Head of Geography

An exciting opportunity has arisen and we are seeking a new excellent Head of Geography for January 2020. 

Geography at St Bede’s is lively and vibrant with a strong take-up in Key Stages 4 and 5. Teaching in Key Stage 3 is undertaken in mixed ability tutor groups and the subject is allocated 3 hours in the 2 week timetable. Assessment is undertaken through a mixture of formative and summative assessments. A shared drive contains suggested lessons for the Key stage 3 course.

At Key Stage 4 teaching is again undertaken in mixed ability groups. The GCSE syllabus chosen is EdexcelB as we believe this provides a good foundation in geography for the students. Geography is a popular GCSE subject which is evidenced by the high take-up with 184 students in Year 11 and 146 in Year 10 this year with 130 Year 9 students signed up for next year. Field-trips have always been an important central focus within the department and this year these have included Dorset for the GCSE fieldwork element and The Isle of Wight for the A level NEA. 

At Key Stage 5 the department presently teaches the Edexcel syllabus. This syllabus is modern and linked to the full range of global issues and challenges facing the world today. That the subject is popular in this school at this level is again evidenced by a high take-up with two classes in both  Year 12 and 13. Presently, the field-trips for this course are to the Isle of Wight to equip and enable students to complete their NEA coursework.

The geography department has 5 full time members. It is based in 5 dedicated rooms, two of which are in a brand-new purpose-built block and the other three, close by, have been recently refurbished. There is a department office for all the staff and 3 stock rooms. Each teaching room is linked to both the Internet and school network, as well as having the use of a projector. The department has a suite of tablet PCs and also a set of chrome books which allow for integration of ICT into lessons across all key stages.

Increasing use is being made of the school VLE to place resources accessible to students. Our focus in this has been on the new A level syllabuses and year 11 revision sheets. The department also supports cross curricular activities in the school, for instance taking part in the Year 9 ‘Elective’ (6 week course) including an applications of Google Earth, and use of the Google expeditions VR app.

Why work for us?

t Bede's is a good place to work.  Staff are friendly and supportive of one another: relationships between staff and pupils were recognised by Ofsted as 'exceptionally strong'. 

NQTs benefit from a well developed and comprehensive induction period programme.  More experienced teachers are given the opportunity to participate in training which will help them to develop skills needed for middle and senior management roles.

There are good on-site catering facilities. Staff are able to use the fitness facilities free of charge and to participate in sports activities.  

Music is a big part of school life and staff are welcome to join our senior choir and instrumental groups.  

We have a social event at the end of each term as well as occasional staff trips to the theatre.

The school is situated in Redhill, a commuter belt town in the Surrey Fringe area.  We are close to the M25 and there are good transport links to London and the South Coast from Redhill station which is about 15 minutes walk from the school.  We also benefit from being within walking distance of beautiful countryside . Many staff live locally, others commute from Guildford, South London, Kent and East & West Sussex.

We welcome visits prior to application (but appreciate that it is not possible for everyone to do so).  If you would like to arrange a visit please email jobs@st-bedes.surrey.sch.uk