Head of Science

Start September 2024

School Context  

Devonshire House is a large co-educational prep school in Hampstead, North

London. We are in the process of an exciting period of positive change, intent on

offering an outstanding education in every sense for its pupils and their parents.

The school recently acquired a fifth building, giving more scope for outdoor play and

sport, as well as doubling specialist teaching room capacity. The values of the school are

unashamedly traditional, whilst its outlook on teaching pedagogy is very much modern.

Devonshire House aims to recruit the best teachers and leaders available and retain them

by providing an attractive package and huge scope for career advancement. This is

augmented by its engaged governance as part of Dukes Education, which promotes inter-school collaboration and collegiality.

Summary of the role

Devonshire House is looking to appoint our next Head of Science.

The School is committed to further developing Science across the curriculum,

and the new teacher will enjoy the opportunity to have an impact on Years 5 to 8.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

KEY TASKS

In addition to normal teaching duties the Head of Science is responsible for the running of the Science Department, including: 

·        Reviewing and updating the whole school Science curriculum. When necessary, rewriting the detailed planning of the Upper School Science Curriculum 

·        Keeping in touch with the ISEB about the 13+ Science curriculum, and London day schools about their 13+ entry requirements and specifically any changes in topics or areas to be covered

·        Maintaining assessment records of all pupils and monitoring individual and general progress

·        Organising trips and other events of a scientific nature to enhance the Curriculum

Person Specification

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential criteria:

·        Strong subject knowledge

·        Competent in software such as PowerPoint, Excel, Google Slide and Word

·        Personally committed to continued professional development     

·       Confidence and understanding of safeguarding and child protection statutory

legislations and school protocols

Desirable criteria:

·        Experience of the Independent school environment 

·        Experience of working with children of Prep school age

·        Excellent IT skills  

Professional Qualifications and Continuing Professional Development

Essential criteria:

․        An Honours Degree (or equivalent) in the relevant subject

․        QTS through Post Graduate Certificate in Education/ GTP (or equivalent)

Desirable criteria:

·        Appropriate school-oriented training and qualification(s)

Personal Qualities

․        Enthusiastic and energetic 

․        A team player

․        Good organisational skills 

․        Resilient and resourceful

․        Ability to make decisions quickly and solve problems as and when they arise

․        Ability to communicate effectively with pupils, staff, and parents

All applicants need to have the Right to Work in the UK to be considered for the role.

Devonshire House Preparatory School 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 checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Devonshire House Preparatory School is an equal opportunities employer. If the candidate has lived in a country other than the UK for a period of 3 months or more since the age of 18, a foreign criminal policy check will be required irrespective of whether they worked in those countries.