Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of German or a Lead Practitioner of MFL to join our Languages Department. We are seeking to appoint a highly impactful practitioner to promote the highest standards in our MFL department. The successful candidate will have outstanding subject knowledge and be able to motivate students through inspirational teaching. This is an excellent opportunity for a talented teacher to take a leadership role within the MFL department to work with students who are keen to learn.
We are very proud to offer 3 languages throughout Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 (French, Spanish and German), providing students with the opportunity to develop a love of languages and European culture. The language department also provides many opportunities for students through school co-curricular clubs and foreign educational visits. Languages holds a highly valued place on our curriculum.
The postholder will have responsibility for ensuring the consistent development and implementation of languages within the MFL curriculum, working in conjunction with the Head of MFL to drive the very highest standards of teaching and learning to achieve the best student outcomes. The opportunity for personal development and progression is enormous. An active commitment to staff development through a strong and consistent focus and dialogue around teaching & learning pedagogy makes this an ideal position for candidates committed to being the best practitioner they can be.
We encourage skilled and highly motivated practitioners of all levels of experience to apply. We are committed to supporting the right person to develop within this position through high quality leadership coaching.
This is an excellent opportunity:

• for a talented and inspiring teacher to join a thriving school
• to work with students who are committed to their learning and passionate about their own development
• to lead the ongoing development and embedding of a high-quality modern foreign language curriculum across KS3 through to KS5
• to work to raise the outcomes for all students by inspiring and motivating students and staff alike

Our A Level language uptake is something we are proud of, with students studying A Level language in French, Spanish and German. The successful applicant should, therefore, have the ability to teach a language to GCSE and ideally one language to A Level.
The department currently has 6 full time members of staff with a wealth of experience, who all work well together. The department collectively provide an excellent level of support and collaborative development through sharing of best practice and an open-door culture.
Leadership experience is not essential but applicants must be able to demonstrate the skills required to lead within the department and have an ambition for the very highest performance of the school.
Annually, the department runs a residential trip to France for the whole of Year 7 and other exchange or residential visits to parts of Europe. The successful candidate must be willing to participate in these opportunities for our students.
In every way the Languages Department mirrors the aims and beliefs of the school. All staff work hard, supported by a committed leadership team, to provide a safe and encouraging environment for learning. Arden students love to acquire new knowledge and skills. Our teachers relish the opportunity to deliver engaging, challenging lessons to committed students, supported by caring and supportive families.
The school has an excellent record of success at GCSE and A Level:
GCSEs - In summer 2024, the school's Progress 8 score was +0.6, with an Attainment 8 score of 57.71, which shows the excellent attainment of our school. 68% of our students achieved a grade 5 in both English and Maths, with 82% achieving this at grade 4. More than 40% of the GCSE grades awarded were grade 7 and above, with 23% being awarded at grade 8 & 9.
A Levels - In 2024 students achieved an average grade of a B. Our average points score of 40.06 demonstrates the excellent outcomes that our students achieve. 40% of grades awarded were A*/A and 69% of grades awarded were A*- B.
In return we can offer you:
A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors.
Enthusiastic students who enjoy learning and engage positively in all aspects of school life.
Access to high quality continuing professional development and the opportunity for personal growth and development.
A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity.
Commitment to Middle Leader Development through:
Middle Leader cross trust training
Middle Leader progress meetings with Associate Headteacher and Executive Headteacher
Middle Leader support through highly effective SLT Line Manager
A Senior Leadership team who are committed to promoting the best environment and outcomes for staff and students.
Use of your own personal laptop.
Teacher Pension.
Cycle to Work scheme.
Free on-site parking.
Children of staff who are permanently employed at Arden Academy are eligible for a 'staff' priority for Arden main school and Sixth Form admissions (please see Admissions on our school website for full details and eligibility criteria).
Arden Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religion. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS Disclosure and, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, will be subject to a social media online search.