Head of Mathematics & Computing

General Information

St Columba’s School is an HMC, non-denominational School founded in 1897, initially as a School for Girls. It has been co-educational since 1982 with equal numbers of boys and girls. The current roll for the entire School, from Nursery to Senior VI, is 630. The Junior School is situated a quarter of a mile from Senior School and has a roll of 220.The School currently holds Investor in People status at Gold level.

The first thing you notice at St Columba’s is the warm welcome. This is in part the result of our size. Teachers know each pupil by name. Indeed, recognition of the individual is an important feature of the School’s vision; considerable effort is made to create an environment which allows us to identify and nurture the unique talents and skills of each student, and encourage all of them to realise their full potential. Our success is evident not only in the excellent academic results achieved, regularly placing St Columba’s as one of the highest performing schools nationally, but in the impressive young people whom you will meet in our classrooms, at an international debate, or on a rugby field: they are polite, articulate and quietly self-assured.

There has been significant investment in facilities, including the opening of an additional Junior School building in 2001. Between 2014 and 2016, a number of major developments of the School’s facilities have been undertaken including: the refurbishment of the Science building; the replacement of the Astro turf hockey pitch; and a major development of the Junior School grounds. The extension to the Senior School which opened in October, 2016, includes a pastoral care suite, a new library, 13 new classrooms and faculty bases. Taken together, these developments represent a significant investment in the future of the School. 

In June 2011, St Columba’s was inspected by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education. The report which is exceptionally positive is attached separately.

We are seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic and inspirational Head of Mathematics & Computing to lead our highly successful Mathematics & Computing Department from January 2019. The vacancy has arisen owing to the retirement of the current Head of Department, Mrs Fiona Bruce, after 27 years’ of exceptional service to St Columba’s School.

The Mathematics & Computing Department consists of two full-time and one part-time teachers of Mathematics, and one full-time and two part-time teachers of Mathematics & Computing.

The Mathematics/Computing Faculty is highly regarded within the school community. Computing/ICT is taught to Transitus (Primary 7) and S1. 

Candidates are presented for National 5 Mathematics in SIV; candidates take seven National 5 subjects during SIII and SIV. Higher grade is offered to SV pupils and Advanced Higher in SVI. The uptake at SVI is very encouraging with 48% of the year group opting to take Advanced Higher Mathematics. Results at all stages are excellent. The Faculty provides enrichment to the curriculum through participation in various local and country wide competitions.

The Job Profile for a Head of Department is attached. The post is aligned to the SNCT Principal Teacher scale point 1, reviewed in April each year; with the further three per cent St Columba’s enhancement. Fee restriction of 50 per cent is granted for the education of the children of members of the teaching staff after one year’s service. Energy, vision, good communication skills and the ability to motivate and lead people will be crucial attributes for the successful candidate. 

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute fully to the extra-curricular life of the School. 

The School has a comprehensive Professional Review and CPD programme in place. 

Letters of application and CVs with the names and email addresses of two referees should be sent to the Rector by noon on Monday, 17th September 2018 either by email to recruitment@st-columbas.org or by post to St Columba’s School, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm PA13 4AU.

Interviews will take place on Monday, 24 September 2018. Please note that applicants must be registered or eligible for registration with the General Teaching Council of Scotland.  

Candidates are welcome to contact Mrs Fiona Bruce to discuss the post informally. Initial contact should be made by email fbruce@st-columbas.org or by telephone 01505 872238. The appointment will be subject to membership of The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.