Head of Faculty - Science

About Us:

Mary Hare educates 240 profoundly deaf children at its residential school in Berkshire, and we pride ourselves on our pupils’ achievements at GCSE, A Level as well as B Tech and Vocational Courses. We offer the opportunity to teach highly motivated children, in small classes, where you can make a real difference at this national centre of excellence for deaf education. No knowledge of sign language is required, as we follow an auditory/oral philosophy.

The Department:

Science is taught at all Key Stages. Years 7 to 9 follow a course based on the Science National Curriculum using materials adapted for our own pupils. At GCSE students follow the AQA Combined Science Trilogy specification or can opt to study Separate Sciences in Biology, Chemistry and Physics with AQA. A smaller number of students study for an Entry Level Certificate or Level 2 BTEC in Science. All three science subjects are offered at A Level.

The Role:

As the new Head of Faculty, you will be expected to manage the Science Faculty and to be a member of the Heads of Faculty team. You will also be expected to teach science at KS3 and 4 with the possibility of A Level teaching for a suitable candidate.

Main Duties and Responsibilities in addition to those of Teacher of Science (specialism to be agreed at interview):

To Lead the Faculty:

·        To convene and chair weekly science faculty meetings.

·        To attend HOF meetings with SLT.

·        To support and co-ordinate the work of science teachers.

·        To conduct Performance Management of science teachers.

·        To work with science teachers to ensure faculty/school wide policy and practice is followed.

place; identifying any underperformance, putting in place effective intervention programmes.

·        To coordinate timetables and teaching staff.

·        To organise events such as competitions, activities, and visits to and from school.

·        To keep up to date and advise faculty members and SLT about curriculum development issues.

·        To work with Science teachers on aspects of data relating to pupil progress.

·        To order educational resources, with science staff input, from the faculty budget.

To support the Leadership Team and general aims of the school:

·        To lead duty teams and be a presence around school, encouraging good behaviour and punctuality.

·        To attend ad hoc meetings and thereafter to work with Leadership Team to support important events like Open Day, Speech Day, important visitors etc.

·        To attend some meetings of the Teaching and Learning Committee, ensuring good practice and preparation for OFSTED.

·        To complete and update the Curriculum Intent document for all Key Stages.

·        To complete the Self-Evaluation Form for the faculty.

·        To annually update Year group Curriculum descriptions for either the Mary Hare website or on Progress Reports for parents.

Person Specification

Education Attainment:

Professional Qualifications

·        Qualified Teacher of Science

·        Understanding of curriculum issues in Science

·        Qualified Teacher of the Deaf, or willingness to work towards within 3 years of employment.

·        Potentially able to teach ‘A level’, GCSE and Key Stage 3 to all abilities.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

·     Willingness to take on Form Tutor responsibilities, including teaching PSHCE.

·        Be prepared to learn new skills and engages in continued professional practice.

·        Understanding of good classroom management

·        Ability to work effectively with young people.

·        Good communication skills

·        Commitment to supporting individual pupils.

Skills and Personal Qualities

·        Excellent communication skills to enable effective dialogue with students, carers/parents, colleagues, staff, and where applicable visitors.

·        Organised and self-motivated, with a proven record for meeting targets and deadlines

·        Able to perform well and remain professional whilst under pressure.

·        Dedicated team-player, who strives for excellence and leads by example.

·        Well-developed problem-solving skills

·        Enthusiastic, with an eagerness to learn new skills and a commitment to personal continuous development.

·        High level of accuracy and attention to detail

·        Self-motivated and able to work alone without direction.

·        Committed to contributing toward the School community.

·        Good numeric and computer skills (Microsoft Outlook essential)

·        Practical and constructional

Essential Values, Behaviours and Attitudes

Please note that Mary Hare adheres to Safer Recruitment Standards and as such all applications must be made via the Mary Hare website and using the Mary Hare Application Form.

Applications will only be considered via a completed Application Form; CVs cannot be accepted.

Mary Hare | Arlington Manor | Snelsmore Common | Newbury | Berkshire | RG14 3BQ

This School is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal records self-disclosure form and successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. We are committed to securing genuine equality of opportunity in all aspects of our activities as an employer and education provider. The role you are applying for is ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974