Head of Geography

Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In December 2015, the school was judged to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff: ‘Staff have exceptional opportunities for professional development. Staff feel valued and really like working in the school. Morale is very high.'(Ofsted). 

We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration. 

This summer’s GCSE results were superb with 83% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 64% doing the same at 5+. Our Attainment 8 figure was significantly above national average at 54.3 and our provisional Progress 8 of +0.71 places us the top 3% of schools nationally. Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong.

DGS Geography Department 

The Geography department is staffed by an enthusiastic and talented group of four teaching staff, who are always keen to share ideas and resources. We are exceptionally collaborative and very well resourced, as a result of careful, strategic and iterative curriculum development over a number of years. The department is accommodated in specialist classrooms.

Results in the department are consistently strong with students at both GCSE and A level performing significantly about national averages and producing strong value-added performance.

Geography is a very popular choice at GCSE and A level. We typically have four groups at GCSE each year and two in each of Year 12 and Year 13.  We currently follow AQA specifications at both key stages. 

The Post

This is a key post in a strong and innovative department. We are looking for a candidate with the skills and desire to lead this successful department onto the next stage in its development and a teacher with a genuine and infectious passion for teaching Geography; a teacher with high expectations for all students whatever their prior attainment.

The successful applicant will have experience and a record of success at Key Stage 5 as well as the ability to teach KS3 and 4. 

Excellent professional development and support will be available to the successful candidate. 

For further information about the department, please email Sara-Anne Nicholls (Acting Head of Geography) at snichols@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk 

Should you wish to tour the school in advance of an application, or for any general queries, please contact the Headteacher’s PA, Frances Adley at fadley@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk

Application Process

Please download and complete an application form from the school website (under ‘Join us’) - paying particular attention to the ‘Relevant skills and experience’ section - and send it to Frances Adley at fadley@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk

Please also submit a written response (maximum 2 sides A4 at point 11) to the following: ‘What skills and experience do I have which make me a strong candidate for this post and how would I implement what I see as the key parts of the role to support outstanding outcomes for students?’

The deadline for applications is Monday 21st October at 9am

Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and your Disclosure and Barring Service or CRB certificate, if applicable, to your interview.