Head of Science

School Context  

Devonshire House is a large co-educational prep school (550 on roll) in Hampstead, North London, on the cusp of a transformational period of positive change, intent on offering an outstanding education in every sense for its pupils and their parents. The school has just 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.

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     

Desirable criteria:

·        Experience of the Independent school environment 

·        Experience of working with children of Prep school age

·        Excellent ICT 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.