Join Our Team as a Lead Practitioner: Sociology at Longsands Academy!

Are you an experienced Sociology teacher with a passion for raising standards and enhancing teaching practices? Longsands Academy is seeking a dedicated Lead Practitioner: Sociology to work with the Head of Sociology in driving scholar progress and curriculum development. This role is pivotal in ensuring a high-quality, balanced, and relevant curriculum for students.

About the Role:

As a Lead Practitioner: Sociology, you will support the Head of Sociology in the leadership and development of the department. You will join a team of subject-specialists who are experienced, reflective, and enthusiastic, maintaining high levels of behaviour and discipline. Your role will be pivotal in raising standards of student attainment and achievement within the department, monitoring and supporting student progress, and supporting staff development to meet those aims.

Key Responsibilities:

• Formulate and implement strategic plans for the Sociology department.
• Lead the Sociology curriculum from KS3 to KS4.
• Establish common standards of practice and enhance teaching and learning effectiveness.
• Develop syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, and assessment strategies.
• Monitor and support scholar progress and development.
• Use data to monitor progress, set targets, and plan lessons.
• Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a safe learning environment.

What We Offer:

• A knowledge-rich curriculum built on ‘powerful knowledge’ and a traditional T&L approach.
• Collaborative planning with centralised, shared units of work and resources.
• Excellent support from the Astrea Trust Central team.
• A feedback policy focused on whole class feedback.
• Disruption-free learning and a ‘warm/strict’ behaviour system.
• Highly visible/supportive senior leaders.
• Centralised detentions, including homework detentions.
• No formal graded lesson observations – just ongoing instructional coaching.
• Excellent ongoing CPD, career development, and promotion opportunities.
• Opportunity to complete NPQs.
• A pleasant location in beautiful Cambridgeshire.

Benefits:

• Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Continued professional development and training opportunities.
• Free on-site parking.
• Enhanced annual leave.
• Access to AXA’s 24/7 health support line.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Access to the Blue Light Card and Costco membership.
• Enhanced family leave.
• Financial contribution to optical care.
• Life assurance.
• Discounted gym membership.

About Us:

Longsands Academy is an 11-18 fully-inclusive secondary school serving the community of St Neots and the surrounding area. The academy has around 1750 students including 250 in the Sixth Form. Longsands is proud of its inclusive and aspirational approach, whether supporting students preparing for Oxbridge or working with students with special educational needs. The academy also has a strong track record of supporting staff by ensuring excellent mentoring, a supportive culture, and many opportunities for development and involvement in wider school activities.

Why Join Us?

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to providing an inclusive, aspirational, and academic education for all our scholars. We believe in teaching powerful knowledge and creating a scholarly culture that is warm, strict, disciplined, and joyful. Our values-driven approach ensures impeccable behaviour, allowing teachers to focus on teaching and pupils to focus on learning.

Interested in Applying?

If this is something you’re interested in, looking for a new challenge, have a passion for education, or maybe all of the above, take a look at the Applicant Brief to find out more about the role and how to apply. We actively welcome visits and would be delighted to show you around our Academy to fully appreciate our excellent learning environment.

Closing Date: The closing date for applications is Sunday, 20 April 2025. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity! The academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and enhanced DBS checks. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in our workforce, including people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ communities. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to promoting a culture that ensures there are no barriers to the recruitment, development, and progression of disabled staff across the trust. We provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to ensure disabled job applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply today and be a part of our mission to create a positive impact!

The Astrea Resourcing Team supports this job advert. Agency involvement is not required.