Head of Computer Science

Runnymede College is a private non-denominational British school in Madrid offering a British education to boys and girls of all nationalities from the age of two to eighteen. The education offered follows the British National Curriculum.

Founded as a private school in September 1967, the primary school was inaugurated in 1987, and since 1990, the whole School has been situated in La Moraleja, a residential estate 13 km to the north of Madrid.

Academic levels are high at Runnymede College. In June 2022, 67% of our students achieved A-A* at A level, with 98% of grades being A*-C. This is particularly impressive when compared with the 58% of A*-A grades achieved at independent (private) schools in England this year. In addition, 74% of our pupils gained A*-A grades at IGCSE. Once again, this is a truly excellent achievement when compared with the 53% of A*- A grades at GCSE obtained in the English independent (private) school sector.

In the graduating class of 2022, one student will be studying Maths at Oxford; another will begin her course in Architecture at Cambridge. Other top-ranking UK universities welcoming this year’s graduates include St Andrews, Imperial, UCL, Edinburgh and Bath. The United States has attracted more pupils than ever, with pupils starting their higher education at Columbia, Stanford, UPenn, Johns Hopkins and Duke, amongst other excellent colleges.

In Spain, IE and Navarra are both popular with this year’s leavers, and it is pleasing to see many of our newest Old Runnymedians attend universities in other EU countries like the Netherlands (Eindhoven, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Twente), France, Ireland (Trinity College Dublin) and Italy (Bocconi).

Runnymede College is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and innovative Head of Computer Science who can design and teach a curriculum for Key Stage 3 and 4 students in the first instance. The department currently forms part of the Maths faculty, and Computer Science is offered on a weekly basis to all students in Years 8 and 9. The Head of Department will have responsibility for launching Computer Science at Key Stage 4 from September 2023, and developing curriculum provision throughout the College, working closely with the Head of Computing in Junior/Prep School.

Computer Science is a growing area of interest for students, and a strategic focus for Runnymede. Students are issued with iPads in Years 3 to 11, and the devices are an integral part of our teaching. However, the school is also looking at the acquisition of laptops specifically for Computer Science lessons at Key Stage 4. A knowledge of the Apple iWork suite of programs, Google Classroom, Apple School Manager, and of VLEs in general is also important. 

The successful candidate will be knowledgeable in the core areas of the subject. They will be a keen problem solver who is able to confidently code using procedural and object-orientated approaches, and who can enthuse and develop students in these areas. They will plan and deliver lessons, develop teaching materials, ensure that the hardware is cared for and promote and support activities in the field of digital teaching and learning. They will research, advise and support school staff and students in the use of educational digital tools and be prepared to run training sessions on digital learning. It would be an advantage if they are also able to teach KS4 Physics (IGCSE).

Responsibilities will include:

• Refine and expand a Key Stage 3 Computer Science curriculum.
• Choose, resource and plan a GCSE/IGCSE Computer Science course.
• Teach the course, grade and assess projects, record achievement, track and communicate student progress throughout the course.
• Attend parent meetings.
• Assist students and teachers in the use of educational digital tools.
•  Maintain and manage programs, online teaching resources and hardware - in conjunction with the IT Support Department.
• Keep up to date with curriculum development and to take part in relevant CPD for this purpose, disseminating to other staff where appropriate.
• Advise all parts of the school in the use of digital technology, making sure they are used effectively to meet the needs of all students and of the College.
• Line manage those staff within the Computer Science department, identifying opportunities for training and development when appropriate.
• Teach KS4 (IGCSE) Physics (desirable)

The successful applicant will:        

• have a qualification in computer science, computer engineering, or related discipline.
• have a teaching qualification.
• have prior experience of teaching Computer Science at GCSE or IGCSE.       
• have the ability to teach KS4 (IGCSE) Physics (desirable)
• be a native level English speaker and will preferably have previous experience in a similar role.
• previous experience of an international school is preferable but not essential        

Please complete the TES online application form and attach your CV and covering letter.

Final date for applications- Friday 28th October 2022

Runnymede is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including check with past employers and the ACRO Criminal Records Office.