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Academy The Quest Academy, South Croydon

Required 1st September 2023

Salary TCT 5- TCT14 (£35,886- £48,055) Full Time or Part Time

Closing date 22nd May 2023

Interviews As applications are received

Welcome

Dear Applicant

A very warm welcome to the Quest Academy. We are a great place to begin or further your teaching or support staff career.

At the Quest we know that having great people is our biggest asset and we work very hard to make sure that the posts we
offer, the professional development we provide and the environment we create are the cornerstones of a highly successful
Academy on a journey from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’.

As a new or experienced colleague, you’ll be joining an Academy which has already demonstrated considerable success.
In the main Academy all of our students make excellent progress that is above the national average by the end of Year 11
(our Progress 8 figure is +0.25 as an average over the last 3 years) and in our thriving Sixth Form, Quest6, nearly all of our
students pass every subject (98%+ A*-E in 2018, 2019 and 2020). We also have an impressive record of sending almost every
student to University, including Oxbridge.

I know that the atmosphere at the Academy and the climate in the classroom are key considerations for staff. At the Quest
we have created a disciplined environment where you can share the passion of your vocation with well-behaved and
curious learners. Levels of attendance are above the national average because our students enjoy coming to school and
we have very well-crafted systems of support in place to make sure there is no distraction from learning in the classroom.

We also believe we are outstanding in the support we provide for staff development. We have achieved the 'CLPD Gold
Mark' for our professional development work. We run in-house training sessions every week to update and further our
colleague’s skills and we offer part-time taught Masters and Doctoral programmes for more experienced teaching staff.

We are also very fortunate to occupy a stunning 17 million pound building with extensive grounds which we moved into
in 2014. Every teaching area is brand new and across the campus we have invested in nearly one million pounds of cutting
edge IT equipment to support great learning.

Geographically we are ideally located just 15 minutes from the M25, forty minutes from central London by train and
Croydon itself is undergoing major investment as a place to work and live. Rents are relatively low for London and the town
centre, with venues such as Boxpark and the Southend restaurant quarter, mean there is always something to do.

I do hope that our vacancy will be of interest to you. We welcome visits at any time to see us at work so that we can show
you all of this in person.

With best wishes

Mr A Crofts
Executive Principal

Key Information

The Quest Academy is committed to ensuring
that each student succeeds academically and
personally. Our motto, Learning Changes Lives
(Eruditio Vitas Commutat) reflects our belief in
the importance of our work. We are committed
to making sure that every student makes
outstanding progress. We have high expectations
of every student, offer the best quality teaching
and insist on the highest standards of behaviour
and respect.

The Quest is a positive, rich and innovative
learning environment where every student can
achieve excellence in all that they do, in the
classroom and beyond it.

We offer a wide range of enrichment activities to extend learning in a range of contexts and promote
leadership, teamwork, reflection, confidence and high self-esteem.

We are constantly searching for new ways to encourage participation and service to others as the basis
for the development of lifelong learning and a happy and successful life.

Our strength comes from strong partnerships: with our parents, the community we serve and the close
links we have with the Collegiate Trust. Together we have extensive experience and expertise to guide
our work.

You can find out more information about our school, and our Trust at the following websites:

www.thequestacademy.org.uk www.tct-academies.org

Information about The Collegiate Trust

Our Trust works in the Crawley and Croydon areas with a clear vision to deliver exceptional education for all.

Such an education achieves excellent outcomes in pupil progress and attainment, a rich creative, cultural

and physical learning experience, and great personal and social development for all pupils. We achieve this

by working with and developing strong teams of staff in each school, under the direction of the Principal or

Executive Principal of the school and the Local Governing Body (LGB)

The Trust has grown out of Riddlesdown Collegiate, an outstanding (OFSTED, May 2016) secondary school

in Croydon with almost 2000 students and over 200 staff. Gossops Green, in Crawley, was the next school –

and the first primary – to join the Trust, followed by Waterfield Primary (also in Crawley) on 1st March 2018.

The Quest Academy joined the Trust on 1st June 2018 and Courtwood Primary and Gilbert Scott Primary (now

The Quest Primary School) joined the Trust on 1st September 2018.

Each school within the Trust is supported centrally by a designated Director of School Improvement on

teaching and learning issues, the Chief Operating Officer, Finance Manager & HR Manager on business

management and HR issues, and the CEO on wider leadership issues. This complements rather than replaces

in-school functions and allows the Principal and LGB to operate with a high level of autonomy in delivering

the highest standards in their school. The LGB works to a Scheme of Delegation approved by the Trust’s

Board of Directors.

Our Values

Strong moral values underpin the ethos of The Quest Academy. We welcome students from a wide
range of cultural and faith backgrounds and expect all families to value and support the moral values at
the heart of all aspects of life at The Quest Academy.

We foster understanding, tolerance and mutual respect whilst producing confident, capable and
respectful young people. At all times, we aim to create an environment that nurtures and develops:

• Integrity
• Compassion
• Respect
• Tolerance
• Kindness
• Courage
• Generosity
• A life-long love of learning

These values make The Quest Academy a
positive and inclusive community in which all
students feel safe, valued and part of the
family.

Quest6

Students at The Quest Academy’s 6th Form, Quest6, have excelled across the range of courses that are on
offer. For many years now students have achieved at least a 98% pass rate at A Level and every single Sixth
Form student has now gone on to further study.

Students at Quest6 (and staff) have access to cutting-edge, state-of-the-art facilities that – for at least
the foreseeable future – are arguably the best that Greater London has to offer. A dedicated social
study area, seminar-style teaching rooms, brand new technology as well as access to all of Quest’s new
buildings ensure that current and future Quest6 students will learn in a modern, peaceful, exceptional
education environment.

Job Description

Job Title: Teacher of Religious Studies

Responsibility Level: TCT 5- TCT14 (£35,886-

£48,055) Full Time or Part Time

Accountable To: Principal & Governing Body

Responsible To: Team Leader

Accountable For:

Ensuring that the areas of Academy life for which I am
responsible contribute to outcomes above expectations for all
Academy students, especially in the standards they attain and the progress and achievement they make.

Understanding, operating and developing the ethos of the Academy so that it becomes a centre of excellence where
mutual respect, tolerance, care and support are evidenced in all of the Academy’s activities and that this in turn
ensures that everybody takes pride in all aspects of the Academy’s work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Overall Responsibility

• To plan, develop and deliver high quality lessons and courses within the broad, balanced, relevant and

• To maintain and build upon the Teachers’ Standards as set out by the Secretary of State.
• Contribute to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare and personal care of children and young people

with regard to current legislation.

GENERAL TEACHING DUTIES

Teaching and Learning

1. Manage student learning through effective teaching in accordance with the Faculty’s schemes of work and

policies.

2. Ensure continuity, progression and cohesiveness in all teaching.

3. Use a variety of methods and approaches (including differentiation) to match curricular objectives and the
range of student needs, and ensure equal opportunity for all students.

4. Set homework regularly, (in accordance with the Academy homework policy), to consolidate and extend
learning and encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning.

5. Work with AEN staff and support staff (including prior discussion and joint planning) in order to benefit from
their specialist knowledge and to maximise their effectiveness within lessons.

6. Support individual learning, including more able students, by planning work with appropriate challenge and
monitoring and reviewing student outcomes regularly.

7. Work within the Teaching and Learning, using clear and precise learning objectives and defining criteria for

success for each lesson.

8. Work effectively as a member of the faculty team to improve the quality of teaching and learning, by

contributing to the Faculty Development Plan and implementing and monitoring change.

9. Implement new initiatives, Academy, local or national, by adapting classroom procedures accordingly,

monitoring progress and reflecting on pedagogical outcomes.

10. Set high expectations for all students, to deepen their knowledge and understanding and to maximise their

achievement.

11. Use positive management of behaviour in an environment of mutual respect that allows students to feel safe
and secure and promotes their self-esteem.

Monitoring, Assessment, Recording, Reporting and Accountability

1. Be immediately responsible for the processes of identification, assessment, recording and reporting for the

students in their charge.

2. Track student progress, monitoring achievement against targets set, and take appropriate action on student

outcomes.

3. Assess students’ work systematically and use the results to inform future planning, teaching and curricular

development.

4. Contribute towards the implementation of IEPs as detailed in the current SEN Code Of Practice particularly

the planning and recording of appropriate actions and outcomes related to set targets.

5. Be familiar with statutory assessment and reporting procedures and prepare and present informative, helpful

and accurate reports to Parents.

6. Keep an accurate register of students for each lesson. Unexplained absences or patterns of absence should
be reported immediately in accordance with the Academy policy.

Subject Knowledge and Understanding

1. Have a thorough and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum programmes of

study and specifications for examination courses.

2. Keep up-to-date with research and developments in pedagogy.

3. Contribute to the effective use of subject resources, including evaluation of new materials and equipment.

4. Keep up-to-date with technological change and the use of technology to enhance delivery, and student access,

to the subject.

Professional Standards and Development

1. Be a role model to students through personal presentation and professional conduct.

2. Arrive in class, on or before the start of the lesson, and begin and end lessons on time.

3. Be familiar with the Academy and faculty handbooks and support all the Academy’s policies, e.g. Health and

Safety, Citizenship, Literacy, Numeracy and ICT.

4. Establish effective working relationships with professional colleagues and support staff.

5. Be involved in extra-curricular activities such as making a contribution to clubs and visits.

6. Maintain a working knowledge and understanding of Teachers’ professional duties as set out in the current
Academy Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document, and Teachers’ legal liabilities and responsibilities relating

to all current legislation, and the role of the education service in protecting children.

7. Liaise effectively with Parent/Carers and with other agencies with responsibility for students’ education and

welfare.

8. Be aware of the role of the Governing Body of the Academy and support it in performing its duties.

9. Be familiar with and implement the relevant requirements of the current SEN Code of Practice.

10. Consider the needs of all students within lessons (and implement specialist advice), especially for those who

have SEN, are more able and/or are not yet fluent in English.

Health and Safety

1. Be aware of the responsibility for personal Health, Safety and Welfare and that of others who may be affected

by your actions or inactions.

2. Co-operate with the employer on all issues to do with Health, Safety and Welfare.

3. Have an understanding of visits’ procedures and the relevant actions to take when planning out of Academy
activities.

Continuing Professional Development

1. In conjunction with the line manager, take responsibility for personal professional development, keeping up-

to date with research and developments in teaching pedagogy and changes in the curriculum, which may lead

to improvements in teaching and learning.

2. Undertake any necessary professional development as identified in the Academy Development Plan taking full

advantage of any relevant training and development available.

3. Implement and develop pedagogic procedures introduced through Academy, local or government initiatives.

4. Implement the use of new technologies that enhance teaching and learning.

5. Participate in leadership, peer and self monitoring and evaluation schemes, responding to, and acting upon,
advice and guidance received.

6. Carry out reflective practice exercises to move classroom practice, teaching and learning, forward.

7. Use ‘gained time’ by revising teaching, learning and curriculum materials in readiness for the new academic

year; participate in collaborative planning sessions; provide additional student support or any activity directed

by the Principal.

8. Maintain a professional portfolio of evidence and learning log to support the Performance Management

process - evaluating and improving own practice in Bluesky.

9. Contribute to the professional development of colleagues, especially NQTs, ITTs and TFTs.

10. Contribute to faculty development by sharing professional learning, expertise and skills with others in the

team, through training activities such as coaching and mentoring.

N.B: Every Subject Teacher will be expected to have pastoral responsibilities - detailed separately.

ANNUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

As set annually as part of Performance Management using Bluesky

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. To promote and safeguard the welfare of children at the Academy.

2. To maintain confidentiality at all times.

3. To be aware of and adhere to all Academy policies and procedures.

4. To carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by the Principal.

5. To work in support of the Academy Improvement Plan.

6. To take time to read notices, keep to deadlines and carry out duties to the best of your ability.

Person Specification

Qualifications

An honours degree (2:2 or better)

Qualified Teacher Status

Evidence of further professional development where appropriate

Experience

Experience working with young people of a range of ages and abilities

Evidence of making an effective contribution to a team

Regular engagement with up to date teaching pedagogy

Skills and Attributes

Ability to deliver high quality teaching & learning over time to all students in the subject area

Ability to be an effective Tutor

Capacity to work alongside colleagues, contributing effectively to overarching aims and priorities

Ability to quickly establish and maintain positive relationships with students, staff and families

Ability to demonstrate and promote good practice in line with the ethos of the Quest Academy

Understanding of safeguarding issues and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Well-developed communication skills, including high level of written and oral literacy and competent ICT
use

Suitability to work with children

Potential for professional progression

The Collegiate Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and

expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post,
including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Appointment will be dependent upon further health, medical and attendance checks.

Department Description – Humanities

The Humanities faculty consists of twelve specialist members of staff. Humanities also delivers My Quest
Journey (RSHE) and Guided Reading to KS3 students. All teachers are expected to teach across the age,
ability, and subject range. As a faculty, we work as a unit, supporting each other and sharing good
practice. We operate an open-door policy to encourage the sharing of teaching skills and expertise.

The Humanities area has six dedicated classrooms; each room is fully interactive and very well resourced.

Our aim is to enable each student, irrespective of their starting point, to reach their full potential and to gain
significant insight into the world of RS both inside and outside of the curriculum. Students are assisted
through well-differentiated lessons and through academic intervention available out of lessons.

Curriculum model

All students study RS at Key Stages 3 and 4. They have 1 lesson per week at Key Stage 3 and 2 lesson
per week at Key Stage 4 with all students taking GCSE RS. A-level students have 5 lessons per week of
each subject.

Schedule for Appointments

TO APPLY PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM BY CLICKING “APPLY” AT THE LINK BELOW:

Vacancies | The Collegiate Trust (tct-academies.org)

CLOSING DATE:
22nd May 2023

How to Find Us

By Car:

If you are travelling by car, The Quest Academy is located on Farnborough Avenue which is off of the A2022, Selsdon
Park Road. If you are coming from the M25 junctions 7 (Croydon), 6 (Caterham) or 4 (Orpington) provide easy access
to Selsdon.

By Train

The nearest mainline station is East Croydon. You can then take either a number 3 tram (toward New Addington)
and alight at Gravel Hill or one of the several buses that serve the area: 433, 130 or 466.

By Tram

There is a wide footpath (keep to the right hand side) which runs from the tram stop past the back of John Ruskin
College, Gilbert Scott Primary School and Red Gates School, finishing in the corner of Farnborough Avenue. This walk
takes about 12 minutes. The Academy is located on the right-hand side of Farnborough Avenue.

By Bus: Bus routes: 433, 64, 130, 466, 359.

The Quest Academy
Farnborough Avenue, South Croydon, CR2 8HD 

020 8657 8935
[email protected]

www.thequestacademy.org.uk