Head of Geography (Maternity Cover)

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic scientist who will inspire the children to love their learning in Geography and beyond.  The ability to seek out opportunities for cross-curricular initiatives will be essential.

Management Responsibilities:

• To oversee the development of History throughout the whole school but with particular focus on Years 5, 6, 7 and 8

• Foster a love of learning

• Academic overview of Geography, liaising with the Director of Studies regarding curriculum and quality of teaching

• Maintain a thorough and up-to-date understanding of curriculum developments, especially but not exclusively with regards to CE / CASE

• Develop and manage the Geography department on the VLE (Firefly)

• Ensure differentiation is appropriate at all ages throughout the school

• Track and monitor pupils’ progress, developing programmes of support or extension for those who need it

• Lead departmental appraisal, including book monitoring, lesson observation and scheme of work updates

• Liaise with other Heads of Department to develop cross-curricular opportunities, including trips and on-site events

• Manage the departmental budget; manage and develop departmental resources

• Liaise with other teachers, including learning support teachers and assistants

• Prepare Year 8 children for Scholarships to Lancing College and other Senior Schools

• To make staff aware of National Curriculum, Common Entrance and Common Academic Scholarship changes and trends where necessary

• To write and review medium term and short term plans

• To attend relevant courses and to disseminate information to staff

• To attend Parent Consultation Evenings and to write reports for parents at the end of the academic year

• To attend periodic meetings with other Heads of Department from IAPS schools and liaise with Heads of Department from senior schools in the district

Teacher responsibilities:

• Set and maintain good standards of discipline and behaviour inside and outside the classroom, encouraging the children to be kind and thoughtful people

• Plan, present and mark work in a professional manner and in accordance with school policies

• Encourage pupils to develop lively, enquiring minds

• Promote an attitude of ‘delving deeper’ to further children’s knowledge and understanding, to develop their love of learning, and to foster a sense of independent enquiry

• Encourage and maintain good communication with parents of all pupils you teach

• Perform break, lunch and prep duties as part of the staff duty rota

• Maintain a happy working environment in the classroom, including displays of children’s work

• Play a full role in the extra-curricular life of the school, including after school clubs and academic catch-up ‘clinics’

• Organise appropriate educational visits

• Involve the School in local and national events including competitions

• Cover classes for absent colleagues as required

• Actively support the marketing function of the school

• Liaise with Director of Studies over curricular/academic concerns regarding pupils

• Liaise with the Deputy Head over pastoral/behavioural concerns regarding pupils

• Liaise with the SENCO over concerns relating to SEN or EAL pupils

• Liaise with the AGT coordinator relating to more able or talented pupils

• Represent the school at area IAPS subject meetings when required

• Keep up to date with educational issues and be prepared to attend in service training as require

• Be an excellent role model for the pupils

• Fully support the ethos and aims of the school

• Ensure full knowledge and compliance with school policies

• Complete any other tasks which the Head reasonably requests of you

This job description sets out the main duties at the time it was drawn up.  Such duties may vary occasionally but without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed, and the candidate will be required to carry out any reasonable requests required by their Line Manager.