Head of Science

Belmont School has a reputation for turning pupils previous failures into success. With a modern and innovative pupil centred approach, it has been judged Outstanding by Ofsted since 2008. For pupils with emotional social, behavioural and learning difficulties, a place at Belmont School ensures improvements in behaviour, confidence and self-belief, which can then be transferred into appropriate and accelerated learning inside the classroom and beyond. The primary and secondary sites are continuing to expand to extend the already excellent academic and vocational facilities.

We are looking for an experienced, qualified practitioner who has the skills to drive up standards and give students the tools to achieve their best in Science. The ability to teach up to GCSE/Key Stage 4 is essential and a working knowledge of the BTEC qualification would be an advantage.   The ability to make an outstanding contribution to the development of this core subject is essential and we believe that energy, passion and a commitment to high standards are key characteristics in the right applicant. We are looking for a special individual who is able to help re-engage the young people that we serve. Experience in working with pupils who have social, emotional and mental health related difficulties is an advantage. This is an opportunity for the successful candidate to develop their skills and experience in a challenging, motivating and highly rewarding environment.   

Key Result Areas

•Plan, implement, review and develop the Science curriculum to ensure provision is responsive to individual learning needs, reflects national standards and legal requirements. Ensure a balanced curricular approach that will encourage and reward participation in learning through achievement and progression

•Develop and organise teaching and other support staff to ensure the effective delivery of the Science curriculum. Promote and ensure pupil support and the achievement of high professional and teaching standards

•Ensure the continuous improvement of learning in Science and support provision based on an annual planning cycle with clear objectives and targets and a quality improvement plan based on self-evaluation and external benchmarks.  Responsibilities

•Support the Headteacher to formulate, implement and evaluate strategic improvement, operational and development plans that will enable the Science department to provide education and care suitable for the needs of all pupils and ensure the progressive improvement of the school

•In conjunction with the Headteacher, implement and evaluate the Science timetable, curriculum and support programme that will ensure all boys are able to progress and achieve through learning and that the school sets and achieves clear outcomes for academic learning

•Oversee management of the Science curriculum delivery and day to day management of the Science department

•Lead, co-ordinate and motivate staff teaching Science to set and meet high standards of learning, professional development and behaviour and encourage their positive contribution to the school and its ethos

•Ensure moderation across the subject with all teaching staff to ensure high standards of marking, assessment and progression within the Science department internally and externally

•Implement the Performance Management system that will ensure staff are aware of their responsibilities and commitments and are provided with support and development to meet their goal

•Work with the SENCo to ensure that effective systems for the recording, monitoring and review of progress are established and maintained to ensure the effective tracking of individual progress and the provision of Management Information to support organisational planning, quality management and inspection requirements. 

Applications for this post are invited from colleagues offering SEN experience, from mainstream schools and other educational settings. 

For an informal discussion by telephone or in person, please contact, in the first instance, Andy McGoldrick, Headteacher on (01706) 221 043 or apply online www.acorncare.co.uk  

This position is due to commence January 2018 (subject to all necessary safeguarding checks including verified references and DBS checks) and any notice period to be served.   Acorn Care and Education are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to fully Enhanced DBS Check