Head of History

Please apply via the school's website using the application form and providing a supporting statement.

Head of History

We are seeking to appoint a dynamic, creative and innovative Head of History to inspire students throughout the whole school with a love of History and equip them with necessary skills to achieve highly both in examinations and life. You will have an infectious love of your subject and be able to motivate and enthuse young people across the age range. You will have high expectations of your students (and your colleagues) but it will be your focus on individual support and positive encouragement which will ensure these expectations are met. You will be an exceptional classroom practitioner with demonstrable success in both public examination, inspection and lesson observation. You will enjoy the company of young people and will have the ability to foster meaningful and purposeful working relations with all students. You will be sensitive to, and mindful of, those with specific needs (be these SEND students or those for whom English is an additional language) and will have experience of supporting such students to achieve.

You will be eager to capitalize on the uniquely creative and artistic nature of the school and be keen to foster working relations and projects between English, Music, Drama, Art and other subject areas.

You will be supported with the necessary resources to achieve success and given the freedom and autonomy to manage the Department as you see fit.

The person appointed will be responsible for the overall organisation of the department, with responsibility for teaching all year groups (year 7 to 13), examination preparation, marking and administration up to and including both GCSE and A level. Edexcel courses are currently offered at GCSE alongside AQA specification at A level but the new incumbent may wish to review the curriculum offer. Similarly, the new incumbent may wish to review the lower school provision.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape and develop subject within a truly unique and inspirational school. Our students are inquisitive, articulate and thoughtful – they are also demanding (and sometimes challenging!) because their expectations are rightfully high. The successful candidate will understand how to harness these qualities and will be prepared to invest the time to truly understand our students (and school) and work with them to ensure they succeed.

JOB TITLE: HEAD OF HISTORY

- All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal.

- Your line manager is the Director of Teaching and Learning.

This job specification sets out the duties of the post at the time of drafting. Specific responsibilities are as follows:

FOR HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

- To create engaging, rigorous and enriching schemes of work, ensuring they are robust and effective and meet the needs of all students

-To ensure that all lessons within the department are well-planned; lessons should be tailored to meet the learning requirements of the class with sufficient opportunities for group and individual challenges.

-To teach all year groups a range of History disciplines.

- To lead the History team; giving a clear vision and direction to the work, identifying key areas for improvements and planning appropriate actions to meet them.

-To ensure that staff have access to all relevant materials to carry out these tasks.

-To organise a framework for administrative tasks. This includes both day to day administrative and History specific tasks.

 - To manage both the people and resources associated with the department.

- To ensure that risk assessments are carried out in line with the school Health and Safety policy.

-To remain fully informed about national and local developments in their subject area as well as keeping abreast of wider educational issues.

-To develop the departmental Teaching and Learning action plan.

-To ensure that examination administration is carried out and that all students are prepared for external and internal exams.

-To manage the departmental budget

FOR ALL TEACHING STAFF

- To carry out teaching commitments as agreed with the Principal and Vice-Principal

- To participate in the School’s appraisal scheme

- To support and implement the School’s behavioural policy

- To monitor students’ attendance at lessons and to liaise with the Vice-Principal or the

  Instrumental Timetabler when difficulties arise

- To assist in providing cover for absent colleagues

- To supervise students during internal and external examinations

- To supervise students during breaks on a duty rota

- To attend assemblies

- To attend the weekly staff meeting and other relevant meetings by arrangement

- To attend Parents’ Evenings

- To participate in School Inset meetings

- To contribute to the School’s extra-curricular and/or boarding provision

- To assist occasionally at whole school events

FOR ALL STAFF

- To promote the aims and values of the School

- To support and protect the interests of the students

- To support colleagues in their work

- To ensure the smooth-running of the School and the well-being of the School community

- To act in accordance with the current legal requirements, School policies and guidance on the

  safeguarding of children and young people

- To undertake such administrative and supervisory duties as may be required

- To follow the procedures and policies set out in the Staff Handbook

- To promote equality by actively protecting staff and students from discrimination

- To comply with current Health and Safety regulations and best practice