The Director of Sixth Form Role
Bedford Girls' School
Bedford
- Expired
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- Commencing January 2020 or April 2020
Job overview
Closing Date: 3 November 2019
Interview Date: 12 November 2019
An amazing opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and ambitious educationalist to lead our Sixth Form. As a member of the School’s Leadership Team, you will be responsible for delivering the School’s strategic vision in a dual-stream Sixth Form.
We are an IB inspired school and looking for a leader who shares our passion and commitment to this educational pedagogy. You will need to have the skills and understanding to promote the IB philosophy, and IB Diploma Programme, across the school and into the wider community. You will manage the running of the IB Diploma programme in Sixth Form.
We believe our students must develop curiosity, a strong intellect, independence and self- belief. As Director of Sixth Form, your role will be to ensure the girls are supported and encouraged to achieve their aspirations, and that they leave us with the ability to change and challenge the world around them.
You will demonstrate emotional intelligence and empathy in the management of girls through a crucial period in their lives, so that every voice is championed and that they play a prominent role in leading our community.
This exciting position collaborates with many stakeholders across the school as we seek to continually innovate and improve a BGS education.
With 920 students from age 7-18 ( including a Sixth Form of 150) we are a thriving, creative and forward thinking community of learners based on a beautiful site in the centre of Bedford.
The Harpur Trust teaching salary scale is above the national pay scale and offers additional benefits, such as, fee remission and access to a private Healthcare scheme.
Sixth Form Ethos
We have high expectations of our Sixth Form students, both academically and personally, motivating them to work hard, aim high and to seize opportunities with both hands.
As one of the country’s few independent girls’ school to offer a choice between International Baccalaureate and A Level, and with a rich and diverse co-curricular programme, we offer extraordinary opportunities for girls to succeed and excel.
We truly want our girls to leave us equipped not just with the skills, interests and qualifications they need to shine, but also with the self-belief and resilience to be able to go out to make a difference, and assume their place in the world with pride, enthusiasm and passion.
We believe that every student’s voice should be used to create a positive impact on the work around her; everyone is listened to at BGS. The Sixth Form students are led by the Girls’ Leadership Group, which is comprised of a Head Girl, two Deputies, a Service Captain, Sports Captain, Arts Captain and six House Captains. All Sixth Formers are ambassadors, role models and mentors, providing a voice for the younger girls and playing a vital role in shaping school life for future generations.
Sixth Form Life
The Sixth Form is housed in a dedicated facility and is currently home to around 150 students. Here girls can access a wide range of resources and technology. In addition to state of the art classrooms and cool, contemporary private study areas, the building boasts its own private bistro and coffee shop, Chequers plus a private landscaped garden and courtyard area. The Sixth Form House also has a large vibrant common room, where girls are free to listen to music, work collaboratively, exchange ideas and simply to enjoy the pleasure of Sixth Form life.
They benefit from expert careers and Higher Education advice through The Bridge our dedicated careers service that ensures the are fully informed and supported as they embark on their next steps into the wider world. Our extensive Alumnae network support the girls at many points, through careers talks (we hold weekly Lunchbox lectures), mentoring programmes and work experience.
Sixth Formers are offered a number of privileges not extended to the lower years, such as the freedom to leave school during lunch breaks and to study at home in the afternoon, if they have free periods, and time set aside for independent learning.
We want our students to understand how they create change and regardless of their curriculum choices all take part in CAS programmes (creativity, activity and service) to build their confidence to tackle issues and campaign for change. We encourage the girls to run their own societies and activities for their peers and girls in lower years. The girls work closely with the boys from Bedford School both academically and through the co-curriculum.
Life in the Sixth Form is at BGS is busy but rewarding; the girls understand and can articulate the school’s values and prepared to make the most of all the opportunities which open up to them.
An application pack with detailed job description and person specification can be downloaded from our website https://www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk/459/connected-community/employment-opportunities or requested by email from hr@bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk.
The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. 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.
About Bedford Girls' School
Bedford Girls’ School is a selective independent day school for girls aged 7-18. Underpinned by the International Baccalaureate philosophy of education the School is innovative, outward looking and vibrant. It is our belief that learning should be exciting and spark a life-long desire to engage in the wider world.
We look to each individual to act as an inspiring role model, foster connections within our local and international community, learning from the lives of those around us and developing sensitivity to culture and difference.
Bedford Girls’ School’s approach to learning is forward thinking, dynamic and vibrant. From Years 3 to Upper Sixth, our education is focused on delivering a challenging and well-rounded education, which embeds ten learner profiles, ranging from communication to risk-taking, encouraging students to think independently and to explore their creativity.
There are currently 915 pupils at the School, and our academic standards are high. We offer a choice of A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Sixth Form. In 2016, 73% of all Upper Sixth entries (IB and A Level combined) achieved an equivalent of A*-B grades, with one in five girls in the A Level cohort attaining straight A*-A grades.
The average IB score (out of a maximum of 45 points) for the BGS 2016 cohort was 36.4, significantly higher than the worldwide average of 30 points. For the second time in BGS’ short history a student, achieved an extraordinary 45 points, the highest grade possible, placing her in the top 0.1% of IB students worldwide. Over 90% of our Upper Sixth leavers gain entrance into their first choice university.
In 2016 Bedford Girls’ School also recorded its best ever GCSE results in 2016, with 65% of all entries achieving an A/A*. Over a third of the year group recorded 9 A/A*, and a quarter of the year group earned 10 A*/A.
We boast state-of-the-art facilities, offering light and open spaces suitable for future inspired education. Technology is integrated into all aspects of our teaching and learning. Our innovative approach to the use of iPads in the classroom has gained us a prestigious Apple Distinguished Educator award.
As one of the UK’s premier girls’ schools for sports, we excel across a wide spectrum of disciplines including hockey, lacrosse, rowing, netball, tennis and athletics. We have facilities both on our main site at Cardington Road and our state-of-the-art dedicated lacrosse facility at Cople Fields.
Dedicated music, dance and drama facilities provide inspiring environments for our students and many girls achieve local, regional or national honours across the arts. In addition, we have a stunning technology wing.
Co-curricular activities and community service are central to our ethos and every girl participates in at least two extra activities a week.
Bedford Girls’ School was founded in 2010 as a result of the merger of Dame Alice Harpur School and Bedford High School. We are part of The Harpur Trust, one of the 200 largest charities in the UK.
To find out more about what life is like at Bedford Girls’ School, visit www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk
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