The legal term for the two years of schooling in maintained schools in England and Wales normally known as Year 1 and Year 2 is called the Key Stage 1 or KS1, when pupils are aged between 5 and 6. It is the label used for the third and fourth years of primary education in Northern region of Ireland.
What is a KS1 Leader?
KS1 Leader is the person who coordinates teaching, planning and learning within the key stage, and if it’s necessary, communicates and connects with other key-stage leaders to ensure continuity and progression throughout the curriculum. In the Key Stage 1, the level will be based on the assessment of the teacher, taking account the child’s performance in different tasks and test. They may listen and let to the child read or look at their works.
Duties of a KS1 Leader
- Establish good relationships, encourage good working practices and support and lead teachers in the key stage, lead, support, motivate and direct support staff working within the key stage.
- Oversee all aspects of the key-stage organisation and management, including the preparation of chairing meetings and agendas, so as to ensure that school policies and practices are being delivered.
- Evaluate achievement and attainment, pupils’ progress, then report to the SMT, leads by example in all areas of the curriculum. Also to monitor the standards of behaviour and achievement within their year group and across the key stage.
- Take some responsibility for the pastoral care of pupils in the key stage, including involvement in lunchtime duties, when necessary; liaise closely with other key-stage leaders to ensure continuity and progression across the key stages.
- Manage and facilitate the induction process of new members of staff within the key stage. Superintend and orchestrate the organization of visits the school have made and extra-curricular activities within the key stage.
Work Conditions of a KS1 Leader
A KS1 Leader works in Schools. They usually work in offices that are well-ventilated and well-lighted for concentration. They will be offered a well motivated and dedicated team of staff, an opportunity to work with great children who demand innovative and sensitive teaching and a commitment to support your own professional development in preparation for Headship.
Educational Requirements of a KS1 Leader
The Key Stage Leader should have experience of teaching the whole primary-school age range; being in a position of responsibility for an area of management or leadership in school for at least two years; participating in a team approach to management, including the management of change; administering and overseeing statutory National Curriculum tests. The Key Stage Leader should have knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of primary education. Manage the curriculum and the school’s role in providing effectively for all pupils; the role of management maintaining a climate conducive to school review and evaluation and in monitoring school effectiveness; the role of the Senior Management Team; whole-school issues. The Key Stage Leader can participate and lead effectively in strategies to support staff development, create a positive team spirit, negotiating and delegating, when it’s necessary, with sensitivity.
Occupation and Progress of a KS1 Leader
As of today, most of KS1 develop their own businesses through tutoring. If you want to become successful in this career, you should perfect apply your skills, experience and knowledge in being a KS1 Leader.