Head of Mathematics

Head of Mathematics

Thank you for your interest in the position of Head of Mathematics at The Beacon. 

The Beacon is a large independent prep school for boys, with an age range of 4-13. We have superb facilities and resources to support a forward-looking educational environment. 

The Maths Department at The Beacon is very strong, having been led by an outstanding Head of Maths for many years. We now seek a successor who has a passion with exceptional knowledge for the subject coupled with proven ability to lead a major department with clarity and vision. The ability to teach and inspire at all levels from independent school scholarship to those who might struggle with Maths is vital. 

The successful candidate will also be a form tutor, and as with all our teaching staff will be expected to contribute to the school’s extra-curricular programme and immerse themselves into Beacon School life.  Please note that knowledge of teaching Mathematics at secondary level is sought as the successful candidate will teach Years 6, 7, and 8 to the highest levels. 

The Beacon is a remarkable school and we seek remarkable people. We look forward to hearing from you.

The main areas of responsibility are:

As a Teacher

• To teach Maths primarily from Y5 to Y8 with skill, enthusiasm and dedication.
• To encourage and stimulate the boys to achieve excellence in all their endeavours and to expect the highest standards
• To prepare lessons in line with the agreed curriculum and schemes of work in the subject
• To mark and assess boys’ work and progress in line with the school and departmental policies and to record assessments in a clear and informative manner, using our digital systems
• To report progress to parents at parents’ meetings and in written reports
• To ensure that the boys’ work is presented and maintained in an organised, appropriate and accessible format
• To work closely in a team with other teachers and assistants and the Head of Section and all members of the SMT
• To liaise with the staff in the Learning Support Centre to ensure that the needs of all boys with SEN are met 
• To ensure that IEPs are managed and maintained effectively 
• To maintain records and notes on academic issues on the electronic profiling system

Pastoral

• To look after the well-being and pastoral needs of the boys in the class
• To reinforce the Values of The Beacon
• To monitor closely the behaviour of the boys in the class and deal with any inappropriate behaviour, in consultation with the Senior Master if necessary
• To encourage and reward the boys for good behaviour, using a variety of different and appropriate methods
• To communicate effectively and regularly with parents and other staff
• To liaise with the Senior Master/Pastoral Team where necessary
• To liaise with the School Counsellor, where necessary
• To maintain records and notes on pastoral issues on the electronic profiling system

As Head of Department

• To be responsible for the curriculum and standards of the teaching in Maths throughout the school working closely with subject co-ordinators and other staff
• To establish clear guidelines for how the department should be run, especially with regard to school policies on planning, marking and assessment;
• To develop and maintain the PSB (Prep School Baccalaureate) with regard to Maths in Y7 and Y8
• Continuously to revise and update the Departmental Handbook and Schemes of Work;
• To organise regular departmental meetings in order to review the work, progress and plan for the forthcoming term
• To monitor and support the teaching of the other members of the department through individual discussion, assessment and lesson observations to ensure that ‘excellent Maths’ is being taught throughout the school
• Manage the professional development and arrangements for Maths staff training (including inductions, Probations and Professional Development Reviews)
• To be responsible for the allocated departmental budget and to use it to resource the subject effectively and efficiently throughout the school;
• To meet regularly with other Heads of Department to strengthen cross-curricular links and share skills, ideas and experiences in teaching and learning;
• To promote interest in and enjoyment of the subject through extra-curricular activities and inter- and intra-school events;
• To liaise closely with the Head of Learning Support;
• To keep abreast of developments in the subject, attend relevant training and all INSETs.
• To prepare Maths Departmental Review papers for presentation to SMT and Governors’ Education Sub-Committee 
• To attend and take an active role in Academic Team leadership meetings

Additional Duties

• To perform break time and lunchtime duties on a rota basis
• To supervise boys during assemblies 
• To assist with the organisation and running of  trips and events when necessary
• To be a form tutor

In all areas of school life, staff are expected to lead by example and demonstrate and uphold the values and principles that we wish the boys to learn.