Head of Department - Science

The Science Department:

The Science team of staff are based mainly in the Science building in a suite of modern laboratories, and a lecture theatre.  Each classroom is equipped with an interactive white board, projector and computer.  The department currently delivers the following subjects across Years 7-13. Key Stage 3 general science following the AQA Activate SOW. Key Stage 4 AQA GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Trilogy Science. Key Stage 5 AQA A Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics. BTEC Level 2 and 3 Science. The department also offers super-curricular programs for Key stage 3-5 including Science clubs, introduction into Veterinary science and Medicine and other STEM activities.

Expectations: 

• To be responsible for monitoring schemes of work are continually reviewed, updated and amended in terms of content, resources, assessment and recording 
• Ensure appropriate and differentiated delivery of all courses, providing leadership and support to the teaching team 
• Monitor pupils’ progress and review and develop strategies to address underperformance and raise overall achievement 
• Be the initial point of contact for dealing with issues relating to the performance of department staff 
• Produce and monitor the Department’s Development Plan, including relevant analyses 
• Ensure that well thought-out cover work is provided for groups when a teacher is absent 
• Ensure that a programme of extra-curricular activities for pupils is maintained to enhance the work of the department and opportunities available to pupils within the school

 

Support for Students: 

• Use specialist skills/training/experience to support students 
• Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all students within the classroom and the school environment 
• Encourage students to interact and work co-operatively with others and engage all students in activities 
• Provide formative oral and written assessment, through marking, prep and other forms of feedback,  using this to inform, record keeping, formal assessments and reports on the development, progress and attainment of students, as individuals and as groups of students to line managers and parents

Head of Department Responsibilities:

Student Behaviour: 

• Follow and monitor the use of the LEARN policy within the department

Staff: 

• Manage the work of the Curriculum Leaders in monitoring student progress 
• Plan for effective CPD within the department 
• Write staff references 
• Interview new staff 
• Manage all staff within the department, overseeing appraisal and performance management 
• Lead department meetings 
• Planning Ahead: 
• Produce the Department Development Plan in line with the Collegiate Strategic Plan 
• Implement the Department Development Plan and review progress 
• Review staffing and talent management and succession planning with the Head of Staff and Department Management

Administration: 

• Monitor staff timetables, classes and rooming 
• Organise cover for absent staff 
• Maintain the department budget 
• Ensure the department complies with all Health and Safety requirements

 

Teaching Responsibilities: 

• Teach across the full age and ability range 
• Be a highly motivated and proficient classroom teacher 
• Offer all students an innovative and effective learning experience 
• Share responsibility for the development of schemes of work, resources, data and enrichment activities with the subject team

Support for the Curriculum & Collegiate: 

• Identify appropriate attainment and/or achievement targets, differentiating teaching as required 
• Monitor planning, curriculum coverage and learning outcomes 
• Plan and implement intervention strategies where improvement needs are identified in conjunction with Curriculum Leaders 
• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person 
• Organise and deliver a super-curricular activity 
• Supervise students on visits, trips and out of school activities as required 
• Promote the Collegiate positively at all times

 

The Appointed Candidate will have: 

• Good honours degree and PGCE/QTS 
• MA in Education or a specialist Science related subject (Desirable) 
• Experience of managing multiple teams across a range of subject disciplines 
• Knowledge of BTEC Level 3 qualifications (Desirable) 
• Experience of teaching students with English as a second language (Desirable) 
• Sustained value added or positive Progress 8 (Desirable) 
• Ability to teach across Key Stages 3-5 
• Ability to ensure learners achieve well relative to their prior attainment, making progress, which is as good as, or better than, similar learners nationally 
• Knowledge of child protection/safeguarding (Desirable) 
• Experience of standardising coursework and internal examinations (Desirable) 
• Motivation to work with children and young people 
• Proactivity with your own professional development and in supporting others in meeting individual needs 
• Flexibility in working hours (Desirable)

 

Benefits: 

• Queen Ethelburga’s operates its own pay scale which parallels but is set above national teacher pay levels 
• All eligible staff are enrolled in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Free staff gym 
• Annual family summer barbecue 
• Annual black tie Christmas Ball for staff and a guest 
• Subsidised school fees for staff children

 

Applying:

QE is committed to ensuring a safe environment for its pupils and staff. Applicants will be required to provide proof of identity and undergo the relevant DBS checks for their role.

Any personal information you share with us on your application form will be used solely for recruitment purposes. Your details will be held for up to 6 months and destroyed after this time.

Any questions on individual roles or the recruitment process can be sent to the HR department on recruitment@qe.org

We receive high volumes of applications, due to this if you have not heard from us within two weeks of your application, unfortunately on this occasion your application will not have been successful.