Head of Computer Science

The Grange School is seeking to recruit a new Head of Computer Science. Computer Science is offered at both GCSE and A Level and uses AQA for both examination options. In the Summer of 2023: 47% of GCSE candidates achieved grades 9 to 8; 50% of A Level candidates achieved A* to A.

The new Head of Computer Science will look to lead and oversee the delivery of KS3, GCSE and A Level Computer Science. The successful candidate will develop a whole school curriculum for computing that will equip students for many different applications of programming, both within school and in their lives beyond school. They will look to remain at the forefront of developments in coding and the languages in which code is written, as well as its many practical applications, sharing this knowledge, skill-set and appetite to keep up with ever-changing technology with their students.

There will also be the expectation that the post holder will offer co-curricular activities that will allow pupils to explore the digital world. Currently, there is one other full-time member of staff who assists with the teaching of Computer Science

The list of professional duties below is set out in addition to the expectations that The Grange School has of any member of the teaching staff, as detailed in the Job Description for a Senior School Teacher.

A Head of Department:

leads and manages the process of annual Departmental Self Review (DSR) which includes, though not exhaustively, the following:

• formation of an annual Department Development Plan in cooperation with departmental colleagues, which includes an evaluation of public examination results using the Data Pack;
• formal discussion with the SLT link on at least two occasions each academic year to review/plan progress;
• regular review of the DDP, examination results and other data available within the department and implementation of actions as necessary;
• regular lesson observations of colleagues to support the development of their teaching and pupil learning;
• ensuring that baseline data is being used to monitor, and where possible improve, performance of the department and the pupils within it;
• completing an annual evaluation of progress to plan;
• should ensure the efficient running of the department, including the meeting of deadlines for DSR, exam entries and annual requisitions;
• is responsible for the appraisal, professional welfare, training and development of members of the department; for the induction of new staff into the department; and for supporting the Deputy Heads in the mentoring of newly qualified teachers;
• is responsible for their own development as a leader and manager, undertaking appropriate appraisal, training and development to both ends;
• must keep up to date with educational developments and changes within their subject area(s);
• should ensure that members of their department adhere to the criteria as set out in the Departmental Handbook with particular regard to the setting and marking of work and reporting procedures;
• should bring to the attention of their SLT Line Manager any difficulties which arise within the department;
• should hold regular departmental meetings, formal and informal, to discuss departmental matters and to ensure that the department works as a team; minutes of these meetings to be sent to the SLT Line Manager, the Deputy Head (Academic) and the Head;
• must attend Head of Department Meetings, as arranged by the Deputy Head (Academic); is responsible for drawing up and annual updating of syllabuses and schemes of work; departmental hand-outs for Open Morning; the Departmental Handbook; GCSE Options Brochure; Sixth Form Prospectus; displays and the general appearance of the department;
• is responsible for the selection of text books and teaching materials, and the methods of teaching used by members of the department;
• is accountable for all budgeting within the department;
• is responsible for the implementation of Health and Safety Policies within their areas; is responsible for the furniture and fabric within their departments;
• must attend Senior School Open Day and Sixth Form information events
• is to provide the Deputy Head (Academic) with timetable allocations of departmental staff and decide rooming timetables as required;
• should, where necessary set work for an absent member of the department if he/she is unable to do so;
• should share in the appointment processes of new staff to the department;
• should co-operate with other departments in cross-curricular activities as appropriate; must ensure that pupils are entered for public examinations in liaison with the Examinations Office;
• should liaise effectively with the Junior School subject co-ordinator of the same/equivalent subject.

In addition, all staff will be expected to carry out any other duties that the Head may, from time to time, reasonably request. Furthermore Heads of Department may have particular tasks relating to the areas they manage; it is the responsibility of the Head and/or Deputy Head (Academic) to clarify these.