Languages Consultant

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.

The role is multi-faceted and involves coaching and mentoring, sharing of best practice, developing robust improvement strategies, assisting Harris academies in recruitment and selection, helping to establish new departments or lead rapid recovery where required. Our central team consultants work strategically with Principals, senior leadership teams and middle leaders, supporting academy departments to improve standards and the outcomes for our students. Further details of the responsibilities can be found in the applicant pack.

Languages consultants are part of the central consultant team, which is based at the Harris Federation offices close to East Croydon Station (with fast access to central London and the M25), although the role is mostly based within academies (four days a week and fifth day working with consultant team at the office).

As a consultant, you will support two to three academies and will work collaboratively with the rest of the languages consultant team weekly to develop curriculum, teaching and assessment material, staff training and more.

As a senior leader, you will have the opportunity to develop and advance your career within a Federation established in developing practitioners and nurturing excellent future leaders. You will have unrivalled opportunities for progression; whatever your aspirations as a senior leader, our Teaching School Alliance provides a range of bespoke courses and qualifications, including our Aspiring Leaders NPQSL and NPQH programmes to help you achieve your ambitions more quickly. The Federation operates twin Teaching Schools as well as a number of highly successful CPD Networks, and the post holder would have the opportunity to play a key role in this work.

We are looking for an experienced Head of Languages, Lead Practitioner or Senior Leader with a strong track record of developing languages curricula and assessment systems at departmental and whole school level. We would like to hear from you if you:

• Have the ability to develop and implement a curriculum, taking into account contextual understanding of diverse school settings. You will need to understand the implications of the National Curriculum for Languages and Ofsted Research Reviews.
• Have extensive experience both teaching and leading Spanish or French courses at KS4 and KS5, with success at the highest level for both attainment and progress.
• Have experience of teaching another language at KS3-4 or at least successfully leading teachers of other language specialism than yours.
• Are engaged in developments within the area of languages education, e.g. the new GCSE languages, the National Consortium for Languages Education as well as an up-to-date knowledge of pedagogical research.
• Have built vibrant languages extracurricular programmes, including trips and competitions, and other subject promotional events to promote languages learning.

The post would suit an ambitious middle leader, lead practitioner or senior leader, looking to broaden their subject expertise and responsibilities, or who may be considering a future leadership pathway to their first headship. We look for talented and driven individuals who want to be a part of transforming education in London and helping create exceptional places of learning. The successful applicant will be resilient, creative, passionate and a dynamic practitioner, and must hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant degree. You will be fully supported through a comprehensive Induction Programme both within and across the Harris Federation.

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email () to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

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