Head of Psychology

PSYCHOLOGY AT BLOXHAM SCHOOL

Bloxham School is seeking to appoint a Head of Psychology. 

The department currently follows the AQA A-level specification and is considering offering BTEC Psychology in addition to the A-level over the next few years.  

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and of behaviour. Psychology is a multifaceted discipline and includes many sub-fields of study in areas such as human development, sports, health, clinical, social behaviour and cognitive processes. Psychology is a popular subject which is attractive to students because it develops a range of valuable abilities, including critical evaluation and analysis, independent thinking, and research skills.  

The AQA A-level course has eight compulsory content modules taught in year one: Social influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology, Approaches in psychology, Biopsychology, Issues and Debates, and Research methods. There are also three optional modules taught in year two, for the current year these are Schizophrenia, Gender and Forensic Psychology. There are three examinations, each two hours long, with ninety-six marks available per paper. There is no coursework component.

Students experience a range of learning centred teaching, including flipped learning, source-based work (including film and media), conducting research, as well as regular use of online learning platforms such as Simplypsychology and Tutor2U.

In addition to the academic benefits of studying Psychology, students find that the course enhances their understanding of the thoughts and behaviours of both them and others around them, as well as helping with revision strategies, learning and time management.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Bloxham School is seeking to appoint an inspirational Head of Psychology with excellent subject knowledge and the ability to engage students in their learning. Applications would be welcome from candidates looking to move to Head of Department, or someone with previous leadership experience.

Main Duties

• To be an inspirational teacher of Psychology; to model excellence in teaching and learning ensuring enthusiasm for the subject and leading to high value-added results for students in external examinations.
• To lead and manage the Psychology teaching staff.
• To have a passion for innovative student learning and to possess the ability to stretch our brightest students.
• To maintain existing resources and explore opportunities to develop new resources and to manage the departmental budget to achieve this.
• To utilise the department’s accommodation to create an effective and stimulating environment for the teaching and learning of Psychology.
• To promote Psychology throughout the School. In particular to 5th to 6th Form transition students but also to the wider school and community.
• To lead curriculum development to ensure both knowledge and skill acquisition as students’ progress through the School.
• To insist in and to encourage the highest standard from staff and students.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

• To possess excellent academic qualifications, including a degree in Psychology or a closely related subject, and PGCE qualified or equivalent.
• To possess the ability to teach a second subject eg biology
• To have a history of successfully preparing students for external examinations.
• To be an inspirational teaching and learning practitioner with experience of delivering Psychology, and the ability to develop a strong positive rapport with students.
• To possess the ability to lead and manage others.
• To be a confident user of IT for administration, lesson delivery and data logging.
• To have a high level of communication skills and ability to work with colleagues as part of a team.
• To possess the ability and experience to lead and manage operational issues collaboratively whilst maintaining a strategic vision for the future of the department.
• To be a well-organised and self-motivated individual.
• To be in sympathy with the ethos of the school.
• To be committed to boarding school life and willing to engage in a range of Psychology and related extra-curricular activities.
• To be willing to participate within the pastoral and broader curriculum programme.

KEY INFORMATION

Start Date: September 2024

Accountable to: Deputy Head (Curriculum)

Working Hours: Full Time

Salary: Bloxham salary scale, dependent on experience

Closing Date: 30th April 2024

Interview Date: TBC

BENEFITS

• Enrolment in the Teacher's Pension Scheme (Currently undergoing Governors’ consultation with potential change to pension provision for September 2024).
• Tea, coffee and lunch provided during working hours.
• Free parking on site.
• Access at no charge to the school’s sporting, swimming and fitness facilities, including gym and tennis courts.
• Strong, supportive staff community with a school councillor
• available.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this role please complete the Bloxham School teaching staff application form. Applications will be assessed upon receipt, and we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.

Therefore, an early application is strongly advised.

For further information please visit the Bloxham School website. If you have any queries, please contact the HR Department on 01295 724379 or at recruitment@bloxhamschool.com.

SAFEGUARDING

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The school may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of their application.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post include:

The post holder’s responsibility will include promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/ he comes into contact. The post holder will be required to adhere to and always ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school, s/he must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The school is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self- declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.