Tutor Fellow

King Solomon Academy

Candidate Information Brief

Penfold Street London NW1 6RX March 2013 Dear applicant, Thank you for taking the time to find out more about King Solomon Academy in Westminster and the possibility of working here. Included in this brief is information about the academy, ARK Schools (who sponsor the academy) and the role of Tutor Fellow. The academy opened in September 2007 with an intake of two reception classes and is growing each year with a new intake. The academy is based in new, state of the art facilities, and will be structured into four small schools for infant, junior, middle, and upper pupils. The secondary school opened in September 2009 with just 60 Year 7 pupils and now serves students up to year 10. This is an innovative school with staff willing to do whatever it takes to change our pupils lives. Ofsted have rated the school as outstanding. We are committed to high standards of academic excellence for all our pupils and recognise that this requires time and dedication on the part of both pupils and teachers. As such, our school runs from 7.55am 4:30pm every day. This is a job for only the most committed people as we believe in giving our pupils what they deserve. The Tutor Fellow will provide inspirational tutoring and role modeling to the pupils who need it most at King Solomon Academy, as well as providing general support for staff and pupils. This is a unique opportunity to join a community of staff, striving to create an outstanding comprehensive school. King Solomon is looking for exceptional individuals who will ensure the schools future is successful and help bridge the achievement gap. To apply for this role, please go to https://application.arkschools.net/?r=9xzHPgVB. Applications should be received by no later than 9am on Friday 19 April 2013. For further information about the academy, please go to www.kingsolomonacademy.org. If you have any queries please contact Holly on 0203 116 0894 or holly.harris@arkonline.org . We wish you the best with your application. Yours sincerely,

Max Haimendorf Secondary Headteacher King Solomon Academy

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King Solomon Academy

Headteacher
Max Haimendorf graduated from Oxford and joined the first cohort of the Teach First programme. He has been a Science teacher and then Head of Year 8. Following work at Teach First central office he joined the consultants Oliver Wyman where he worked in finance strategy. Whilst there he continued to contribute to the education field, writing about the importance of small schools in Teach Firsts well received policy paper, Lessons from the Front. In 2008 he was appointed as Secondary Headteacher of King Solomon Academy.

We are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to ensure each of our pupils has the chance to attend an academically rigorous university.
Max Haimendorf, KSA Secondary Headteacher

Academy culture
King Solomon Academy (KSA) is an all-through school for 3 - 18 year olds in Lisson Grove. It opened in September 2007 with two reception classes and is growing each year, until there are classes for children from nursery age right through to sixth form. The secondary school opened in 2009 with year 7 pupils. Pupils and their immense potential are at the heart of the academy. They live and work by the philosophy that there are no excuses and no shortcuts to success, and promote excellence in every aspect of academy life. They are guided by the KSA ethos, which guides how they act as a community: Every child has the potential to excel It is through hard work and discipline that success is achieved Outstanding teachers, willing to do whatever it takes, can transform pupils' lives School should be a caring, safe place where pupils are happy Our pupils parents are our most important partners Students entering the school agree to follow two school rules: Work hard Be nice to others

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About the role of a Tutor Fellow at King Solomon Academy

The role of Tutor Fellow at KSA is unique. Intentionally created as a one year stepping stone into teaching (or other similar careers), it aims to connect our pupils with great role models - hard working and passionate graduates - who will inspire them to work hard to progress to university. The Tutor Fellow position is a perfect training ground for graduates looking to develop their ability to be highly effective in a high-performance environment, and to do so while making a real difference to pupils from an urban low-income community. Exceptional leaders and teachers ensure that Tutor Fellows are well supported and mentored to deliver to a high standard. Tutor Fellows perform a number of important roles in the school: Being part of a ground-breaking team: Tutor fellows are fully fledged members of staff, working alongside teachers to build an amazing school culture which transforms the lives of the pupils we serve. This means everything that Tutor Fellows do has a real impact. Teaching tutorials: Tutor Fellows will teach English and/or Maths tutorials to small groups, following a guided programme to achieve progress in pupils at the start of Key Stage 3. In-class support: Tutor fellows support pupils who need additional help to keep up with the work. This involves co-planning with teachers. In-school systems: Tutor Fellows spend some time each week supporting the administration of school systems which underpin the effective running of the school. Leading extra-curricular activities: Tutor Fellows lead drama, debating, music, sports and many other extra-curricular activities in the school. We utilise staffs passions, allowing them to broaden their pupils horizons and interests.

Opportunities for Tutor Fellows at KSA and beyond after their years commitment
The Tutor Fellow programme is a strong experience for staff wishing to enter challenging, leadership focused careers. Some Tutor Fellows leave KSA after a years commitment, engaging on the Teach First programme or other teacher training programmes, or in other careers. With the launch of the ARK Schools Direct programme (http://www.arkschools.org/teacher-training), Tutor Fellows now have a clear route to stay at King Solomon Academy and train to be a teacher here. In the year 2012-13, KSA offered 5 placements to Tutor Fellows to stay on to be trainee teachers with Schools Direct.

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Ofsted results
King Solomon Academy has achieved an outstanding rating from Ofsted for the whole academy (primary and secondary). This is a truly remarkable achievement for an academy that opened just five years ago. Among the points highlighted by the Inspectors in the academy's first full inspection report since opening, they say: King Solomon Academy is an outstanding and unique 21st century school". Among many other points Ofsted praise KSA's creation and inspiration of "a community of enthusiastic learners, who are passionate about achieving academic excellence."

Facilities
King Solomon Academy is based in purpose-built brand new buildings. The original Grade II listed buildings, previously the North Westminster Community School, have been extensively refurbished and expanded providing: Accommodation for 660 junior, middle and upper school pupils A multi-use games area with flood lighting for year-round use A new sports building with excellent indoor sports facilities and equipment A well-equipped design and technology suite On-site catering facilities to provide high-quality hot meals every day A brand new infant school for 180 reception and key stage one pupils with a sixty-place nursery

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About ARK Schools

ARK Schools is an education charity set up in 2004 to create a network of high-achieving, nonselective, 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. Were 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

Year of opening

Final results of predecessor school %

2012

Percentage point increase since opening

Av. annual percentage point increase since opening as ARK academy 5.8 7.2 4.3 6.7 10

Burlington Danes Walworth Globe St Albans Charter

2006 2007 2008 2009 2009

31

66 63 43 51 51

35 36 17 20 30

27 26 31 21 Average across ARK Schools

6.8

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 ARK network National (2011) 94 85 Writing 91 81 Maths 96 90

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Our approach
Each of the ARK academies has its own distinctive character, reflecting its local community and history but all share a commitment to the ARK six pillars:

1. HIGH EXPECTATIONS
We set exceptionally high expectations for our pupils and do whatever it takes to achieve these: At primary, at least 90% of pupils achieve level 4a in English and maths by Year 6 so they are fully prepared for secondary school At secondary, at least 80% of pupils achieve five good GCSEs including English and maths In the sixth form, at least 80% qualify for a good university and all will secure a university place, job or training course. Our aspirations are no lower for our most vulnerable pupils. We work together to ensure that pupils with special educational needs receive the high quality provision they need to achieve their full potential.

2. EXCELLENT TEACHING
Nothing is more important than excellent teaching, underpinned by high quality professional development. 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.

3. EXEMPLARY BEHAVIOUR
Our schools have a respectful and orderly atmosphere, where teachers can focus on teaching and pupils on learning.

4. DEPTH BEFORE BREADTH

We prioritise 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 maths, with more time for students who are working below year level expectations. At key stages 4 and 5, ARK prioritises academic pathways that will enable the majority of our pupils to go to university. For those pupils for whom this is not appropriate, valuable alternative pathways are provided.

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5. MORE TIME FOR LEARNING

Where possible, our schools run a longer school day, which provides more time to embed core subjects and to extend the curriculum through enrichment. Typically, our primary schools run from 8.30am until 4pm and our secondary schools run from 8.30am until 4.30pm. The longer school day enables our pupils to participate in a wide range of activities that will develop their social and personal skills and prepare them for the wider world. At the same time, the longer school day gives staff the opportunity to meet and plan within the school day. Teaching loads at ARK schools are not higher than at similar inner city schools.

6. KNOWING EVERY CHILD

Positive relationships between pupils reinforce a culture of excellent behaviour and commitment to learning. Our schools ensure that all pupils, and their families, are known well to the school so no child can go unnoticed.

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A commitment to training and professional development

We are committed to helping our principals and headteachers recruit, develop and support excellent staff within the network. ARK invests significantly in a number of professional development programmes which complement academy level training: 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: Aspiring to Headship 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. Initial Teacher Training programme, starting in September 2013 We encourage staff at all stages of their career to take advantage of: 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.

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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. 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

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Terms and conditions 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: 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.

Leadership contracts

The leadership contract mirrors the national leadership contract.

Operational staff contracts

Operational staff contracts are based on: 36 hours a week 25 days holiday a year (for those on year-round contracts; pro-rated for Term Time Only contracts) Competitive salary scales

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Job Description: Tutor Fellow

Start date: Report to: Contract: Salary: Hours: September 2013 Head of Inclusion Fixed term till end of June (end date will be agreed with successful candidate) CIRCA 17,700 per annum 7.30am to 6pm during school term time (with a lunch break)

The Role
To provide inspirational tutoring and role modeling to the pupils who need it most at King Solomon Academy

Key responsibilities
To tutor individuals and groups of pupils, with a focus on ensuring every pupil is functionally literate and enjoys reading by the end of the academic year To mentor and coach pupils in the development of their self-confidence and aspirations for their future, in particular, their aspiration to go to, and excel at University

Outcomes and activities

Learning Support Work with the Instructional leader of SEN and other teachers to implement Individual Education Plans and develop resources for pupils who have: English as a second language, speech or language impairments, or behaviors that interfere with learning and/or relationships. Plan and facilitate small group tutoring. Plan and deliver one to one tutoring. Observe, record and feedback information of pupil performance. Assist with whole class teaching where appropriate, in particular in project work or extracurricular experiences. Provide administrative support to academy staff by ensuring teaching resources are prepared to an excellent standard and on time for classroom use. Coaching Coach pupils to promote better decision making, motivation and improved achievement. Other support Supervise pupils in playgrounds, lunchrooms, etc. Maintain pupil and family confidentiality. Attend regular meetings and training, as required.

Other
Undertake other various responsibilities as directed by the Secondary School Headteacher.
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Person specification: Tutor Fellow

Qualification Criteria
Right to work in UK Qualified to degree level

Experience
Experience of working with young people or adults in a paid or voluntary capacity

Behaviours
Personal characteristics Genuine passion and a belief in the potential of every pupil Helpful, positive, calm and caring nature Able to establish good working relationships with staff and pupils Able to follow instructions accurately but make good judgments and lead when required Motivation to continually improve standards and achieve excellence Specific skills Good communication skills, including written and oral Excellent numeracy and literacy skills Competent with computers and other technology Good administrative and organisational skills Able to understand and implement particular strategies and methods to help pupils to improve their learning and enjoyment of learning Able to deal with minor incidents, first aid, and the personal health and hygiene of the pupils Understands the importance of confidentiality and discretion

Other desirable training and skills

An interest in music and the ability to play an instrument An interest in sport and the ability to lead sport sessions First Aid training

Other
Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils This post is subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure.

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Benefits for Staff

We are committed to recruiting, developing and supporting excellent staff within the network. Alongside our continued focus on professional development through the Summit, Hub Days and the Training Menu we also offer a variety of other benefits. These benefits have been chosen to help our employees develop professionally, plan their finances and look after their wellbeing. MA bursary - ARK Schools offers teaching staff the opportunity to further their knowledge and understanding of education through a subsidised part-time MA at Kings The MA bursary covers the majority of the circa 4,000 course fee, with teachers expected to contribute just 1000. ARK Rewards ARK Schools has a saving scheme for all employees. Employees can access up to 1,000 in savings a year from over 3,000 major retailers, receive up to 40% discounts at a wide variety of gyms and sign up for a cash rewards healthcare programme. Discounts Save up to 1,000 a year through store discount cards, or cashback with online shopping. GymFlex Save up to 40% at your local gym. Healthcare This low cost plan gives you money back towards the cost of your optical bills, dental costs and consultations. 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. International development opportunities In spring 2011 the mathematics leads from across the network visited Singapore in order to examine and share best practice. There have also been on several other trips this year the staff from King Solomon Academy visited the best charter schools in New York and the primary leaders from across the network also visited various charter schools in New Orleans. Suggest a Candidate Scheme ARK Schools rewards employees for nominating candidates who are successful in being offered (and accepting) a role in an ARK School.

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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 including a lesson observation. 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 employees 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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