The Unicorn School is a happy and flourishing school for pupils aged 7 to 17 years. The school currently has a team of over 80 members of staff for 120 children. The well-being of our pupils is at the heart of our ethos. Our class sizes are small, and pupils and subject teachers are well supported by a highly qualified team of specialist teachers.
The English Department at The Unicorn School is a creative, collaborative and enthusiastic team. We are looking for an experienced full-time Secondary trained English teacher to join our thriving and lively department, teaching GCSE English and potentially Film Studies to Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Our ideal candidate will share our passion to make a difference to our young people, all of whom have specific learning difficulties, including: dyslexia, dyspraxia and SLCN. The ability to deliver excellent lessons which engage, inspire and challenge learners is essential. An understanding & appreciation of the challenges faced by pupils with SpLDs in secondary education is essential.
We pride ourselves on the fact that all pupils thrive in this caring and collaborative environment. We adapt our curriculum to suit the needs of each GCSE cohort. Currently, pupils follow the Cambridge IGCSE English Language curriculum, which allows them to flourish through a combination of coursework and formal examination, and the AQA Functional Skills English Level 1or Level 2. As an option pupils have the opportunity to follow the Edexcel IGCSE English Literature course. Knowledge of these specifications is highly desirable. We also offer Eduqas Film Studies as an additional option: an ability to teach this will be beneficial. The classrooms are equipped with televisions that connect to a Microsoft Surface. Each pupil has their own laptop; all have access to Microsoft Teams for assignments. An extensive use of assistive technology within lessons is essential to support our learners effectively. Whilst prior experience in this area will undoubtedly be highly beneficial, training and support will be provided by the Learning Support team. A willingness to integrate assistive technology within your teaching is essential.
Qualifications
· A good honours degree in English
· Qualified Teacher Status
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
· An outstanding classroom practitioner who can teach engaging lessons across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 which are differentiated to the special educational needs of the pupils
· Experience of adapting teaching the GCSE specifications to pupils with SpLDs
· To have a clear understanding of the English GCSE curriculum and, where possible, Film Studies
· To develop, adapt and create differentiated schemes of learning as required by the Head of English
· To carefully monitor the progress of all pupils
· To provide regular informative feedback to each pupil, ensuring that pupils are receiving concise guidance on how to improve their learning
· To adhere to the policies set out in the Staff and other relevant handbooks, especially the Teaching and Learning policy
· To adhere to and implement, according to school policy, all required reporting of pupil progress and attendance at relevant Parents’ Evenings
· To liaise closely with the Specialist Learning Support Teachers to develop the most effective teaching strategies for each pupil within the classroom, to enable them to access the curriculum and achieve to their potential.
· To integrate the use of assistive technology within lessons, according to the preferred way of working of each pupil
· To use AT and/or the willingness to learn and develop skills in this area
· Excellent class management skills
Pupil Welfare and Behaviour Management
* Create a safe and stimulating learning environment that supports learning and in which pupils feel secure and confident
* Set high expectations for pupil behaviour, establishing and maintaining a good standard of discipline based on mutual respect and personal responsibility
* Deal with inappropriate behaviour in the context of the school's Positive Behaviour Policy, and Anti-Bullying Policy
Whole-School Responsibilities
* Work as a form tutor for a class in KS3 or KS4
* Provide cover, in the unforeseen circumstance that another teacher is unable to teach
Skills and Competencies
· Exam marking for English
· Knowledge and teaching of the Cambridge Board IGCSE qualification
· Knowledge and teaching of the Edexcel IGCSE English Literature
· Knowledge and teaching of the Eduqas Film Studies GCSE
· Knowledge and teaching of the AQA Functional Skills syllabus
· Ability to plan and deliver engaging, differentiated, and well-structured lessons that inspire, motivate, and challenge pupils
· Strong assessment and data analysis skills to track pupil progress and inform teaching
· Effective behaviour management strategies to maintain a positive and productive learning environment
· Excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with pupils, parents, and colleagues
· Thorough understanding of safeguarding principles and a dedication to promoting the welfare of all pupils
Professional Development
* The Unicorn School is committed to supporting the professional growth and development of all its staff. As a Teacher of English, you will have access to a range of opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
We offer
* The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of our students
* A competitive salary (including a staff laptop) and Pension Contributions
* Medical, health & wellbeing package
* On-site parking
Safeguarding
The Unicorn School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. As a Teacher of English, you will be expected to:
* Work in line with the school's safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures, as well as relevant statutory guidance (e.g., Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent)
* Collaborate with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) to ensure the best interests of pupils are promoted, including sharing concerns where necessary
* Maintain a vigilant and proactive approach to identifying and responding to potential safeguarding issues
* Participate in regular safeguarding training to keep your knowledge and understanding up to date
* Promote a culture of safeguarding and pupil welfare throughout your work at the school