Head of Computing and Digital Learning

The Role

The Head of Computing and Digital Learning works with the Senior Leadership Team (Academic) to support the teaching and learning process and initiate curriculum innovation. He/she will take the lead in the teaching of Computing across the school and will ensure the smooth running and ongoing monitoring of Computing and Digital Learning in Years 3 - 8. The incumbent will be line managed by the Academic Director and be a member of the Heads of Department (HoDs) committee. He/she will work with fellow Heads of Department to ensure continuity of academic matters between classes. The Head of Computing and Digital Learning will be expected to support teachers and pupils with the use of digital technologies in effective and meaningful ways in classrooms and elsewhere across the School. Further, the successful candidate is expected to be an enthusiastic and qualified professional who wishes to be fully involved in all areas of school life.

Duties

Strategic:

• To develop a vision for digital learning within the academic departments and coordinate digital learning across the curriculum through a single, coherent strategic plan which delivers progression in pupils’ capability as digital learners and which enables pupils to become information literate, independent learners as they advance through the school
• To keep up to date in all matters relating to the provision of technology
• To collaborate with and provide advice to the Senior Management Team on all matters of computing and digital learning
• To liaise with DCS and Pre-Prep on matters of computing and digital learning

Staff:

• To raise the awareness of staff to the potential for digital learning to facilitate improvements in teaching, learning and administration
• To provide support to teachers to create and develop rich learning tasks incorporating appropriate use of technology as part of their curriculum
• To provide advice on academic software and hardware to ensure equality of access for pupils to digital facilities and resources which are appropriate to their needs.
• To support staff in other departments, giving guidance and assistance where appropriate.
• To deliver relevant INSET and Staff Meeting sessions around Digital Learning.

Department:

• To lead the teaching of computing across the school and to teach a timetable of computing lessons.
• To observe and support teaching of the subject throughout the School.
• To organise the development of syllabus, materials and schemes of work.
• To keep records in line with the school’s assessment policy.
• To resource the department and order textbooks / materials, as required.
• To coordinate and review the annual departmental budget bids and advise the Deputy Head (Academic) and Bursary accordingly.
• To encourage professional development within the department through attendance at courses and the provision of in-house INSET sessions.
• To liaise with other departments regarding cross-curricular links.
• To have regular meetings with the Head of Learning Support and Deputy Head (Academic) to ensure that diverse curriculum/learning needs are being met.
• To identify and provide opportunities to develop skills for the future such as external competitions, workshops and events.
• To keep in mind Equality and Diversity, looking for ways to encourage a gender balance in Computing.

Additional:

• To liaise with the IT Department about technical needs of the school and implementation of new technology.
• To enrol new students, staff and Chromebooks, ensuring each person and device has the correct settings and access.
• Produce material to communicate Digital Learning initiatives to parents and respond to parental queries on the matter.
• Support the IT-Team by being a first-response trouble-shooter fixing issues such as log-in and WiFi connection issues.
• Ensure that banks of Chromebooks and Android Tablets are allocated and stored appropriately and work with the IT Department to fix any problems.
• Manage a group of Y8 Tech Ambassadors, making sure that they have suitable responsibilities in this role.
• Support, as necessary, the provision of online learning when pupils are unable to be onsite.
• On occasions, support staff training events in the setting up and recording of online meetings.

General:

• To attend parents/staff/departmental meetings as required.
• To assist the Academic Director in identifying appropriate CPD courses for members of the department.
• To identify own training needs and agree solutions with Academic Director.
• To keep abreast of developments in the subject and teaching in general.

*Teachers are automatically enrolled in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), alternatively they can join AVIVA APTIS scheme employer contribution 3% and employee contribution 4%

Please see the job description for further details.

The Foundation

Dean Close Foundation is a growing, vibrant and diverse family of independent schools and nurseries, uniting around a shared vision and set of values. These spring from the origins of Dean Close School, which was founded in 1886 in memory of Dean Francis Close, Rector of Cheltenham and educational philanthropist. The Christian ethos of that original school continues today where the aim is that every child should be given the opportunities to flourish, underpinned by its core values of courage, contribution and love which are the guiding principles behind its educational vision. The Foundation currently has five schools and six nurseries within its group, creating a strong community that can share best practice, resources and a secure future.

Dean Close Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.