APPOINTMENT OF HEAD OF SIXTH FORM

LIVING LIFE IN ALL ITS FULLNESS

SUB MARIAE NOMINE

THE MARIST SCHOOL

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CONTENTSDear Applicant 03

About The School 04

Mission, Vision And Values 05

Spiritual Life And Community 06

The Curriculum And Academic Attainment 07

The Marist Sixth Form Identity 08

Expectations and Behaviours for all Senior Leadership roles 10

Job Description 11

Person Specification 14

How To Apply 15

DEAR APPLICANTThank you for your interest in The Marist School and our current vacancy for a Head of Sixth Form.

May I take this opportunity to welcome you to our wonderful school at an exciting time in our development. We are proud to be a selective Catholic day school for girls between the ages of 2 and 18 (we have recently welcomed boys into our nursery) and we are seeking an exceptional individual to join our team.

We are working together to create a school where we strive for;

Excellence as a habit, not an action. Excellence in who we are; Excellence in what we do; Excellence in our service of others.

To achieve the highest academic standards, the wellbeing of students and staff is paramount. Our philosophy is based on core Marist Values; the secret of our success is that we promote an education where students are confident to strive to be the best they can be. We endeavour to provide a thriving environment so that girls leave us with excellent academic results as well as the cognitive and people skills to be a success in whatever they choose to do.

We are seeking someone who commands the respect the post deserves, whilst balancing this carefully with an approachable nature; someone who has every student’s best interests at heart. The successful candidate will need to work well with colleagues across the school, liaising with Heads of Department to support learning and with pastoral leaders to ensure our outstanding reputation for academic and pastoral care is maintained. The Head of Sixth Form will also need to work closely with the Head of Careers, and should have either a working knowledge of the university application process or a willingness to learn. The vast majority of our Sixth Form students attend their first-choice university; this is something we are very proud to be able to deliver.

As Principal, I am seeking to appoint exceptional talent who will be the cornerstone of Sixth Form leadership and innovation in our school. We will work together to foster a culture of energy and vitality for learning where possibilities for students are endless.

We don’t think that any candidate will necessarily have the perfect set of skills, but a willingness to learn and to adapt will be vital for success and we are excited to help you grow in the next step of your career.

I look forward to meeting you and discussing this role further.

Yours sincerely

Jo Smith Principal

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ABOUT THE SCHOOLThe Marist is a Catholic Independent School for girls aged 2 – 18 and boys aged 2 – 5 with an historically rich educational heritage emanating from the early 1900s when the school was founded by the Society of Mary (Marist Sisters).

After the school building was bombed during the Second World War, the Sisters bought the 55 acre Frognal Estate in Sunninghill, which had been used by Eisenhower and the American High Command during the war. The school campus has been developed regularly over the decades, the most recent addition being a new Sports Hall built in 2017 and an outdoor learning centre completed in 2018. It is the only Marist independent school in the UK and benefits from belonging to a worldwide network of Marist schools providing programmes of international educational and cultural collaboration. Approximately a quarter of the pupils are Catholic.

The school community provides a warm welcome to every pupil, taking time to know each of them as an individual with her own gifts and talents.

From the Early Years upwards, partnerships with parents are fundamentally important and staff build positive relationships so that children are well supported and parents can take an active role in the education of their children.

Life for pupils at The Marist is varied and interesting at whatever age or stage. The school aims to deliver a creative and challenging curriculum which provides engaging learning opportunities for every child.

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SIMPLICITY How we interact with each other. Little acts of consideration, kindness and thoughtfulness make a difference. Authenticity – no pretence or pretensions. Singleness of purpose.

PRESENCE Everyone is cared for personally in their “everyday”. Not to be distant or remote in our relationships. Not a superficial acknowledgement of one another.

FAMILY SPIRIT The Marist must display the warmth, welcome, acceptance and belonging which reinforce the values children learn in a loving family.

MISSION, VISION AND VALUESMISSION The school takes its mission, “Living Life In All Its Fullness” from Chapter 10, Verse 10 of St John’s Gospel, where Jesus explains his own mission “I have come that you may have life in all its fullness.”

VISION Excellence as a habit, not an action. Excellence in who we are; Excellence in what we do; Excellence in our service of others.

MARIST VALUES

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LOVE OF WORK Marists are people who put their whole heart into whatever they are doing and are ready to “roll up their sleeves.” We believe that any task undertaken should be characterised by high standards.

IN MARY’S WAY Mary is the model of a Marist and all we do must imitate her tenderness, courage, strength, constancy of faith and concern for others. Marists, like Mary, are “there” – available.

SPIRITUAL LIFE AND COMMUNITYUnderpinned by these Marist values, the school is an inclusive community, rooted in the Catholic faith, welcoming pupils of all beliefs. Students know that they are valued for who they are and for what they bring to the community. The school’s aim is to help each pupil develop:

• Intellectual curiosity and skills

• Emotional understanding and resources

• Ability to work independently and with others

• Social and spiritual values

which will lead to personal fulfilment and the confidence to contribute something of value to the world.

Gospel values provide a framework for collective worship and PSHE lessons. Students develop a deep understanding of their responsibilities towards each other and the natural world. The school’s values shape their prayers and liturgies and they can articulate their own beliefs with confidence.

School Masses are celebrated at significant points throughout the year.

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THE CURRICULUM AND ACADEMIC ATTAINMENTThe Marist welcomes girls and boys from the age of 2 into the Nursery where they are encouraged to learn through self initiated play and adult-led activities as they cover the Early Years Foundation Stage including weekly sessions in the new on-site Outdoor Learning Centre which was funded by the Marist Friends. In the Prep Phase the curriculum is thematic, providing links and connections between traditional subject areas which are taught by class teachers and specialist teachers using the indoor and outdoor environments appropriately. Outdoor learning is integral at every stage throughout the Prep Phase. As they progress through the school, the girls are developed through exciting teaching which is well differentiated, stimulating and academically robust. Typically there are

two forms per year from Years 2 to 6 and three from Years 7 to 11 following a traditional curriculum. In the Sixth Form a wide range of A level subjects is offered and girls receive bespoke timetables; all prepare to continue their studies at university. GL Assessment tests indicate that a comfortable majority of pupils in the Prep Phase significantly exceed expectations. GCSE results each year are also very pleasing across the ability range, reflecting the commitment of both pupils and their teachers, with the school’s attainment 8 score typically around 69-71 (A/B borderline) and 85% achieve the suite of EBacc subjects. In recent years, the average A level grade is B+ and for 2020, we are in the top 1% nationally for A Levels.

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THE MARIST SIXTH FORM IDENTITY We are extremely proud of our Sixth Form; we have a strong focus on excellence which extends beyond the classroom. Consequently, when our students leave us at the age of 18, they are ready to become successful young women of the 21st Century.

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ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME• Wellbeing• Social events• Fundraising• Volunteering within the community and abroad• Sport• Lourdes Pilgrimage

Employability and Leadership

Ski�sLife

Balance

AMBITIOUS CURRICULUM• A Level curriculum – 3 or 4 A Levels• Additional qualifications in Year 12• A variety of AS subjects• LAMDA Award in Communication• Timetabled sessions for MOOC’s

Academic Rigour

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME• Links with industry• Links with universities• Tycoon Enterprise Competition• ICT for the workplace• Posts of Responsibility• CAFOD Young Leaders

INNOVATIVE, AMBITIOUS AND SELF-AWARE LEADERS OF THE FUTURE

THE MARIST SIXTH FORM IDENTITY

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Our Sixth Form Identity is formed of three distinctive strands: Academic Rigour | Employability and Leadership Skills | Life Balance

Through academic rigour, students achieve highly and well beyond their potential. Our examination results at A Level show a proven track record of excellence and we are consistently in the top 1% of schools nationally. Small classes and a strong relationship between teacher and student helps to maximise learning.

We understand that to be a success in whatever they choose to do, students also need to widen their skill set. We have strengthened our links with industry and with universities to ensure that our students develop employability skills. We have an ambitious and innovative A Level curriculum, which we have further extended, so that students can choose further courses to supplement their A Levels and thereby enhance their employability skills. These can include Tycoon, LAMDA Award in Communication and ICT for the workplace.

Our pastoral care is outstanding with small tutor groups fostering strong relationships with tutors who really care. Personalised and professional UCAS guidance and preparation ensures that all our students achieve first or second choice universities.

We encourage leadership throughout the school and all Sixth Form girls take a leadership role from Head Girls and Public Relations to House Captain and CAFOD Young Leaders.

With such a busy lifestyle, we encourage our students to have ‘Life Balance’, the third thread to our Sixth Form identity. As part of our extensive Enrichment Programme, girls volunteer in the community; organise social events with other schools; participate in book club, team building, yoga and performing arts.

EXPECTATIONS AND BEHAVIOUR FOR ALL LEADERSHIP ROLES Your priorities as a Senior Leader will be different - Your role is to facilitate teachers to perform their duties to the best of their ability. The key to a successful school is the quality of the pupils’ experience – you will be in a position to influence this positively by working with and supporting the teachers.

YOU MUST BE A CREDIBLE PRACTITIONER Demands on your time will be many, but you must be a positive role model for your team in the classroom and keep the quality of your lessons, your marking, and your relationship with your pupils high on your list of priorities.

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO COMMIT TO THE SCHOOL’S VISION This is presented by the Principal, and any decision taken by the School must be imparted to colleagues with clarity, conviction, and confidence, regardless of any reservations you may have for whatever reason, personal or otherwise. You are a role model of excellence in all areas of school life.

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO COMMIT TO THE VISION AND ETHOS OF THE SCHOOL THROUGH THE SCHOOL MISSION This is integral to our vision and ensures our values and ethos are part of the decision making in the school.

YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HEADS OF DEPARTMENT Be sensitive to the role that Heads of Department play within the School and strike the correct balance between support and challenge. These colleagues have a critical influence on the quality of teaching, learning, and pastoral care in their departments.

BE VISIBLE AND APPROACHABLE Build positive relationships within the School by being ‘out and about’ as far as possible rather than using breaks and lunchtimes to catch up with paperwork in your office! A positive presence around the School reaffirms key messages about behaviours and relationships. Show the pupils and staff you care about their extra-curricular involvement and support these activities when you can.

USE LESSON OBSERVATIONS POSITIVELY AND PRODUCTIVELY Observe lessons to open dialogue and provide opportunities for reflection on good practice. Be the observed as well as the observer and be receptive and acknowledge of others where you have learnt good practice.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH CURRENT EDUCATIONAL TRENDS Set yourself reading targets, attend educational events and lectures, and deliver to the School what you have learnt.

CONTINUE YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY It is important to seek out and act upon constructive criticism from those whose professional judgement you trust.

SUPPORT SENIOR LEADERSHIP AND THE EXECUTIVE TEAM Your role as a Senior Leader will be to develop a positive, sensitive, constructive, and professional relationship with the Deputy Heads of School and other Senior Leaders, to keep them absolutely and honestly abreast with what is going on in the School and amongst its staff and pupils.

AIM HIGH A position of leadership can be a stepping stone – do not be afraid to aim beyond if you think this is a challenge you would relish. Use your position as a Senior Leader to hone and develop all the necessary skills and experience.

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JOB DESCRIPTIONOUR VISION

This job role will play a critical part in enabling the School to achieve its vision –

“Excellence as a habit, not an action. Excellence in who we are; Excellence in what we do; Excellence in our service of others.”

The Marist School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

JOB TITLE: Head of Sixth Form

REPORTS TO: Principal

APPOINTMENT DATE: September 2021

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work in close partnership with the Executive Leadership Team and other senior leaders to relentlessly drive school improvement at every level, celebrate success, and challenge under performance.

• Ensure that all three areas of the Sixth Form Identity are planned for and have impact on learning, wellbeing, and future attainment.

• Continuously market the Sixth Form to internal and external students. Along with the Head of Key Stage 4 and the Assistant Head of Sixth Form, devise a strategy to recruit and retain students for the Sixth Form. In doing so, grow the Sixth Form roll.

• Undertake the normal responsibilities of a subject teacher with an anticipated teaching load to be advised.

• Play a key role under the overall direction of the Principal in reviewing the School Development Plan, SEF, aims and objectives of the school by:

– Establishing the policies through which they shall be achieved

– Managing staff and resources to that end

– Monitoring progress towards their achievement

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The following is not exhaustive, and the Head of Sixth Form will be required to carry out such duties as may be reasonably directed by the Principal and Deputy Head Teachers.

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JOB DESCRIPTIONHEAD OF SIXTH FORM

A. STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT

• Contribute to the SEF (Self Evaluation Form) and SDP.

• Keep up to date proactively with national developments to ensure Marist Sixth Form students have the best possible curriculum, pastoral support, and wider opportunities.

• Advise Executive Team on all matters relating to the academic and wellbeing of the Sixth Form.

• Support and promote career pathways working alongside the Careers Coordinator.

• Ensure a full programme of learning for UCAS preparation.

• Strategically plan for recruitment and retention into the Marist Sixth Form.

B. TEACHING AND LEARNING

• With the Deputy Head Academic and the Academic team, develop and monitor curriculum provision throughout the Sixth Form and lead on the options process for A Levels.

• Monitor and evaluate the academic progress of students in the Sixth Form and initiate interventions when needed.

• Use national, local and sector specific schools’ data effectively to monitor standards across the Key Stage and to plan, and then monitor, appropriate interventions.

• Ensure the regular monitoring of learning across the Sixth Form through lesson observations/drop ins and work scrutiny.

• Build a partnership that involves parents in their daughters learning, and keeps them regularly informed about the curriculum, targets, progress and attainment

through written and online communication, Parents’ Evenings, and other events.

• Liaise with SENDCo and the Aim Higher Coordinator to promote the inclusion, integration, and involvement of all students in the Sixth Form.

• Liaise with the Examinations Officer to ensure the smooth and appropriate entry and conduct of examinations.

C. PASTORAL CARE

• Lead Form Tutors to ensure the care of students in the Sixth Form; promoting good habits of learning, self-discipline, high attendance, positive behaviour and lived out Marist values.

• Celebrate student achievements of all kinds and promote the vision and core values of The Marist through the planned leadership of assemblies.

• Working alongside the relevant leadership, ensure student participation in a wide and rich range of co-curricular and enrichment activities/events including Lily Groups.

• Work with the PSHE Coordinator to plan and develop an appropriate and engaging PSHE programme.

• Lead other colleagues and the Assistant Head of Sixth Form to ensure the smooth transition from Key Stage 4.

• Liaise with the DSL, School Counsellor, ELSA and CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Metal Health Services), plus other outside agencies, as necessary.

• Be a presence in the Sixth Form area to forge relationships with students and key Sixth Form staff.

JOB DESCRIPTION

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D. FURTHER LEADERSHIP

• Be present as a leader on GCSE and A Level Results Days and co-ordinate A Level Options on signing up day.

• Co-ordinate key school events including Presentation Evening and Open Evenings.

• Lead on Sixth Form Open Evening/Leavers’ Day and Leavers’ Prom alongside producing the Yearbook.

• Lead and monitor the UCAS application process, working alongside the Careers Advisor and external agencies.

• Lead and organise the Head Girls interview process and monitor the roles of Head Girls throughout the year.

• Lead the students in their Lourdes application and fundraising.

• Co-ordinate the Sixth Form part of the school calendar.

• Co-ordinate the professional development and appraisal of staffing in the Sixth Form team.

• Ensure compliance with the relevant ISI Regulations.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

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HEAD OF SIXTH FORMThe following are all essential skills that you MUST have:

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Has qualified teacher status AND a degree qualification.

• Evidence to confirm undertaking recent CPD in the area relevant to this post.

• Experience of successfully managing whole school issues and initiatives.

• Experience of accurate year/key stage/subject self-evaluation and improvement planning in order to raise standards.

• Experience as a manager of leading, motivating and managing staff effectively to raise standards and evaluate the impact of initiatives(s).

• Experience of promoting excellence and challenging poor performance.

• Experience of managing staff and students to resolve conflict.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to lead the development of behaviour and care strategies within the school including leading CPD.

• Has the ability and ideas to ensure that The Marist School continues to build upon its reputation and status as a leading school.

• Demonstrates outstanding leadership traits and is comfortable as a team player.

• Knowledge of recent/current educational developments, initiatives and legislations and how they might impact upon the school.

• Ability to utilise data effectively to monitor progress and evaluate performance.

• Has the knowledge, understanding and experience of additional support and outside agencies to assist in meeting pupils needs.

• Ability to initiate and lead change and maximise personnel and resources.

• Has good organisation skills, the ability to delegate effectively and make sound judgements when working under pressure.

• Ability to involve parents, governors, teachers, pupils, and other stakeholders constructively in planning improvements for the school.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Clear commitment to the School’s Catholic ethos and the distinctive characteristics of Marist education.

• Treats people fairly, equitably and with respect to maintain the Catholic ethos and positive working relationships.

• A proven record of sustained outstanding classroom practice, demonstrating significant value added to achievement levels.

• Ability to maintain trust and be highly respected by staff.

• Has high expectations and shows a passionate commitment to developing the best in young people, with a relentless focus upon ensuring outstanding attainment and outcomes.

• Has a record of successful working with parents as partners in learning.

• Committed to on-going research into strategies that can be adapted for successful implementation at The Marist School.

• High level of communication skills, both written and verbal, and ability to address a range of audiences.

• Commitment to safe-guarding and promoting the welfare of young people.

The following skills are DESIRABLE:• A creative and imaginative thinker who has the ability

to identify innovative solutions to problems.

• Experience of responsibility in a curriculum area.

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HOW TO APPLYApplications should consist of a complete Marist School application form and covering letter addressing the criteria presented in the job description. A CV is not required.

Candidates are encouraged and welcomed to visit the school prior to submitting their application.

Closing date: Monday 22 March 2021, 9am

Interview date: Thursday 25 March 2021

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The Marist School Kings Road Sunninghill Ascot Berkshire SL5 7PS 01344 624291

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