Head of Science

Head of science

Reports to: Deputy Headteacher

Start date:  January 2020 (or earlier depending upon circumstances)

Location: Ark Victoria Academy

Salary: Ark MPS (£24,313 - £35883) / UPS (£38,115 - £40,985) plus TLR 1b (£9661)

This is a unique and exciting opportunity for a committed subject specialist to lead the development of outstanding Science provision across our all-through school.

The role would suit an excellent class teacher, who is a curriculum leader in one of the separate disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), and is looking for progression. As Head of department you will work with secondary and primary colleagues to establish a science curriculum for the school. We are committed to developing our teaching and leaders through our weekly CPD calendar, online modules and subject meetings across the regional network and beyond. 

Ark Victoria Academy is a large all-through school, which was judged ‘Good’ by Ofsted in May 2019. Teaching and leadership are strengths and teachers demonstrate expert subject knowledge. We know that great schools need great teachers, which is why we offer you the very best training and support at every stage of your career - from starting out as an NQT to running your own school.   

Time is given for reading, research and intellectual preparation to ensure teachers hone their craft and continue to develop and improve. Colleagues are able to engage in co-planning and in on-line modules to support their development.  In addition, subject scholarship is encouraged through membership to subject associations and engagement with network subject teams and teach meets.

At Ark Victoria we have a strong vision for our school with a focus on excellence, for both our students and our staff, which is underpinned by our values:

Aim high, be brave, be kind, keep learning

The Role

As Head of Department of a vibrant and collegiate team, you will lead, develop and manage the effective delivery of an outstanding curriculum which enables the highest level of student progress and attainment. You will lead the professional community of science to ensure high attainment of science across the school. 

As part of the Ark network, our staff benefit from strong links with the wider network; particularly with the other Ark schools in Birmingham. We harness expertise and build subject communities so that our teachers can learn from and collaborate with colleagues. As well as networking with colleagues in other Ark schools, our staff receive high quality training and support.

You will be aligned to Ark’s high aspirations and expectations for pupils and staff and have demonstrable evidence of leading/driving teaching and learning. 

The successful candidate will:

• be an outstanding teacher with a proven track record of securing excellent outcomes 

• have an up-to-date knowledge of subject curricula and assessment requirements 

• have had experience of successfully leading a subject area  

• have had experience of delivering effective training to individuals and groups of staff

• have proven experience of identifying, and implementing effective strategies for rapid improvement of science attainment in urban schools.