Head of History and Politics

Head of Department, History and Politics

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and dedicated historian to lead an experienced and highly regarded department. Excellent subject knowledge is essential for this role, as is a deep enthusiasm for History and Politics and an ability to foster that enthusiasm in others. 

The successful candidate will, first and foremost, be an excellent classroom practitioner, leading the department by example by setting high standards within the classroom. Whilst timetables have yet to be confirmed for next year, the successful candidate should be excited by the prospect of teaching to A Level standard. Candidates should also have strong leadership skills to enable them to oversee the development of this thriving Department.

History and Politics Department

The Department consists of four teachers reporting to the Head of History and Politics. Two members of the Department are on the Senior Management Team. It is a dynamic environment, with staff contributing extensively to the extra-curricular offering of the school whilst also reflecting creatively on how to best teach pupils to embrace the challenge of the discipline. 

Pupils currently study the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus in the Fourth and Fifth Form, focusing on Russia in Revolution, Russia under Stalin, Nazi Germany and the Changing Nature of Conflict c.1936-c.2003. At Sixth Form, the department has recently transitioned to the AQA History A Level programme, with students studying China 1936-97 and British Imperial History. Their Independent Investigations will focus on the causes of the American Civil War. Students follow also follow the AQA specification in Government and Politics, a subject that is enjoying a renaissance since being integrated into the History Department at the start of the last academic year.

Pupils studying History and Politics are given a number of opportunities to visit sites that help them set their learning in context. Third Form pupils visit the battlefields of France and Belgium, GCSE pupils visit Krakow and Berlin, and a trip to China is planned for the Sixth Form. Students are also taken to visit the Houses of Parliament and the National Archives. Lower down the school, pupils are taken to the Black Country Living Museum to complement their study of the Industrial Revolution, whilst First Form pupils visit Oxford Castle to explore how castle construction changed over time.

The Department is proud of its examination results at both GCSE and Sixth Form. Last year 83% of pupils taking the IGCSE gained grades within the A*-B bracket. At Sixth Form level, the department is currently seeing through the final cohort of Cambridge Pre-U students, having enjoyed excellent results since adopting the qualification in 2009. It is a consistently popular choice for Sixth Form study, with a quarter of the current Lower Sixth cohort undertaking the subject. Uptake at GCSE is similarly strong, with History being the most popular ‘optional’ subject. Fewer students opt to study Government and Politics at A Level, although it enjoys a committed following and is growing in popularity.  The department is far from complacent in its approach to teaching and learning and is determined to implement strategies that will ensure that standards are consistently high.

Duties: At Cokethorpe School, teachers are expected to

· Inspire a love of History and Politics in pupils.

· Demonstrate excellent subject knowledge and innovative, creative teaching techniques.

· Be accountable for the progress made by pupils, both in terms of internal and external communications – for example, through Progress Review Evenings and written reports.

· Develop strategies to support pupils in becoming independent and effective learners.

· Promote the History and Politics Department, organising extra-curricular experiences to stretch and challenge all pupils.

· Play a full and committed role in the development of the whole learning experience of pupils within the school, including participation in tutoring, the AOB programme and, if appropriate, Games.

· Take part in, and, where appropriate, contribute to a full and varied Professional Development Programme.

A Head of Department is expected to 

· Have oversight of learning and progress across the department and to introduce interventions where necessary, both to extend and support.

· Champion the subject throughout the school community and beyond

· Display excellent organisation, administrative and communication skills

· Lead a learning-focused and collaborative department that has pupil learning at its centre

For further details and how to apply, please view the vacancies page of the School's website.