Head of Business Studies

We wish to appoint from September 2020 a well-qualified, enthusiastic and committed Head of Business Studies.  The post is full-time and permanent.  We could consider part-time candidates on a job share basis.  The position would suit an experienced teacher.  

This is an excellent opportunity to join one of Oxfordshire’s largest and most successful schools judged ‘Outstanding by OFSTED in the latest inspection. Effective  administrative systems support the two sites.  Students are well-behaved and motivated, and there is a strong sense of community in Thame, with a committed parent support base.

We are exceptionally strong in terms of pastoral support for all students and have the highest expectations for individual achievement whatever the starting points. Outside the classroom there are wonderful extra-curricular activities for all.  Students leave the school successful and well-rounded individuals. There is a ‘buzz’ about learning in the school and our students are fortunate to be supported in their learning by dedicated teachers and support staff. Staff training and professional development are always a developmental priority and many of our staff move on to promotions in other schools.

The School

The school is the only school serving the market town of Thame and surrounding villages. It is a popular school and always oversubscribed. It is a split site school – Years 7-9 on our Lower School site and Years 10 -13 on our Upper School site. There are around 500 students in our Sixth Form and we attract many students from other schools, post-16. Teamwork is a key feature of school life and so is partnership with our feeder primary schools. There is a strong drive to establish powerful curriculum links cross phase with teachers collaborating on a range of projects.

The Humanities Faculty

Business Studies is part of the Humanities Faculty, which provides a wide range of courses throughout the school, in Business Studies, Economics, Geography, Government and Politics, History, Humanities, Religious Studies and Sociology. A large number of students follow GCSE and A level courses in subjects within the faculty. There is also successful Sixth Form BTEC Business Studies course.

There are fourteen full time and twelve part time members of staff teaching in the faculty. To assist the Head of Faculty there are Heads of Subject and Team Leaders with Key Stage responsibilities.

Key Stage 4

GCSE Business Studies is currently taught to 4 groups in Year 11 and 3 groups in year 10. It is taught by specialist staff. Students learn through a variety of tasks, tackling real and imagined issues on individual and group tasks, using the OCR examination board. 

Key Stage 5

Business Studies is taught at A and at BTEC Diploma level. The A level course currently follows the AQA syllabus. The main business themes addressed are therefore Objectives, Accounts, People Management, Operations Management, External Influences and Marketing. Students are encouraged to learn through a variety of teaching and learning strategies, with a particular focus on developing the use of Assessment for Learning practices.

The Pearson BTEC course covers a similar set of topics to those outlined above. It is mostly assessed by a series of assignments including some controlled assignments, with some external examinations.