The English Department is responsible for delivering the English curriculum throughout the school. It has 11 members of staff and has an outstanding academic record in public examinations. It is a lively and enthusiastic department with teachers who enjoy their subject and discussion on a wide range of literary topics. There is a broad range of age and experience and a strong culture of support for each other.
The KS3 curriculum at St George’s goes well beyond that of the Key Stage whilst ensuring that the objectives of KS3 are met. At KS4, all students study both English and English Literature and are entered for the Cambridge IGCSE syllabus. Currently, the English Language examination is taken in the Fourth Year (Year 10) and English Literature in the Fifth Year (Year 11). Over the last five years, over 94% of English Language IGCSE grades and over 98% of English Literature IGCSE grades have been at 9-5 (A*-B). English Literature is a popular subject in the Sixth Form; examination results are excellent, with the majority of students obtaining the highest grades. Over the last five years, over 93% of our students have been awarded A*-B grades.
One of the main focuses of the department is to encourage reading as much as possible. To this end, there is a strongly supported partnership with the Library and all lower school classes have a weekly reading lesson in the Library, following a monitored reading programme. The Library has a well-stocked collection of fiction for all ages and critical and biographical studies for GCSE and A Level students. All members of the department work closely with the librarians to suggest and update new titles for both fiction and critical writing. Sixth Formers are encouraged to use the resources to extend and support a programme of wider reading. Theatre trips, workshops, conferences and poetry readings are all part of the extended curriculum of the English Department and form an integrated programme of study for all age groups. The aim of the department is to allow each student to learn to love literature and to be able to write fluently and we pride ourselves that both of these objectives are seen in our students.
The department is housed in its own suite of rooms, all of which have Internet access and interactive whiteboards. The two English Offices are also located in the same area and act as a focus for department meetings, as well as serving as the English teachers’ daily workspace and base for communications. There is also a well-stocked book room and excellent departmental resources, many of which are on the departmental shared area of the school intranet. Recordkeeping is computer-based and there is a programme of support to ensure that ICT skills are quickly brought to a recognised competency.
Key Requirements
1. Prepare lessons according to schemes of work set out by the Head of Department.
2. Set and mark work regularly for all students, in accordance with departmental guidelines and keep accurate records of achievement for students.
3. Set and mark a share of the internal examinations within the department.
4. Write internal and external reports as required.
5. Attend and contribute to departmental meetings.
6. Show willingness to share ideas and contribute to departmental resources.
7. Take a share of responsibility for activities organised by the department (trips, lectures, societies etc).
8. Embrace new curricular initiatives and teaching strategies.
9. Attend Staff meetings as required.
10. Adopt a professional approach to teaching, mirroring behaviour expected of students.
No can fully encompass every aspect of this role, and duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time.
Single staff accommodation may be available on-site