warrant a greater autonomy. The Trust values the work of our Academy Governors to hold their Academies to account and to constructively monitor school progress. Intervention must come where and when it is needed and in proportion to the identified area of development. The Trust provides a set of centralised services to support our academies and help them remove distracting administrative duties from our education leaders. Through the centralisation of support services we can align centres of excellence in our back office, which in turn help create savings that we can direct into the classroom to continually drive up education standards.

Our member academies:

 Keep our pupils and staff safe  Make the achievement of learning goals enjoyable  Encourage pupils to appreciate the value of education and the opportunities it can create; and  Prepare our pupils to be active and valued members of society.

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Welcome to Guilsborough Academy

At Guilsborough we believe that learning should be enjoyable and challenging. This belief, combined with the excellent teaching skills and commitment of our staff and the enthusiasm and hard work of our pupils, lies at the heart of our success. We are passionately committed to the achievement of every individual pupil and to providing high standards of teaching and learning. Our reputation with the local and wider community rests on consistently providing quality education for pupils of all abilities. Our pupils' excellent academic achievements can be seen in the national league tables. Every year our most able pupils achieve very highly; we encourage and support pupils to aim for top universities, whilst also providing strong support for alternative routes to higher qualifications post 18. This is supported by our excellent Careers programme. We also hold the prestigious CEIAG award (Career Education, Information and Guidance). We are committed to a comprehensive intake and accept pupils of all abilities and strive to meet their needs. We are an inclusive school community with pupils from a wide variety of different social and cultural backgrounds, as well as pupils with special educational needs. We aim to challenge all our pupils to reach their full potential and celebrate their successes. We ensure that those pupils who have special learning needs are provided with appropriate support, so that they too may reach their potential. We nurture individual strengths within our pupils and encourage them to explore a wide variety of interests within and beyond the school curriculum. Our aim is to develop thoughtful, kind and considerate adults, who will not only contribute to the school, but also to the wider community. Pupils' personal development and happiness are very important to us and our extensive programme of extra-curricular activities, including excellent Music, Drama and Sports provision, supports this process. We expect high standards of behaviour and seek to build strong relationships between staff and pupils. Considerate and responsible attitudes and behaviour are fostered through a strong Life Skills programme. In 2019 the academy celebrated 60 years of successful education in the local community.

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Pastoral and Student Support at Guilsborough

In order to create an outstanding climate for learning. We want our young people to be happy, cared for and well supported so that they are able to flourish in the classroom. We have therefore put in place a student support system that is proactive in its approach to provide the support and guidance that our students deserve.

Year Teams We have a strong school community underpinned by our Year Teams. Our dedicated Year Teams consist of committed form tutors led by a Head of Year who work with students on a daily basis providing help and guidance in order for students to be successful in school, as well as outside of school. Form tutors will see students daily and keep an eye on their general welfare, their organisation and their academic progress. They are the first point of contact for students and their parents/carers.

Student Support Team Alongside the Year Teams we have an excellent student support team. A full time dedicated team of non- teaching staff are committed to supporting students with a wide range of social and emotional needs. The student support team work closely with the Heads of Years to match and signpost the most effective agencies and support workers for the students. This may include access to a counsellor, behaviour management support, Art Therapy, CAMHs or Self Esteem workshops. The student support team are also on hand to deal with first aid and medical needs. They rigorously support work with Child Protection and other safeguarding agencies working with our safeguarding hub.

The House System Every member within the Academy contributes towards the House system, whether it be through upholding the Guilsborough Academy values, going that extra mile or participation within the numerous House competitions or leadership opportunities across a range of academic subjects. There are four House’s Everdon, Rockingham, Salcey and Whittlebury. Heads of Year work with the House Leads to promote student voice and recognition of student achievements.

Professional Development We strongly believe in the continued professional development of staff and many staff have been involved in a variety of training to enhance their skills. Within the Pastoral and Student Support teams staff regularly undertake additional training to support students to overcome barriers to learning such as training on Safeguarding (to the standard required for the role of Deputy DSL) or qualifications in Mental Health.

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Head of Year Required for September 2021 TLR2b £4737

We seek to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Head of Year who is passionate about the pastoral and academic well-being of young people at Guilsborough Academy. This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly motivated and enthusiastic teacher to make a significant contribution to the leadership, management and organisation of a Year group. In this key role, you will professionally lead, manage, develop, support and be accountable for a Year Team and students in order to ensure the highest possible standards of achievement, progress, personal development and well-being. Initial responsibilities will be for:  Working with the Assistant Principal to ensure that there are effective pastoral systems and procedures, consistently implemented by all staff, to ensure a positive learning environment at all times  Overseeing the progress, learning and behaviour of the students in one year group.  Leading a team of tutors  Ensuring effective parental engagement and communication The successful candidate will:  have an unswerving belief in the unlimited potential of all students  have a proven track record of achieving outstanding student attainment outcomes  possess the skills and determination to make a significant difference to the lives of Guilsborough students.

To apply, please complete an application form together with a letter of application and send to Mrs H Thompson, HR Manager on [email protected].

Closing date: 4th May 2021

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are also committed to meeting the requirements of disability discrimination and other legislation. www.guilsborough.northants.sch.uk

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Job Description

Post Head of Year Post Holder Responsible to Assistant Principal

Specific Responsibilities:

Responsible for a Team of Form Tutors and liaising with Senior Leadership Team, other curriculum leaders, student support services, support staff and relevant staff with cross-school responsibilities, teaching staff, external agencies and parents.

Main Responsibilities includes:  To lead and manage the achievement, progress and pastoral provision for a year group of students.  Track and monitor, attendance, achievement and the behaviour of students within your appointed year group to ensure that successes are recognised and any underachievement is quickly addressed  Take a lead responsibility in co-ordinating appropriate intervention for students within your year group whose attendance, achievement or behaviour is a concern  Co-ordinate the delivery of the pastoral curriculum, and liaise with other Heads of Year where necessary, to ensure continuity and progression of pastoral provision throughout the school.

The duties outlined in this job description are in addition to those covered by the latest School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document. It may be modified by the Principal, with your agreement, to reflect or anticipate changes in the job, commensurate with the salary and job title.

MAIN (CORE) DUTIES:  Lead by example in all areas of the pastoral curriculum and to model the school values of respect, responsibility and equality to all students.  Monitor the standards of achievement, attendance, behaviour and welfare within their year group  Evaluate students’ progress, achievement and attainment producing a termly report for SLT and, as appropriate and required, report to the governors, staff and parents  Take responsibility for the pastoral care of students in the year group, liaise closely with other Year Leaders to ensure continuity and progression across the Key stages 3 and 4; and in order to address transition at key stages 2 and 5  Establish good relationships, encourage good working practices and support and lead teachers in the year group  Lead, support, motivate and direct support staff working within the year group  Oversee all aspects of the pastoral organisation and management for your year group, including preparing agendas and chairing meetings, in order to ensure that school policies and practices are being delivered  Liaise and co-operate with SEND and inclusion staff and outside agencies on the academic, pastoral, social, vocational and behavioural needs of students in the year group  Co-ordinate assemblies and effective use of tutor periods  Support the engagement of students within the decision-making processes of the school, through organised student year and form councils.

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 Work in conjunction with the Director of Behaviour to oversee the induction process of new members of pastoral staff working with the year group;  Co-ordinate and oversee the organisation of charity, performance, sporting, social and other enrichment activities for the year group.

Teaching:  To undertake an appropriate programme of teaching in accordance with the duties of a standard scale teacher.  To model excellence in learning and teaching.  To provide opportunities for the sharing of good practice, such as peer coaching.

Additional duties:  To play a full part in the life of the School community, to support its distinctive mission and ethos and to encourage staff and students to follow this example.

Other specific duties:  To continue personal development as agreed.  To actively engage in the performance review process.  To undertake any other duty as specified by the Principal not mentioned in the above  To comply with the School’s Health and Safety Policy and undertake Risk Assessments as appropriate.  To be aware of and work in accordance with the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures, and to raise any concerns relating to such procedures which may be noted during the course of duty.

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified. Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a Manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. Employees are expected to be courteous and provide a welcoming environment to visitors and telephone callers.

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Person Specification

ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE EVIDENCE FROM Qualifications  Teaching qualification to degree level  CPD that has developed pastoral  Application Form and Training  QTS skill set  Task  At least 2 years teaching experience   Observation Lesson Successful  Recent experience of 11-16/18 school  A successful track record in pastoral  Application form Experience  Good KS3 and GCSE results care  Letter of application  A commitment to pastoral care and  Experience of Middle Management  Reference raising achievement role  Interview  Has implemented successful behavior and safeguarding strategies Health,  Good attendance  Reference Attendance and  Good health Reliability  Punctuality Quality of  Ability to motivate students  Commitment to restorative  Application Form relationships  Confidence when dealing with parents, approaches  Letter of Application staff and outside agencies  Reference  Effective classroom management  Interview  Ability to lead and delegate  Set Teaching Task  High emotional intelligence  Ambition to be a career teacher Teaching  Knowledge of a range of teaching styles  Application Form and approaches in subject  Letter of application  High standard of teaching achieved  Reference  Commitment to excellent student  Interview progress Pastoral Work  Commitment to lead the pastoral work for  Ability to monitor and track the  Application form a specific year group progress of students  Letter of application  Must embrace inclusion for all students  Commitment to raise the profile and  Reference  Effective communication skills – in person celebrate achievements of students  Interview and in writing – shown in dealings with in a year group colleagues, students, parents and other  Knowledge of key statutory partners. requirements relating to Behaviour  An up to date knowledge of current and Safeguarding Safeguarding policies and practices.  A willingness to take part in training and support activities through Line Management, Head of Year team meetings and mentoring by current/previous post holders. Personal  Determination, resilience and  Application Form Qualities commitment  Letter of application  Innovation and initiative  Reference  Planning and organisation  Interview  Flexibility  Energy  Ability to work under pressure  Sense of humour Requirements  A developing understanding of the  Application Form specific to the importance of student information and  Letter of application attainment data in promoting progress post  Reference and attainment  Interview

Page 9 of 11 Guilsborough Multi Academy Trust – Candidate Information Learning without Limits

Support for our staff

At Guilsborough Multi-Academy Trust we value our staff. We are very aware that the positive contribution of all staff is a significant factor in the success and long-term sustainability of our Academy. Without your energy, drive and enthusiasm, the Academy would not be in the successful place it is today or as prepared to face new challenges in the future.

The benefits, support, health and wellbeing initiatives included in this bulletin are a summary of what is already available to us as well as an introduction to a few new offers and ideas.   Staff working party for Wellbeing  Dedicated and talented staff who are keen to build on our high expectations  Great students who are enthusiastic and motivated. We have a very positive ethos and excellent staff/student relationships  A developmental and supportive culture for continued professional development. The school strives to deliver personalized pathways and opportunities in order to enhance the growth and development of all staff members.  A good working environment with good resources.  Supportive parents and carers.  A fabulous location. We are based in Guilsborough, on a large and beautiful site.  HR Services on site  Confidential advice and guidance on HR policies and procedures including: Maternity, Paternity, Adoption leave. Accessing staff services such as occupational health and counselling. Flexible working. Long term and short-term absence support.  Eye Tests  Visual Display Unit (VDU) users are entitled to a free eye test.  Multi-Gym  All employees have access to the multi-gym and this is available for staff only use: Mon-Fri 7.30- 8.30am and 4.30-5.30pm. Staff showers are available.  Pension Schemes  GA offers a defined benefit pension scheme which is supported by school contributions as well as those of the employee. GA has two pensions schemes, the Teacher’s Pension Scheme and the Local Government Pension Scheme.  Healthy Eating Our in-house catering firm Caterlink offer a healthy range of food at both break and lunch-time. Staff are entitled to a free lunch if undertaking an evening duty.  PTA We have a very active PTA group that all staff can get involved in if they wish. There are many events organised throughout the year, raising funds for the Academy.  Additional Training Days Additional training day for curriculum development  Extended breaks  Library - Book Club  Friday night staff sports club  Walking Club

Page 10 of 11 Guilsborough Multi Academy Trust – Candidate Information Learning without Limits

Guilsborough first opened its doors 60 years ago. Our newest building will open in September 2021. We value our strong history and are excited about our bright future.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our Guilsborough family.

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