Head of Senior School Science

Runnymede College is a private non-denominational British school in Madrid offering a British education to boys and girls of all nationalities from the age of two to eighteen. The education offered follows the British National Curriculum. Founded as a private school in September 1967, the primary school was inaugurated in 1987, and since 1990, the whole school has been situated in La Moraleja, a residential estate 13 km to the north of Madrid.

The school is looking to recruit an outstanding teacher as Head of Senior School Science (Years 9-13) for September 2023.

Responsible to: Headmaster

Key Internal Relationships: Assistant Head, Senior Deputy Head,Senior School Deputy Head (Academic),Science Heads of Department, Science Technicians, Prep School Head of Science,Head of Staff Development

1. Purpose of the role:

The Head of Science will be responsible for leading a vibrant and dynamic Science programme within the Senior School, working to ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning and academic attainment. They will work closely with the individual Science Heads of Department and other senior staff to enable pupils to achieve their best outcomes, and to ensure effective development and delivery of the Science curricula.

2. Main responsibilities:

i.) Strategic direction

• Oversee the Year 9-13 Science curricula
• To keep abreast of latest changes in Science education and policy
• To advise the Senior Management Team on the development of Science teaching and learning to facilitate future planning
• To support the Headmaster in Science teacher recruitment
• To work with the Prep School Head of Science to facilitate the transition of Year 7 & 8 into the Prep School, and to continue collaboration to ensure Science skills are developed effectively throughout the whole school

ii). Leadership & Management

• To lead and co-ordinate the Science departments in a professional, positive and pro-active manner and to encourage cooperation between them
• To work with the Deputy Head (Timetable) to plan faculty staffing allocations, timetables and rooming
• To make appropriate arrangements for classes when staff are absent, liaising with relevant staff to secure appropriate cover
• Line management of the Science Heads of Department, including monitoring of teacher performance, schemes of work
• Line management of the Science technicians
• To ensure all colleagues are involved in faculty consultation and to represent the views of the faculty to the management team
• To participate in Head of Department meetings
• To lead on the Science areas of inspection preparation
• To develop a schedule for and chair Science Faculty meetings, including preparation of agenda, chairing of meetings and publication of minutes
• To lead the faculty in implementing whole school policies
• To assist with the induction of new staff in the faculty
• To help manage faculty finances and resources
• To develop and oversee co-curricular activities offered within the faculty

iii.) Curriculum development

• Oversee the Science department in the preparation and development of their courses of study, teaching materials, schemes of work, methods of teaching, practicals and assessment
• To take particular responsibility for the Year 8 (until summer 2024) and Year 9 Science curricula
• To model effective teaching and learning and encourage staff sharing of good practice
• To provide and support the development of up to date learning resources for students and staff
• To observe and review the quality of teaching in the faculty
• To encourage the development of co-curricula activities and trips/visits which support the learning and experience of scientists at Runnymede

iv). Tracking & Monitoring

• To oversee the Science departments tracking and monitoring of pupil progress, including the use of CAT4, SEND and other data to develop a culture of individualised and high-impact learning
• To produce an annual examinations analysis and faculty review
• To work with Head of Department, Heads of Year & SENCOs to implement appropriate intervention strategies to support pupil progress
• To oversee behaviour management within the faculty and support staff in ensuring a safe, secure and structured learning environment
• To monitor and co-ordinate the availability of courses and resources for pupils of all abilities within the school

iv). Reporting and communication:

• To monitor reporting procedures, moderation, data and record keeping within the faculty
• To ensure standards of reporting and communication with parents are maintained
• To oversee the presentation of information to parents about the faculty, for example for parents’ and options meetings
• To support faculty staff in dealing with parents

The successful applicant will have:

• outstanding GCSE & A level results 
• a good science honours degree from a British University (2:1 or better) 
• a PGCE or other qualified teacher status 
• recent experience as a teacher in a school in the UK 
• previous experience in an international school - desired not essential 
• previous teaching experience at Key Stage 3 Science, IGCSE & A Level and teaching in laboratories 
• have previous experience as Head of Department - desired
• to promote an interest in STEM subjects and careers education through the subject 
• to organise educational visits, visiting speakers and extra curricular activities that enrich pupils’ experience of the subject beyond the confines of a syllabus 
• the ability to modify learning strategies to target the needs of individual students 
• high expectations of pupils’ effort and behaviour, and facilitate this with proven classroom management skills 
• to be organised and able to prioritise to meet deadlines 
• to be motivated and use initiative to contribute to success of the department and school 
• excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively and seamlessly individually and as part of a team. 
• to be confident in using technology effectively in teaching and learning - experience with online learning platforms such as Zoom and Google Classroom desired. 
• native level English speaker but no knowledge of Spanish is required

Please complete the TES online application form and attach a copy of your CV and cover letter, along with names, (including telephone numbers) and email addresses of two referees.

Final date for applications - Friday 24th February 2022

Runnymede is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including check with past employers and ACRO Criminal records Office.