Head of Language Acquisition HEAD OF LANGUAGE ACQUISITION (Modern Languages) REQUIRED FOR APRIL OR AUGUST 2017 St Leonards is situated in the vibrant, cosmopolitan university town of St Andrews and makes the most of its special location. St Leonards has its own self-contained medieval campus in the heart of the town and is in the enviable position of offering an exceptional range of academic, sporting, musical and creative possibilities. From its vantage point in one of the most inspiring locations in the UK, St Leonards provides an outstanding education - combining exceptional academic achievement with a happy, friendly atmosphere and a world of opportunity. St Leonards is close to sandy beaches, historic landmarks and stunning countryside. Edinburgh and Dundee Airports are within easy reach - approximately an hour’s flight from London. St Leonards has two sections: Junior from Years 1 to 7 (P1 to P7); and Senior from Years 8 to 13 (S1 to S6). The School is fully co-educational with over 500 boys and girls on the roll. 130 pupils are boarders. Around 20% of the school roll is international. The Sixth Form has 140 pupils. All Sixth Formers study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) after completing their IGCSEs/GCSEs in Years 10 and 11. St Leonards has been an accredited IBDP school for over 10 years and the ethos of the IB permeates all sections of the School. The Junior School has 150 pupils and follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with the intention of achieving accreditation in April 2017. We are introducing the IB Middle Years Programme into Years 7, 8 and 9 with a view to accreditation in 2018. In 2016, our IBDP average score was 34 and with a record-breaking 83% of all Higher Level (HL) scores being 7/6/5 (equivalent to A*/A/B at A level). This compares with the global Diploma average of 29/30 points. No particular experience of teaching an IB programme is required and transition to IB is straightforward and very well-supported. Applicants are encouraged from Scottish, English or international systems. For more information on the International Baccalaureate, visit the School web-site: stleonards- org.fife or ibo.org . HEAD OF LANGUAGE ACQUISITION We are seeking to appoint a well-qualified and inspirational Head of Language Acquisition to lead the department in the Senior School. The Head of Language Acquisition is accountable to the Headmaster through the Deputy Head (Academic). The ideal candidate will display a clear love of modern foreign languages and a desire to share this enthusiasm with pupils at all levels of ability, promoting scholarship at the very highest level. Head of Language Acquisition LANGUAGE ACQUISITION DEPARTMENT The department consists of 4.97 FTE teachers and is well resourced and staffed. LANGUAGE ACQUISITION CURRICULUM Language acquisition for non-native speakers is a key aspect of the St Leonards curriculum. The main languages taught at St Leonards are French, German and Spanish, though this barely scratches the surface of the range of languages offered. For example, a popular option in Years 12 and 13 is 'ab initio' Italian which is taught to students who have little or no prior knowledge of the language. Other languages taught 'ab initio' have included Mandarin, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, French and German and so on. In Year 7 pupils study a combination of French, Spanish and German to help them make informed choices at the end of this year. In Years 8 and 9 the majority of pupils move on to study either one or two modern foreign languages. Courses are being developed and tailored as we move towards implementing the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7, 8 and 9. In Years 10 and Year 11 all pupils follow a programme which will lead to the award of at least one Modern Foreign Language GCSE or IGCSE. St Leonards is also proud to be the first school in Scotland to offer pupils the opportunity to achieve a DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française) qualification, and we are looking to expand this to include equivalent Spanish and German qualifications. All students study an MFL in the IB Diploma Programme at either Higher or Standard Levels, including Ab Initio Standard Level. English B Higher and Standard Level is available for non- native speakers. COMPETENCIES The Head of Language Acquisition will: be able to work independently and with initiative to complete a range of teaching tasks; have excellent leadership and team working skills and will cover for colleagues as required; have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with pupils, staff and parents; be committed to the School’s mission, aim and values; be willing to participate in the extensive co-curricular activities programme. Head of Language Acquisition PERSON SPECIFICATION Criteria Essential Desirable Education, Training Educated to degree level in a Evidence of continued and Qualifications relevant discipline. professional development. PGCE/PGDE qualification or equivalent. GTCS registered. Experience Extensive experience of teaching at Experience of teaching or secondary level. knowledge of the IB curriculum. Experience of teaching across the Experience as a form tutor. full age and ability range of Proven management experience. secondary education. Experience and understanding of pastoral support. Experience in the use of ICT in the classroom with the ability to share that knowledge to others. Skills Commitment to student learning and Skills and experience which can raising achievement. contribute to extra-curricular An excellent classroom practitioner activities. and pedagogical leader. Ability to delegate, supervise, organise and direct a team of academic staff. Ability to create and deliver engaging and effective lessons. Enthusiasm to inspire in students a desire to learn and participate. Interpersonal skills Ability to manage and motivate a team. An approachable, supportive manner. Make a positive, professional contribution as a senior member of the wider academic team. Ability to work independently and take responsibility for planning own workload. Ability to work calmly under pressure and keep to deadlines. Sensitive to the needs of others and supportive when required. Professional manner and appearance. Head of Language Acquisition The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to GTCS registration, PVG (Disclosure Scotland) membership and two satisfactory references, one of which must be the current employer. REMUNERATION St Leonards has its own salary scale (above SNCT). The Head of Language Acquisition will be paid £49,439 reflecting the importance of the position. St Leonards School is a member of the Scottish Teachers Superannuation Scheme supervised by the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA). All staff at St Leonards are entitled to 50% fee discount for their child/children. The completed Application Form should be sent to: Dr Michael Carslaw Headmaster St Leonards St Andrews Fife KY16 9QJ or emailed to Dr Carslaw’s PA, Mrs Connie Williams at [email protected] Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Monday, 9 January 2017 Interviews will be held on Monday, 16 January 2017. The successful applicants will be notified by email or telephone. Head of Language Acquisition JOB DESCRIPTION Job Purpose: The post-holder is expected to uphold and actively promote the ethos of St Leonards School. The Head of Language Acquisition reports to the Deputy Head (Academic) and is ultimately accountable to the Headmaster. The focus of the role is to ensure the highest quality teaching throughout the Modern Languages Department in order to meet academic and learning objectives. General Description and Responsibilities: In addition to fulfilling teacher and tutor responsibilities, the Head of Language Acquisition will undertake the following responsibilities: Departmental provision of the teaching and learning of acquisition of Languages to the highest possible standards; Responsible for having an overview of the teaching and learning experiences of all students who study the subject(s) offered by the department. It is necessary for the Head of Department to work in partnership with all other parties concerned, to ensure that every student is given the maximum opportunity to develop to their full potential; Responsible, in consultation with appropriate colleagues, for establishing, monitoring and reviewing the departmental curriculum. Produce and evaluate syllabuses and schemes of work to cover the curriculum; or to ensure that these are produced, evaluated and reviewed regularly. Manage the development of appropriate materials and resources for the department. Promote a lively and stimulating environment in which teaching and learning can occur. Participate in the assessment of new students entering St Leonards as required by the Headmaster, including matters pertaining to Entrance and Scholarship examinations. Ensure that students’ work is produced and performance is assessed, with records of these assessments being kept. Communicate and liaise, as appropriate, with staff concerned, regarding the progress and aspirations of any student under the care of the department. Participate in parents’ evenings and liaise with parents as and when necessary to communicate progress and agree support mechanisms. Oversee liaisons with the Support for Learning Team as necessary. Co-ordinate, monitor and moderate and/or