January 2010

Dear applicant, Thank you for taking the time to find out more about Ark Academy and the role of Lead Teacher. This information pack is intended to give you a good sense of the role, understand our vision and goals for establishing the new Ark Academy and learn about the network of ARK Schools. The Lead Teacher will be joining me, two vice principals, a head of primary and other founding senior staff from September 2010 onwards. As a founding member of management staff in a new academy you will have the opportunity to lead and manage the planning, development and start-up for your specialist curriculum/subject area from the outset.

We have the privilege of starting a new school from scratch, setting the highest expectations and making outstanding progress from the start. Ark Academy opened to reception pupils in September 2008 in high quality, specialist designed temporary accommodation. However, it is only this September that the brand-new, all through, academy will be founded; as the first year 7 intake arrives and the brand new buildings will be completed. The academy will then grow, year on year, until it eventually has students from 3 to 18 years of age.

The academy will specialise in mathematics and citizenship. The mathematics specialism will help all students understand the practical applications of mathematics and reap the benefits of confident numeracy. The citizenship specialism reflects a commitment to actively engage the children in their community and exploit the rich diversity of the area and the opportunities offered by its regeneration. To read further information about the intended plans for the academy please find the prospectus on the website www.arkacademy.org.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join us at the outset; a stage where you can make a real and lasting difference. If you would like to apply, please complete the application form that can be found online at www.arkacademy.org and return it via email to Hannah Obertelli at hannah.obertelli @arkonline.org by 9am, Monday 1st March. Interviews and assessment will take place during w/c 8th and 15th March. If you have any queries please contact Hannah on 0207 395 2050. If you would like to speak with me directly, please call me on 07901 007 405. I look forward to receiving your application.

Delia Smith, OBE Principal, Ark Academy

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Ark Academy Ark Academy is a mixed, non-selective, non-denominational school, specialising in mathematics and citizenship. When the school is fully open it will provide 1,630 new school places, comprising:

• 60 nursery places • 420 primary places • 1, 150 secondary and sixth form places

We are aiming to attract an initial cohort of 180 pupils who will be organised into 8 classes of approximately 23 pupils per class. These smaller class sizes and dedicated tutor time will mean every pupil will be known by staff and their individual needs will be more readily identified and catered for. Our school day will run from 8.20am-5pm (except on Fridays), providing an extended curriculum and a range of enrichment opportunities to engage the talents and interests of the students and give extra support where necessary. We will particularly encourage all students to extend their musical and sporting/fitness involvement after school and all pupils will be expected to engage with the enrichment provision from Monday – Thursday. Curriculum and assessment Our extended curriculum enables us to cover both depth and breadth in the curriculum. We will teach the core skills of English and mathematics on a daily basis further supported by our emphasis on daily reading and our mathematics specialism. Science will also have a high priority. In addition, all other major subjects of the National Curriculum will be taught to ensure breadth and a stimulating learning environment. Tracking pupil progress, moderation of student standards and setting stretching targets for every child will be at the heart of assessment practices. Key pupil interventions and adjustments to the curriculum planning will stem from our detailed knowledge of pupil learning. Student Support We support Ark’s Small school ethos through our Year System and will ensure that every child’s needs and progress are intimately known. We will also supplement a strong sense of belonging and Ark Academy identity through the development of a House System supporting our enrichment and rewards systems.

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New buildings

The buildings have been designed by award winning architects Studio E (who created the successful design for City of London Academy in Southwark) and are organised to support calm and ordered learning. Pupils will have access to specialist indoor and outdoor sports facilities, excellent science, ICT facilities, music, Design and Technology, art and drama studios and a 150 sqm, well stocked and up to date library as well as inviting and well-equipped classrooms. The excellent new sporting facilities will also benefit the surrounding community. The existing London Transport owned playing fields will become part of the school and are being upgraded and will be available for community use outside school hours at affordable rates. The school's innovative design will be built to high environmental standards.

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About ARK Schools ARK Schools is part of the children’s charity ARK which runs a range of health, welfare and education projects in Southern Africa, Eastern Europe, India and the UK. It was created in 2004 to work with the DCSF, local authorities and others to set up new schools and replace existing schools through the academies programme. Its aim is to operate a network of outstanding, non-selective, inner-city academies offering high quality education to children of all abilities and backgrounds. ARK Schools runs a network of eight academies in London and in Birmingham and Portsmouth. ARK Schools has no religious affiliation and is committed to comprehensive education. Support programmes ARK Schools also runs, develops and funds other programmes to help our schools succeed.

• We support schools with Extended School activities and local literacy and numeracy programmes.

• Our Future Leaders programme helps develop outstanding senior leaders for challenging urban schools.

• The Teaching Leaders programme helps develop middle leaders in urban secondary schools.

• We are opening a new specialist unit in November 2009. ARK Plus is a pilot programme that will provide focused academic and behavioural support for year seven pupils in three of our south London academies.

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ARK Schools’ ethos Academic achievement – no excuses ARK Schools has high expectations for its pupils. We believe that every child can realise their potential given the right encouragement, teaching and support. We want every pupil at our academies to leave with the academic qualifications and skills they need to have a real choice at 18, whether that’s to continue their education or to pursue a career. We do everything possible to ensure that every child achieves year level expectations, every year. We won’t accept excuses and we won’t make any either. Culture – personal responsibility and mutual respect Our academies aim to maintain a respectful and orderly environment so that pupils can focus on learning and teachers on teaching. ARK academies operate with a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach to poor behaviour and transparent and rigorous systems of rewards and sanctions. We believe that a successful education includes developing and nurturing the personal qualities of every pupil. ARK academies give students the opportunity to learn and experience different extra-curricular activities by running after school clubs. We also aim to work closely with parents and the community to enlist their involvement and make school facilities available to them.

Commitment We expect all pupils, parents, teachers and support staff to sign a home-school agreement before school starts, so that everyone is committed to putting in the effort to ensure that each child succeeds. ARK Schools are committed to the development of our staff and offering training opportunities and a unique range of benefits to all staff. We support our academies’ meritocratic approach, giving skilled and dedicated teachers early opportunities to lead schools within schools. Small schools Large schools can be intimidating. Several of the ARK academies are organised into a set of ‘small schools’, so that every pupil knows and is known by every teacher within their small school. The small school model is based on research that demonstrates the success of smaller schools in improving behaviour, attendance and academic achievement. The core curriculum: depth before breadth English and mathematics are the foundation for all other subjects and are critical to success at school and in life. Our academies aim to develop strong readers and communicators who love to use their skills and children who are confident working with numbers in everyday life. Our curriculum is designed and structured to ensure that all children master essential knowledge in these core subjects. Our specialisms All of our academies have specialist school status in mathematics. We believe it is vitally important to provide our pupils with the tools necessary to become numerically confident adults. All ARK schools specialise in maths and ARK invests a great deal in the resources needed to attract and train the best maths teachers. We will ensure that all our pupils become competent mathematicians, at ease with both its theoretical and practical uses.

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Benefits of the ARK Schools Network

ARK Schools also provides the following benefits to its academies staff:

Staff training; in addition to a commitment to comprehensive staff training from individual academies, staff will also benefit from a range of different training opportunities available from ARK leaders. Network lead practitioners; these outstanding teachers function as ARK specific Advanced Skills Teachers who have the wider capacity as part of their substantive role to support staff and school development across the network. Interested teachers can apply for this two year additional responsibility with the support of their principal. MA bursary; ARK offers teaching staff the opportunity to further their knowledge and understanding of education through a subsidised part-time MA in education at King’s College London. The MA bursary covers the majority of the £3,600 course fee, with teachers expected to contribute just £500. Scholarships; for staff wishing to undertake a qualification or training in a more specific area ARK has three scholarships each year worth £1,500. International development opportunities; this spring 13 members of staff from across the academy network will visit Jamaica with the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ Teachers International Professional Development programme. ARK has also established a summer school exchange programme to China, specifically for primary teachers and are developing partnerships with two charter schools in New Orleans for teacher secondments. Financial planning and assistance; there are also several benefits to help staff plan their finances. For instance the academies all provide; childcare vouchers, interest free annual season ticket or bicycle purchase loans (for which monthly repayments are deducted from the employee’s salary before tax) and the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme. Discounted gym membership; all Ark Schools employees receive a minimum 20% discount at Fitness First clubs around the country.

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JOB DESCRIPTION LEAD TEACHER

Reports to: Member of SLT Start date: September 2010 Salary: Negotiable based on skills and experience The Role To take a lead role in the creation of a transformational school community, by developing an enriching,

exciting curriculum which leads to the highest progress and attainment in your subject during KS3. Initially,

to teach the year 7 pupils to an exceptional standard, and then lead the appointment, training and

development of future department teachers. Manage the professional community of subject teachers to

ensure high attainment of their subject across the academy.

Key responsibilities Design an engaging and challenging curriculum that enables all students to achieve at the highest level. Lead the professional community of subject teachers and leaders in the academy Quality teaching and learning of their subject across the academy Curriculum setting and assessment across the academy as agreed with each vice principal/principal

Outcomes and activities Leadership of the Subject Community Assisting in the professional development of teachers including inset training as may be appropriate Lead and undertake rigorous performance management to ensure the highest quality of teaching within the department

Supervising and supporting beginner teachers and Newly Qualified Teachers as appropriate Leadership and support of all other subject teachers within the academy. Developing strong partnerships and ensuring regular and productive communication with parents. Responsibility for the highest standards of achievement within the department including the monitoring and evaluating of pupil achievement and target setting

Teaching and Learning

Establish subject development plan, target setting and review Teach engaging and effective lessons that motivate, inspire and improve pupil attainment Manage departmental budget and resources effectively and efficiently.

Curriculum setting and assessment

Develop a syllabus and schemes of work for all year groups, in line with National Curriculum requirements, that are inspiring for learners and teachers alike

Monitor and assessment of teaching and learning Set regular, measurable and significant assessments for the students Establish agreement for monitoring and evaluation of student progress Maintain accurate pupil data that can be used to make teaching more effective.

Academy Culture

Help create a strong academy community, characterised by consistent, orderly behaviour and caring, respectful relationships

Help develop an academy culture and ethos that is utterly committed to achievement.

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Other

Undertake other various responsibilities as directed by the principal/line manager. Undertake the other main professional duties of a teacher as set out in the ARK Schools pay and conditions of service document.

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Person Specification Necessary Qualification Criteria

Qualified to degree level and above Qualified to teach in the UK

Desirable Experience

Experience of significantly raising attainment Experience of leading, coaching and managing staff Evidence of continually improving the teaching and learning of their subject though schemes of work

and extra-curricula activities etc. Desirable Behaviours Leadership

Effective team worker and leader Demonstrates resilience, motivation and commitment to driving up standards of achievement. Acts as a role model to staff and students Vision aligned with ARK’s high aspirations, high expectations of self and others Genuine passion and a belief in the potential of every student Motivation to continually improve standards and achieve excellence Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils.

Leading the Curriculum

Able to establish curriculum development, assessment, coordination and coaching Has good communication, planning and organisational skills High expectations for accountability and consistency.

Leading the Learning

Outstanding classroom practitioner and mentor Effective and systematic behaviour management, with clear boundaries, sanctions, rewards and praise.

Other

This post is subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure.

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Safe Recruitment Procedure Ark Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. In order to meet this responsibility, the academy follows a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. This process is outlined below, but can be provided in more detail if requested. Disclosure This post is classified as having substantial access to children, and appointment is subject to an enhanced police check of previous criminal convictions (CRB). Applicants are required, before appointment, to disclose any conviction, caution or binding over including ‘spent convictions’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar individuals from employment – this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. Shortlisting Only those candidates meeting the right criteria will be taken forward from application. Interview

1. Candidates will be expected to bring identification to the interview 2. Candidates will be subject to an in-depth interview (of which there may be two such

sessions; a screening interview followed by lesson observation) 3. Candidates will be asked to address any discrepancies, anomalies or gaps in their

application form. Reference checking References from the previous and current employer will be taken up for shortlisted candidates, and where necessary employers may be contacted to gather further information. Probation All new staff will be subject to a probation period of six months (which may, in certain circumstances, be extended by up to 10 weeks). The probation period is a trial period, to enable the assessment of an employee’s suitability for the job for which they have been employed. It provides the academy with the opportunity to monitor and review the performance of new staff in relation to various areas, but also in terms of their commitment to safe guarding and relationships with pupils.