Leader of Learning for Science

Reports to: Head of Secondary School

Location: Sotogrande International School, San Roque, Cadíz, Spain

Job purpose

● To lead, manage and develop a large and successful science department within an IB through school ( PYP, MYP & DP) within an international school environment.

Key responsibilities and outcomes

• Leadership and management of all aspects of the Department
•  Implementation of the IB Diploma and IB MYP curriculum and related projects
•  Achievement of consistently outstanding teaching, learning and assessment in the department
•  Achievement of outstanding student progress and attainment in the department
• To work with colleagues to formulate aims, objectives  and crucially strategic plans and ambitions for the department
• To ensure Health and Safety policies and practices, including risk assessments and department specific  processes are in line with national requirements and are updated regularly

Whole school activities

• Lead and support all core academic related matters for the department
• Promote the department at a whole school level and in line with the philosophies of the school and the Inspired group including academic excellence & rigour

Leadership and management

● Performance Management - write a subject development plan, set teaching and academic targets and embed a meaningful monitoring and review process

● Participate in recruitment and selection activities

● Assist in the professional development of the staff and create a team environment

● Supervise and support  new teachers to the school & NQTs

● Develop strong employer partnerships

● Manage the department budget to ensure value for money and impact on teaching, learning and attainment

● Maintain regular and productive communication with students, parents, colleagues and partners

● Create an environment in which morale is high

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

● Develop all Department teachers to ensure teaching is consistently outstanding

● Direct and supervise the work of the Technician

● Direct and supervise support staff assigned to lessons to ensure the support provided to individuals and groups is having a significant impact on academic and technical progress

● Monitor and assess teaching, learning and assessment

● Coordinate and oversee the Inspired Performance Success Factors of all Department teachers

Curriculum and assessment

● Develop and implement syllabi and schemes of work for all IB MYP and IB Diploma that inspire, challenge and enable students to achieve high end grades

● Develop the use of ICT in the department to ensure students’ IT knowledge and skills are developed in a relevant and effective manner

● Set regular, meaningful and measurable Cycle Test assessments for students and recognise success 

● Maintain accurate student data that can be used to make teaching more effective 

● Produce and contribute to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individuals and groups of students

Other

● Undertake, and when required, deliver or be part of the performance management system and relevant training and professional development

● Undertake other various responsibilities as directed by the line manager

● Implement consistent Health & Safety procedures in line with current regulations and write/review risk assessments for the department

The above duties are subject to the general duties and responsibilities contained in the Statement of Conditions of Employment.

The job description allocates duties and responsibilities but does not direct the particular amount of time to be spent on carrying them out and no part of it may be so construed.

This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. It will be reviewed at least once a year and may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the holder of the post.

The duties may be varied to meet the changing demands of the Inspired Group at the reasonable discretion of the Head of School.

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It describes the way the post-holder is expected and required to perform and complete the particular duties as set out in the foregoing.

Safeguarding of students and Duty of care

All staff, regardless of role, level of seniority and location, have a responsibility to ensure the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We must collectively create an environment where children feel safe to learn, play, and grow. Children should feel comfortable in their surroundings and know that they can approach any responsible adult with any problems or concerns.

All staff must be able to identify any children who are at risk of harm, and know the characteristics of abuse or neglect. If you suspect or confirm harm then it’s essential you know what actions to take.

Annual safeguarding training is offered to all staff at Sotogrande International School, and it is the staff member’s responsibility to be aware of the most up to date guidance.