Head of Science

**Key Tasks & Responsibilities**

**Management Responsibilities**:

- Overall responsibility for the quality of teaching and learning in the department and for ensuring that all the pupils in the department are making excellent progress, by developing and implementing policies and practices that promote effective teaching and learning.
- The ongoing management, monitoring, and support of the teaching staff in the department, both informally and through regular performance reviews.
- To oversee the development of Science in the whole school from Nursery to Year 8.
- To lead the Science departmental development plan.
- To prepare children for Scholarships to Lancing College and other Senior Schools and competitions.
- To make staff aware of National Curriculum and Common Scholarship changes and trends where necessary.
- To ensure that the school is excelling according to ISI judgements for the areas, which fall within responsibility of this role.
- To ensure that all regulatory requirements are met, all school policies are followed, and that good practice predominates.
- To update and review the scheme of work annually.
- To monitor the delivery of the scheme of work in all year groups.
- To write and oversee the writing of medium-term and short-term plans.
- To attend courses relevant to the teaching of the Sciences and to disseminate information to staff.
- To maintain and support the Science department budget.
- To attend Parent Consultation Evenings and to write reports for parents at the end of the academic year.
- To attend meetings with other Heads of Department from IAPS schools and liaise with Heads of Department from Senior Schools in the district.
- To manage and support the Science Technician.

**Teacher responsibilities**:

- Set and maintain good standards of discipline and behaviour inside and outside the classroom.
- To promote Science throughout the school and encourage enjoyment through wide participation.
- Plan, present and mark work in a professional manner and in accordance with school policies.
- Ensure full knowledge and compliance with school policies.
- Complete and oversee risk assessments with relation to Science activities.
- Perform break, lunch, after school prep duties as part of the staff duty rota.
- Maintain a happy working environment in the classroom, including displays of children’s work.
- Play a full role in the extra-curricular life of the school. It is expected that full-time teachers will run two clubs or activities a week. At least one of these should be Science or STEM related.
- Cover classes for absent colleagues as required.
- To be a form teacher.
- Actively support the marketing function of the school.
- Co-ordinating and promoting departmental enrichment activities.
- Liaise with the Deputy Head over curricular/academic concerns regarding pupils.
- Liaise with the Assistant Head (Positive Behaviour and Restorative Justice) over pastoral and behavioural concerns regarding pupils.
- Liaise with the SENCo over concerns relating to SEN or EAL pupils and ensure that strategies for dealing with pupils with learning support requirements are developed.
- Keep up to date with educational issues and be prepared to attend in service training as required.
- Be an excellent role model for the pupils.
- Fully support the ethos and aims of the school.
- Complete any other tasks which the Head reasonably requests of you.

**Key Skills Required**
- Degree-level education with appropriate postgraduate professional qualifications and experience in schools.
- An inspirational practitioner.
- An excellent team player with the ability to lead and work with a small team but also to work independently.
- To have the personality, enthusiasm, and gravitas to be an outstanding ambassador for the school.
- Excellent manner with parents.
- Organisation, discretion, flexibility, and attention to detail.
- Evidence of CPD.
- Excellent skills in oral and written communication and strong organisational skills.
- Ability to form strong working relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents.
- Be able to manage and prioritise their own working life, balancing departmental responsibilities alongside other professional responsibilities in the school.
- Confident proficiency with using Microsoft Office. Training will be given on the
- school’s Management Information System (iSAMS).

**Personal Characteristics**:

- Commitment and passion for teaching in general and Science specifically.
- Resourcefulness and flexibility.
- Desire to be fully involved in the life of the school.
- Ability to lead from the front and by example.
- Ability to see through to completion.
- Ability to work under pressure of deadlines.

**Benefits**:

- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking

Work Location: In person