Curriculum Lead for Geography

River Academy is seeking to appoint a Curriculum Leader for Geography. This is a key middle leadership role with responsibility for leading the strategic development and implementation of the Geography curriculum. The postholder will work closely with senior leaders to ensure a coherent, ambitious and inclusive curriculum that enables all students to achieve strong outcomes and develop a secure understanding of Geography. In addition to the expectations of a classroom teacher, you will lead curriculum design, ensure high-quality teaching and assessment, and oversee targeted interventions, including for students who are not yet fluent readers. You will play a central role in shaping whole school and Trust curriculum development, while leading and developing colleagues within the department. River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase to 541 as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently heavily oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, River Academy is known for its high expectations and high levels of progress. Last year, in NGRT reading tests, Year 7 progressed from the 53rd percental to the 72nd percentile across the year. Similarly, 44 students in Year 7 achieved awards in the UK Junior Maths Challenge, which is way above the statistical expectation. On weekly basis River Academy is first placed in the entire country for Sparx Maths and Sparx Reader completion rates demonstrating a whole school commitment to ensure no learner falls behind. Key responsibilities Lead the development and implementation of a high-quality Geography curriculum that secures strong outcomes for all students Ensure consistently high standards of teaching, learning and assessment across the department Monitor and evaluate student progress and implement effective strategies to address underperformance Line manage, support and develop colleagues through coaching, performance management and professional development Oversee curriculum planning, schemes of work and assessment practices Ensure effective use of data to inform teaching, curriculum development and intervention Promote a positive, aspirational culture that supports student engagement, wellbeing and achievement Ensure compliance with safeguarding, behaviour, equality and health and safety requirements within the subject area Contribute to whole school and Trust improvement priorities The ideal candidate A qualified teacher with strong subject knowledge in Geography Experience of delivering high-quality teaching and securing strong student outcomes The ability to lead curriculum development and implement effective teaching and assessment strategies Experience of using data to inform planning and improve student progress Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills The ability to coach, support