Head of Humanities

We are looking for an exceptional individual to join Harris Westminster Sixth Form, joining the school's other three Heads of Faculty to lead, manage and develop the subject areas of Humanities (currently Economics, Geography, History and Politics).

At Harris Westminster Sixth Form (HWSF), we believe “learning is amazing” and this is the heart of our school ethos. You will lead, manage and develop the teaching and other academic aspects of the work of a team of teachers, including implementing and delivering an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant, differentiated, challenging and inspiring curriculum for students and to ensuring that the subject areas within the faculty are vibrant, interesting and enriching for all students.

You will monitor and support the overall progress and development of all students studying in the faculty. You will provide a motivating and structured learning experience, which will offer students with the opportunity to achieve their individual potential. You will monitor, manage and support the performance of teaching staff in the faculty. You will contribute significantly to raising standards of student attainment as a teacher and form tutor. You will support the process of application to university as a Head of Faculty, teacher and form tutor and contribute significantly to the Cultural Perspectives programme. You will contribute to the wider life of the school, including extra-curricular and enrichment activities. You will make and implement plans to improve and develop the work of the Faculty.

You will report to the Assistant Principal or Vice Principal and liaise with the Head of School, Senior Leadership Team, Heads of Faculty, Heads of House, relevant non-teaching support staff, parents and Governors and other stakeholders.

About Us

Harris Westminster combines the energy of brilliant young people from across London's diverse neighbourhoods, the strength of Westminster School in teaching academically able students, and the Harris Federation's experience and expertise in running outstanding maintained sector schools. It is over-subscribed, academically selective, has 35% of students from a disadvantaged background, and has incredible diversity in its student cohort with no ethnic group exceeding 20%. 65% of HWSF students go on to study at Russell Group universities and we have one of the largest Oxbridge cohorts of any school (state or private). 38 students from the 2022 cohort gained places. We are looking for an outstanding individual to join and support this exciting, scholarly, and vibrant community.

Academy Ethos

Ambition. Perseverance. Legacy. Kindness. Scholarship.

Harris Westminster students expect great things of themselves; they aim high and meet their targets, gaining places on the most competitive university course and apprenticeships, and from those courses into elite careers. They work hard to reach their ambitions and learn that setbacks are reasons to review strategy and try again rather than give up. They understand that they are part of a community where we look after each other and support each other to overcome hardships and to thrive. They aim to make their mark on the world for the long term and learn that they can have a positive and lasting impact. Students from different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles work together and listen to each other to understand more deeply how these differences affect our experiences, to overcome prejudices and create a more equal society. During their time at the school they develop a love of learning and acquire the habits of enquiry, knowledge acquisition, and scholarship.

Main Areas of Responsibility

Your responsibilities will include:

• To develop faculty aims, objectives and strategic plans in line with the Sixth Form Improvement Plan.
• To contribute to the whole Sixth Form's planning and self-evaluation activities.
• To lead the development of appropriate syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, marking policies and teaching strategies in the subject areas.
• To lead the process of curriculum development and implementation of change to ensure the continued relevance to the needs of students. This includes the development of resources, schemes of work, policies and strategies for raising achievement.
• To plan, direct and lead subject specific training within the faculty, as well as contribute to whole school professional training as appropriate.
• To continue personal development in the relevant areas, including subject knowledge and teaching methods and to ensure that other members of the faculty do the same.
• To work as a member of a designated team and to contribute positively to effective working relations within the Sixth Form.
• To take part in the Sixth Form's staff development programme by participating in arrangements for further training and professional development.

Please see job pack for full details.

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Successful experience teaching Economics or History or Politics at sixth form level with excellent outcomes at A Level.
• Understanding of theory and practice of effective teaching and learning.
• Experience of observing teaching and giving feedback
• Understanding of how the most-able students learn.
• Understanding of the importance of having high expectations for all students, both of behaviour and academic achievement.
• Understanding of inclusive provision and practices which offer equality of access to the curriculum for all students, including special educational needs and English as an additional language.
• Knowledge and experience of writing schemes of work, lesson plans, developing resources and assessing students' work.
• Understanding the importance of being a Tutor

Rewards & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level to senior leadership.

We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, electric car scheme and many other benefits.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.