Dear prospective applicant,
Thank you for expressing an interest in this key vacancy at our college.
Over the last six years we have been on a journey to try and make this school not only one of the best schools for children to attend but also one of the best schools to work in as a member of staff. That is extremely rare and we urge you to come and see us in action, speak to the staff and speak to the students. Every decision that we take is done with a lot of thought and consideration and we put well-being at the centre, so that teachers can teach and students can learn.
We have been recognised for the work we do in this area; we have been shortlisted for the well-being school of the year two years running and we have also been shortlisted for the prestigious Pearson's Award for secondary school of the year 2023.
The Physical Education Faculty comprises of a three-person leadership team alongside 6 other teachers and a PE technician. The college also hosts the Leicester City School Sports Partnership Inspire Together and still proudly holds the title of ‘Sports College’. Sport is very much at the centre of our whole school ethos and the combination of increased curriculum time, the sports academy and extra-curricular programme are all used to drive the aspirations of our students.
Our pupils have 3 lessons per week in KS3 and 2 lessons per week in KS4. Additionally, pupils can study OCR CNAT Sports Studies or AQA GCSE PE in KS4. We provide an extensive programme of extra-curricular sport and physical activity attracting pupils of all abilities and backgrounds; regular weekly attendances are over 500. We would expect the person appointed to this role to contribute significantly to the existing provision. The Crown Hills Sports Academy provides pathway to excellence in badminton, cricket, and fencing. Sports Academy students receive specialist coaching in the sport as well as physical conditioning and mentoring. Our Academy teams compete in county, regional, and in some cases national competitions. In this role, there would be the opportunity to support and development some aspects of the academy programme, including mentoring.
The curriculum and extra-curricular activities are supported by high quality facilities. We have sole use of a double sized sports hall, cardio and resistance fitness studio, multi-use games area, extensive grassed areas, GOALS football centre, spin room, and the main hall for table tennis and fencing. This allows us to offer a diverse and engaging curriculum and gives staff the opportunity to develop their knowledge in different activities, such as fencing and cycling.
We have removed lesson observations from the appraisal process and linked it to professional development. Currently staff are entitled to ‘visits’ and entitled to a professional dialogue to improve their practice.
As a result, we have improved our headline figures year on year and initial analysis places us in the top 12% of schools nationally for progress, although we know that we can still do better.
Our behaviour policy is clear and simple, “First Time Every Time,” no quibbles, no arguments just do as we expect. Teachers no longer have to do detentions, chase up absence, attendance or punctuality.
Curriculum is obviously now at the forefront of what we do and is the progression model. We have spent a significant amount of time ensuring that the curriculum is sequenced appropriately so that students are knowing, remembering and therefore able to do more. We are a knowledge-first school, where teachers are considered to be the subject specialists and impart their knowledge to students, we are not a school that focuses on discovery.
I would also urge you to read our well-being charter that provides you with an understanding of things that we do to just make your job that little bit easier, not tokenistic but just genuine little things that help.
We have arranged an in person meeting to hear about our school and our vision and values. I would urge you to attend this as it will include a tour of the school. If you are unable to make it then please ask for the recording or attend virtually. The Information Evening in person or online is on Thursday 21st March at 5pm, please let Sumaya Seedat know by email if you wish to attend (email in attached pack) In order to be shortlisted you must attend the event (online or in person) or ask for the recording.
Please read the attached job description and person specification. If you are interested in applying, please fill in the application form available on our eteach portal, please include e-mail addresses of all referees, together with a letter of application (no more than 2 sides of A4, font 12) outlining your skills, qualifications and experience relevant to this post by 9am on Monday 8th April 2024.
Please include your cover letter in the supporting statement section.
Yours sincerely,
Mr F Adam
(Principal)
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment checks, such as an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check.