Head of Department – Psychology and (ideally but not essential) Teacher of other subject

Dunottar School, Reigate - Job Description

Head of Department – Psychology and (ideally but not essential) Teacher of other subject

Part or Full time (with another subject) 

Commencing September 2018

Dunottar is a co-educational school for pupils aged 11-18 set in extensive grounds of 15 acres on the outskirts of Reigate.  Having joined United Learning in March 2014, the school became co-educational in September 2014, with boys joining Dunottar for the first time. With a new Headmaster in September 2017, the school is on a very exciting journey. The school is experiencing fast growth in pupil numbers and it recently announced a £6.6Million capital development programme to build a new Sixth Form Centre and a whole school Assembly Hall to accommodate future growth. 

Dunottar is a great place to work, with a team of highly professional and committed teachers and support staff. We incorporate best practice from independent schools and academies right across the United Learning Group, whilst retaining our unique, friendly ethos in Reigate where pupils are nurtured to make significant personal progress at the same time as achieving excellent academic results. United Learning is an outstanding organisation which prides itself on providing a working and learning environment which encourages ‘the best in everyone’. You will join a network of staff belonging to 60 other schools, with opportunities to engage with fellow professionals which far exceed what one school could achieve on its own. Personal development and career opportunities are excellent. 

Psychology is currently offered at A-Level and consists of Head of Department and one other member of staff. The department has a wealth of resources and has consistently gained some of the best value added scores in the school.

Various trips are organised each year to inspire pupils and aid their understanding of the subject. The department also offers weekly clinics during lunch times and is looking to offer other enrichment opportunities for pupils. The successful candidate will make a valued and proactive contribution to these initiatives and bring to the role their own creative approach to the delivery of Psychology both inside and out of the classroom. They will also play an active role in the extensive and varied co-curricular program, both during the working week and some weekends.

We are seeking to appoint a high calibre and enthusiastic teacher to join this successful and friendly department. We are looking for someone with an ability to stimulate curiosity and interest in Psychology and who is prepared to give full commitment to the aims and ethos of the Department and to Dunottar School. If the candidate has a second subject, this may be beneficial but is not essential. 

Specification

 Qualifications

• A record of excellent academic achievement including a relevant   honours degree

• PGCE/QTS 

Personal qualities

• High levels of personal and professional integrity

• Self-confidence, personal energy and dynamism

• Personal warmth, good rapport with pupils, colleagues and parents

• Excellent organisational skills

• Excellent oral and written English skills

• Appropriate levels of personal presentation

• Confident use of ICT

Teaching and Learning

• Enthusiasm for, and an excellent knowledge of the relevant curriculum

• Evidence of creative and innovative approaches to teaching and   learning including the appropriate use of ICT

• Commitment to improving, monitoring and evaluating teaching and   learning

• The ability to teach Psychology to A level is essential and another   subject could be advantageous

• An ability to make all pupils feel valued and involved in your lessons

Philosophy and Ethos

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and   young people

• High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and   conduct

• Commitment to best practice in pastoral support and student welfare

• Commitment to helping with co-curricular activities and curriculum  enrichment