Teacher in Charge of Psychology

The Grange School in Hartford, Cheshire is seeking to recruit a Teacher in Charge of Psychology. This is a new role at the school as this will be the first time the school has offered A Level Psychology as part of the sixth form curriculum. In the first year there will be two A Level classes. The school has in the last few years run a GCSE Psychology option as part of the enrichment offer of the sixth form this has proved highly popular and was taught by one of the members of the Biology Department. The job initially could be a part time role or a full time role could be offered for the right candidate who could teach another subject particularly General Science or Mathematics. All teachers at the school are expected to offer extra-curricular and this tends to be dependent upon personal preference and needs of the school. The role would commence on 31st August 2021.  

Responsibilities

The list of professional duties below is set out in addition to the expectations that The Grange School has of any member of the teaching staff, as detailed in the Job Description for a Senior School Teacher.

As Teacher in Charge of the Department:

• leads and manages the process of annual Departmental Self Review (DSR) which includes, though not exhaustively, the following: 
• formation of an annual Department Development Plan (DDP) in cooperation with departmental colleagues, which includes an evaluation of public examination results using the Data Pack;
• formal discussion with the SLT link on at least two occasions each academic year to review/plan progress;
• regular review of the DDP, examination results and other data available within the department and implementation of actions as necessary;
• regular lesson observations of colleagues to support the development of their teaching and pupil learning;
• ensuring that baseline data is being used to monitor, and where possible improve, performance of the department and the pupils within it;
• completing an annual evaluation of progress to plan;
• should ensure the efficient running of the department, including the meeting of deadlines for DSR, exam entries and annual requisitions;
• is responsible for the appraisal, professional welfare, training and development of members of the department; for the induction of new staff into the department; and for supporting the Deputy Heads in the mentoring of newly qualified teachers;
• is responsible for their own development as a leader and manager, undertaking appropriate appraisal, training and development to both ends;
• must keep up to date with educational developments and changes within their subject area(s);
• should ensure that members of their department adhere to the criteria as set out in the Departmental Handbook with particular regard to the setting and marking of work and reporting procedures;
• should bring to the attention of their SLT Line Manager any difficulties which arise within the department;
• should hold regular departmental meetings, formal and informal, to discuss departmental matters and to ensure that the department works as a team; minutes of these meetings to be sent to the SLT Line Manager, the Deputy Head (Academic) and the Head;
• must attend Academic Forum, as arranged by the Deputy Head (Academic);
• is responsible for drawing up and annual updating of syllabuses and schemes of work; departmental hand-outs for Open Morning; the Departmental Handbook; GCSE Options Brochure; Sixth Form Prospectus; displays and the general appearance of the department;
• is responsible for the selection of text books and teaching materials, and the methods of teaching used by members of the department;
• is accountable for all budgeting within the department;
• is responsible for the implementation of Health and Safety Policies within their areas;
• is responsible for the furniture and fabric within their departments;
• must attend both Sixth Form Registration Day (held prior to the beginning of the autumn term), Sixth Form Taster Day (usually held shortly after spring half-term) and Sixth Form Open Evening;
• is to provide the Deputy Head (Academic) with timetable allocations of departmental staff and decide rooming timetables as required;
• should, where necessary set work for an absent member of the department if he/she is unable to do so;
• should share in the appointment processes of new staff to the department;
• should co-operate with other departments in cross-curricular activities as appropriate;
• must ensure that pupils are entered for public examinations in liaison with the Examinations Office;

In addition, all staff will be expected to carry out any other duties that the Head may, from time to time, reasonably request. Furthermore, Heads of Department may have particular tasks relating to the areas they manage; it is the responsibility of the Head and/or Deputy Head (Academic) to clarify these.