Reception Teacher
ARK John Keats
Academy
Candidate Information Brief
March 2013
Dear applicant,
Thank you for your expression of interest in the post of Reception Teacher at ARK John Keats Academy. ARK
John Keats Academy is a new, 3 to 19 all-through school in Enfield. Our intake will be mixed and comprehensive
in nature. We open our doors to our two Reception classes in September 2013 and 180 year 7 pupils will join in
September 2014. We will be situated on Bell Lane in Enfield and our building will have a major overhaul over the
next twelve months to ensure our pupils learn in a worthy educational setting.
Our guiding principle at ARK John Keats Academy is that every child who comes through our doors has the
capacity to be a knowledgeable, literate, articulate, confident and compassionate individual. Our purpose is to
imbue pupils’ minds with a breadth and depth of knowledge that enables them to develop cultural literacy and a
true sense of self-worth. This knowledge—based approach is underpinned by the expectation that all pupils are
educated to the standard necessary to gain entry to the best universities.
Nothing is more important than excellent teaching which at ARK John Keats is underpinned by excellent subject
knowledge, data-driven approaches, observation and feedback, planning and professional development. We
believe every minute in the classroom counts so must be used effectively and efficiently. We prioritise learning and
development and ensure that teaching and operational staff have access to high quality CPD opportunities at all
stages of their career to ensure the work they do is of a standard to match that in the best independent and state
schools.
To form my initial teaching team, I am looking to recruit an excellent teacher to work with our reception pupils.
In this role you will build a nurturing classroom and academy environment that helps pupils develop in both
character and as learners. You will deliver high quality lessons with a focus on numeracy, literacy and a knowledge
based curriculum that ensures real learning takes place and pupils make exceptional progress. The new teacher will
receive first class support and will be able to contribute from the start to the development of a groundbreaking
school.
This post is a wonderful opportunity to be a founding member of a school that will break the mould by providing
pupils from relatively disadvantaged backgrounds with a type and standard of education previously the preserve of
the best fee-paying schools. You will have the opportunity to shape the direction of the school and embed great
practice that will be shared and used for years to come. You will be part of a pioneering team that is hugely
committed, energetic and incredibly enthusiastic about the journey ahead.
Opportunities like this are few and far between in education and we would very much like to hear from you if you
share our vision, values and enthusiasm. We are very happy to talk about the post informally if you require more
information.
To apply please go to https://application.arkschools.net/?r=jc8tPcbr. Please submit your application by 9am on
Monday 22nd April 2013. For an informal, confidential discussion please contact Thomas Brown on 0203 116
6348 or [email protected].
Yours sincerely,
Jerry Collins
Principal
ARK John Keats Academy
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Amy Baird
Primary Head of School
ARK John Keats Academy
ARK John Keats Academy
The Principal
Jerry Collins is the principal designate of ARK John Keats
Academy, having taken up the post from his successful headship
at Pimlico Academy. As founding principal at Pimlico, he led it
from special measures to outstanding status within just two and a
half years, with his leadership and vision being praised in Ofsted’s
2010 report. Mr Collins has also worked as a deputy head teacher
and a SENCO at a number of inner-city London schools.
The Primary Head
Amy Baird joins ARK John Keats Academy as primary headteacher designate. Miss Baird is coming
from her role as deputy headteacher at St Clement Danes Primary School, where she has helped oversee
a transformation in teaching from inadequate to good/outstanding between 2009 and 2012. She was
previously an assistant headteacher at Essendine Primary School in North Westminster, where she
achieved AST status for Westminster local authority.
About ARK John Keats Academy
The academy will be a brand new 3-18 school in
Enfield, North London and will open in September
2013 with two Reception classes. The secondary
school will open in September 2014 with 180 Year 7
pupils and grow year by year until it reaches capacity
in 2020.
The new academy is in the 10% most deprived areas
nationally – 36% of the children are eligible for free
school meals and many speak English as an
additional language. The area is also experiencing
increasing population pressure and huge demand
for additional places: over 400 parents supported
the proposal for a new school on this site, as did the
MP and the ward councillors.
Vision and Ethos
Our guiding principle at ARK John Keats Academy
is that every pupil has the capacity to be a
knowledgeable, literate, articulate, confident and
compassionate individual. Keats once wrote we
should ‘let the mind be a thoroughfare for all
thoughts’. Our purpose is to imbue pupils’ minds with a breadth and depth of knowledge that enables
them to develop cultural literacy and a true sense of self-worth. Cultural literacy enables an inclusive and
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democratic education where what pupils know and understand is as important as what they can do. This
knowledge—based approach is underpinned by the expectation that all pupils are educated to the
standard necessary to gain entry to the best universities.
Our ethos is founded on the following pillars:
RAISING ASPIRATIONS
All pupils have a keen understanding of the range of universities and careers open to them and are given
multiple opportunities to have firsthand experience of these as they progress through the academy.
HIGH ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
We set very high expectations for all our pupils which we reinforce constantly as they go through the
academy. Pupils who do not meet their targets at the first go are given support to ensure they do so on
the next occasion. No child gets left behind.
EXEMPLARY BEHAVIOUR
The academy has a respectful and orderly atmosphere, where teachers focus on teaching and pupils on
learning. The expectation is that pupils’ behaviour is exemplary at all times and our systems and routines
support this (see below for a typical day at ARK John Keats Academy).
EXCELLENT TEACHING
Nothing is more important than excellent teaching. At ARK John Keats this is underpinned by excellent
subject knowledge, data-driven approaches, observation and feedback, planning and professional
development. We believe every minute in the classroom counts so must be used effectively and
efficiently. We prioritise learning and development and ensure that teaching and operational staff have
access to high quality CPD opportunities at all stages of their career.
DEPTH BEFORE BREADTH
We emphasise depth before breadth
so that all pupils secure firm
foundations in English and maths as
early as possible. At primary school
and key stage 3 pupils receive above
average teaching time in English and
mathematics (at least one and a half
hours in each subject daily), with
more time for students who are
working at a lower level. All pupils
from Reception to year 11 develop
their cultural literacy and academic
grounding through the compulsory
and discrete study of the following subjects: English Language and Literature, Maths, Chemistry,
Physics, Biology, History, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages (from year 2). Pupils also have the
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opportunity to study the following subjects: Art, Music, Design and Technology and Physical Education.
An additional range of subjects will be on offer post 16.
MORE TIME FOR LEARNING
Our longer school day provides more time to embed core subjects and to extend the curriculum through
enrichment. We want all our pupils to participate in a wide range of activities that will develop their
social and personal skills and prepare them for higher education and the working world (see ‘A Typical
Day’ below).
We attach particular importance to the performing arts and music, and run a network-wide music
programme. Pupils are encouraged to take part in an annual ARK Schools music gala at the Barbican
Centre, in the Shakespeare Schools Festival and in school performances. We also work with the charity
Debate Mate to offer public speaking
training and competitive debating
opportunities.
KNOWING EVERY CHILD
Positive relationships between pupils
reinforce a culture of excellent
behaviour and commitment to
learning. At ARK John Keats we
know all pupils and their families so
no child can go unnoticed.
The new building
The primary phase will open in
refurbished temporary
accommodation on the site of the
current Oasis Academy Hadley,
which is moving to its own new
buildings two miles away in January
2013. The existing buildings will
benefit from significant capital
investment which we expect to have
completed by September 2014 to
welcome the incoming Year 7
cohort.
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The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London
The College has been involved in the project from its inception and will nominate a member of the local
governing body. This partnership will provide the school not only with access to specialist facilities and
programmes at the College, but also access to high quality vocational courses and apprenticeships in
addition to the academy’s own A Level curriculum.
ARK John Keats Academy: A Typical Day
Every Minute Counts
A typical school day at ARK John Keats Academy includes:
An early start – 8:10am
Our pupils need to make tremendous gains in reading, writing and maths, among other subjects, in order
to be ready for university. They also need to accumulate an extensive and coherent range of knowledge
to be culturally literate. We extend the school day because more time at ARK John Keats Academy
means more learning. Pupils line up with their class group in the playground at 8:10am sharp every
morning.
Academy staff eagerly waiting to shake hands with pupils as they arrive.
We believe it is important for pupils to know that every day we are glad to see them, we are excited for
what they will accomplish and we have high expectations in how they present and conduct themselves.
Breakfast
Breakfast will be on offer from 7:45am for any pupil with this entitlement.
Literacy
We will devote at least 90 minutes daily to the development of literacy from Reception to year 11. Our
guiding aim is to have all pupils reading, writing and comprehending at the level necessary to gain entry
into top universities. Our younger pupils move from "learning to read" to "reading to learn", and our
older pupils progress from comprehension to deep textual analysis.
Maths
We will devote at least 90 minutes daily to the development of numeracy from Reception to year 11.
Maths procedures and problem-solving skills are vital to the overall development of critical thinking
skills, and they unlock access to compelling future subject area pursuits like Physics, Chemistry,
Economics and Engineering.
Lunch
Observing lunchtime at ARK John Keats Academy will be like observing a well-rehearsed play. Lunch
times are for re-charging rather than unwinding. Everyone knows where to be, where to go and what to
do. We maintain tight processes around everything from lunch lines for food distribution to sitting down
and getting up from tables. Playground activities are managed and the atmosphere in the playground is
always one of calm, order and safety. All pupils line up at the end of lunch to be escorted to class by
their teacher.
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Physical Activity
All pupils will participate in a sports activity at least three times a week and all students will be a member
of a school team. We believe it is important for pupils to have the opportunity to move, to collaborate,
to compete and to re-charge.
Discrete Subject Learning
Pupils will develop their cultural literacy and academic grounding through the compulsory study of the
following subjects from Reception to year 11: English Language and Literature, Maths, Chemistry,
Physics, Biology, History, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages (from year 2). Pupils will also have
the opportunity to study the following subjects: Art, Music, Design and Technology and Physical
Education. An additional range of subjects will be on offer post 16.
Music
We value music as a disciplined and creative pursuit that will benefit pupils throughout their lives. All
students will learn to play a musical instrument.
Evening Enrichment
An extensive range of enrichment activities will be on offer for pupils. Specific activities vary but include
activities such as book club, phonics, sports, drama, technology, art, music and homework club.
Departure
It is important to end the day on the right note as we will all be together again the following day,
working towards the same goal of university. ARK John Keats Academy has very structured departure
procedures that enable smooth transitions from classrooms to the gate. Adults are ever-present, saying
goodbye to pupils, providing positive reinforcement for the work they have accomplished during the day
and encouraging them on the night's homework assignments.
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About ARK Schools
ARK Schools is an education charity set up in 2004 to create a network of high achieving, non-selective,
inner city schools where all pupils, regardless of their background or prior attainment, achieve highly
enough by age 18 to have real choices: to go on to
university or the career of their choice. ARK
Schools has no faith affiliations.
All the ARK schools are situated in areas of high
deprivation or educational need and our pupil
profile reflects this: over half of our pupils are
eligible for free school meals compared to 18%
nationally.
The ARK network is growing: we operate 18
academies across London, Portsmouth and
Birmingham and aim to have 50 schools open by 2015. At this size, we will be able to achieve our vision
of creating a sustainable network of outstanding schools succeeding in closing the achievement gap.
We’re growing as quickly as we can but as slowly as necessary to ensure we never compromise on
quality.
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Track record
ARK Schools is one of the top performing academy operators in the country. Seven of the eight ARK
academies inspected by Ofsted so far are rated good or outstanding. The average annual GCSE
improvement rate amongst the five ARK academies with year 11 pupils is 6.5 percentage points since
each school opened as an academy.
Secondary
Percentage of pupils passing five GCSEs at A*-C including English and mathematics
2012
Percentage point
increase since
opening
Av. annual
percentage point
increase since
opening as ARK
academy
31
66
35
5.8
2007
27
63
36
7.2
Globe
2008
26
43
17
4.3
St Alban’s
2009
31
51
20
6.7
Charter
2009
21
51
30
10
Year of
opening
Final results
of
predecessor
school %
Burlington
Danes
2006
Walworth
6.8
Average across ARK Schools
Primary
At primary level, our four schools with Key Stage 1 pupils in 2011/12 achieved results above national
levels at the expected benchmark of level 2.
Percentage of pupils achieving level 2 by the end of Year 2 (2011/12)
Reading
Writing
Maths
ARK network
94
91
96
National
(2011)
85
81
90
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Primary Curriculum
The ARK primary heads and teachers work closely together continually to develop and improve the
ARK approach to primary teaching, learning and social and emotional development.
EARLY YEARS
We have developed a specific Early Years curriculum which combines the development of personal,
social and emotional skills, opportunities for child initiated learning and a broad curriculum with daily
mathematics and literacy sessions.
KEY STAGE 1 AND 2
At key stage 1 and 2, pupils study a broad curriculum including history, geography, art, DT, RE, PE,
PSHE, Philosophy for Children and a MFL (KS2 only). The subject content is based round carefully
planned themes which vary from academy to academy. Children receive at least ten hours teaching a
week in all the aspects of English and five hours a week in mathematics (depth before breadth).
MATHEMATICS
In mathematics we follow the Mathematics Mastery programme which we were instrumental in
developing. This is a mathematics curriculum which ensures all pupils gain mastery of mathematical
concepts ensuring they become competent and confident mathematicians.
ENGLISH
In English all schools start with the Read Write Inc phonics programme and move on to grammar and
spelling lessons. The daily English lesson is based on good quality children’s books and/or the current
theme being studied.
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A commitment to training and professional development
We are committed to helping our principals recruit, develop and support excellent staff within the
network. ARK invests significantly in a number of professional development programmes which
complement academy level training.
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The ARK training menu: we have developed a bespoke training menu, which is accessible by all
staff in the network offering a wide range of training modules to staff in all roles.
The Summit: ARK Schools hosts an annual staff training conference in London, bringing
together all the staff in the network to celebrate success and participate in specialist seminars and
workshops.
Network hub days: All the schools share INSET days, allowing us to share best practice and role
specific training across the network, facilitated by in-school and central staff
ARK staff receive 10 training days each year rather than five.
ARK runs a number of additional programmes, including:
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Leading Impact for senior leadership development
Lead Teachers, aimed at developing the skills of outstanding teachers to improve performance of
other teachers
Outstanding Teachers, aimed at good teachers aiming to improve and embed outstanding
practice
SEN training for new to role and established SENCos
New Teacher induction
An Initial Teacher Training programme, starting in September 2013.
We also encourage staff at all stages of their career to take advantage of:
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International visits: recent trips include New York, New Orleans and Singapore
Career opportunities across the network
ARK Schools is the co-founder of the Future Leaders and Teaching Leaders development programmes.
Other staff benefits
Alongside our continued focus on professional development we also offer a variety of other benefits.
These have been chosen to help our employees develop professionally, plan their finances and look after
their wellbeing.
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GymFlex: Save up to 40% at your local gym.
Discount scheme: Employees can access up to £1,000 in savings a year from over 3,000 major
retailers
Interest Free Loans: ARK Schools offers employees up to £5,000 in interest free loans for
season ticket or bicycle purchases.
Childcare Vouchers: All employees are eligible for tax free childcare vouchers as part of a salary
sacrifice scheme.
Healthcare: A low cost plan gives you money back towards the cost of your optical bills, dental
costs and consultations.
Terms and conditions
Leadership contracts
The leadership contract mirrors the national leadership contract.
Teaching staff
We want to compete for the best staff and offer attractive pay and conditions and career development
opportunities.
We operate our own terms and conditions, which broadly mirror national pay and conditions. The main
differences are:
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A 39 week year: 37 teaching weeks and 2 weeks for planning preparation and professional
development
An 8am – 5pm day: including significant planning and preparation time (overall teaching loads
are not higher than similar inner city schools)
Main scale and UPS teaching staff receive a 2.5% salary uplift to reflect this additional
flexibility.
Operational staff contracts
Operational staff contracts are based on:
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36 hours a week
25 days holiday a year (for those on year round, pro-rated for Term Time Only contracts)
Competitive salary scales
Job Description: Reception Teacher
Reports to:
Start date:
Salary:
Headteacher
September 2013 or sooner
Highly competitive; negotiable, depending on experience
The Role
To deliver outstanding teaching and learning and therefore help students achieve excellent academic
results, and be a role-model/impact the academy more widely.
To design an engaging and challenging curriculum that inspires children to appreciate the range of
subjects and their application.
Key responsibilities
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To plan, resource and deliver lessons and sequences of lessons to the highest standard that ensure
real learning takes place and students make superior progress
To provide a nurturing classroom and academy environment that helps students to develop as
learners
To help to maintain/establish discipline across the whole academy
To contribute to the effective working of the academy.
Outcomes and activities
Teaching and Learning
 Enrich the curriculum with trips and visits to enhance the learning experience of all students
 With direction from the headteacher and within the context of the academies curriculum and
schemes of work, plan and prepare effective teaching modules and lessons
 Teach engaging and effective lessons that motivate, inspire and improve pupil attainment
 Use regular assessments to set targets for students, monitor student progress and respond
accordingly to the results of such monitoring
 To produce/contribute to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual
and groups of pupils
 Develop plans and processes for the classroom with measurable results and evaluate those results to
make improvements in student achievement
 Ensure that all students achieve at least at chronological age level or, if well below level, make
significant and continuing progress towards achieving at chronological age level
 Maintain regular and productive communication with pupils, parents and carers, to report on
progress, sanctions and rewards and all other communications
 Provide or contribute to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual
pupils and groups of pupils
 Direct and supervise support staff assigned to lessons and when required participate in related
recruitment and selection activities
 Implement and adhere to the academies behaviour management policy, ensuring the health and wellbeing of pupils is maintained at all times
 Participate in preparing pupils for external examinations.
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Academy Culture
 Support the academies values and ethos by contributing to the development and implementation of
policies practices and procedures
 Help create a strong academy community, characterised by consistent, orderly behaviour and caring,
respectful relationships
 Help develop a culture and ethos that is utterly committed to achievement
 To be active in issues of student welfare and support
 Support and work in collaboration with colleagues and other professional in and beyond the school,
covering lessons and providing other support as required.
Other
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Undertake , and when required, deliver or be part of the appraisal system and relevant training and
professional development
Undertake other various responsibilities as directed by the line manager or Headteacher.
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Person Specification: Reception Teacher
Qualification Criteria
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Qualified to degree level and above
Qualified to teach and work in the UK
Experience
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Experience of raising attainment of all pupils in a challenging classroom environment
Experience of reflecting on and improving teaching practice to increase student achievement
Experience of delivering EYFS education
Evidence of continually improving the teaching and learning in their year group though schemes of
work, assessment and extra-curricular activities etc.
Knowledge
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Up to date knowledge in the primary curriculum
Understanding of the strategies needed to establish consistently high aspirations and standards of
results and behaviour.
Behaviours
Leadership
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Effective team member and leader
High expectations for accountability and consistency
Vision aligned with ARK’s high aspirations, high expectations of self and others
Genuine passion and a belief in the potential of every pupil
Motivation to continually improve standards and achieve excellence
Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils.
Teaching and Learning
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Excellent classroom practitioner
Effective and systematic behaviour management, with clear boundaries, sanctions, praise and reward
Has good communication, planning and organisational skills
Demonstrates resilience, motivation and commitment to driving up standards of achievement
Acts as a role model to staff and pupils
Commitment to regular and on-going professional development and training to establish outstanding
classroom practice.
Other desirable training and skills
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Training and practice in Ruth Miskin’s ‘Read, Write Inc.’
An interest in music and the ability to play an instrument.
Other
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Commitment to equality of opportunity and the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils
Willingness to undertake training
This post is subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure.
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ARK Schools, Safe Recruitment Procedure
ARK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its
academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow 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. Longlisted candidates will be subject to a screening interview at ARK. Those shortlisted will take
part in an in-depth interview process.
2. 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.
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