Head of History

King Edward’s School is seeking to appoint a full time Head of History to lead a strong and enthusiastic department in an exceptional school from 1 September 2023. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and no experience of working in the independent sector is required. A willingness to participate in the wider life of the School with pastoral care duties and help with co-curricular activities is expected. 

The History Department

History is thriving at King Edward’s School as boys are justifiably curious about their place in the world and how History has shaped the present day. The study of History is vital to anyone with a desire to understand current trends in politics, economics, and society in general, though we aspire to do even more than that with this subject. In the era of ‘fake news’ we think it essential that boys critically engage with source material, learning to ask the right questions about the evidence they encounter, rather than simply parrot the right answers. We also want them to build a helpful historical vocabulary so they can use language as the key link between knowledge, concepts and understanding. In common with other parts of the King Edward’s curriculum, we want History to help boys to nurture their own creativity, to become effective independent learners, to think critically and to have a well-developed sense of international awareness. History sits at the heart of a liberal and liberating education.

Job Description

The Head of History will lead, promote and deliver an exceptional programme of academic and co-curricular History.

·        To provide strong and effective strategic leadership for the History Department

·        To exercise the responsibilities of a Head of Department as set out in the HoD job description below

·        To liaise effectively with staff at King Edward VI High School to facilitate a joined up approach to co-curricular History

·        To work with the Partnerships and Participation Manager to identify, as required and appropriate, mutually beneficial joint ventures beyond the school community, and to promote Historical events and initiatives both within, and beyond where appropriate, the wider school community

Curriculum and Teaching

·        To be responsible for curriculum planning in the department, working within agreed school policy

·        To be responsible for the quality of teaching and learning throughout the department and to monitor, evaluate and review the work of the department including the production of an annual development plan

·        To co-ordinate the teaching of the subject, particularly by preparing and up-dating department handbooks, assessment and other policies, and schemes of work, which should ensure that teaching takes full account of the range of ability of pupils at King Edward's School

·        Within the general policy of the school, to decide on external examinations to be taken and to oversee proper preparation for them

·        To keep abreast of developments in teaching and learning methodology, materials, and resources within the subject area(s) and to advise members of the department and the Deputy Head (Academic) of those developments when appropriate

·        To provide appropriate information for the monitoring and recording of individual pupil progress for the Deputy Head (Academic)

·        To prepare an annual department review, to include analysis of results and objectives for the year ahead, for discussion with the Deputy Head (Academic) and Chief Master

Staffing

 ·        To involve members of the department in the planning and development of the department, and to co-ordinate the work of the department, particularly by holding regular departmental meetings, and ensuring that accurate records are kept of them

·        To assist with the professional development of members of the department, including in-service work as appropriate and the induction of new members of staff; to support and monitor newly qualified teachers, and to participate in the School appraisal system

·        To advise the Chief Master about recruiting and appointing new staff to the department

·        When appropriate, to accept student teachers within the department, liaising with the in-school tutor, and closely supervise teaching practice

·        To liaise with the Deputy Head (Academic) and Timetabler over the most effective allocation of staff to forms and sets within the subject area

·        Where appropriate, to manage and deploy support staff, and to ensure their training needs are met.

Administrative

 ·        To control departmental expenditure, to submit financial estimates for books and other resources, to order these once the budget has been authorised, and to have an oversight of the use, storage and security of departmental materials and equipment and to keep up-dated records of stock

·        To advise the Chief Master on future needs of the department

·        To promote a safe working environment, liaising with the Safety Officer to this end

·        To prepare the department for Open Mornings and other public events

·        To participate in Warwick and Foundation Subject Groups as appropriate

·        To be responsible for the departmental area particularly in terms of displays

·        To participate in the admissions process to the School when requested

Pastoral

 ·        To monitor the behaviour of pupils within the department and to liaise with Form Tutors and Heads of Year as appropriate

·        To monitor the pupils’ academic progress in the department, including the oversight of pupils’ subject reports

·        In consultation with the Head of Learning Support, to ensure that appropriate provision is made for pupils with a learning difficulty

·        To promote appropriately high levels of expectation from pupils by setting down clear guidelines for establishing good standards of behaviour and achievement within the department, including homework policy the careful presentation of work and care of books and equipment

To undertake any other reasonable duty related to the department that the Chief Master or Deputy Head (Academic) may delegate.