At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Social Science and Psychology department, ensuring high teaching standards and student success.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking school dedicated to inclusive education and staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy ongoing professional development, career progression, and a supportive leadership team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of students while fostering a collaborative and reflective teaching culture.
- Qualifications: Must have QTS and a degree in Social Science or Psychology with leadership ambition.
- Other info: Ideal for passionate educators ready to make a significant impact.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an inspiring and committed Head of Social Science and Psychology to lead our dynamic department. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious educator with a strong subject knowledge and a passion for developing teaching and learning across the social sciences.
The successful candidate will lead on curriculum development, raise achievement, and support students in reaching their full academic potential. You will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the department, while supporting and developing a dedicated team of teachers.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the Social Science and Psychology department, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
- Line manage and support staff within the department, promoting a collaborative and reflective culture.
- Develop and deliver a coherent and ambitious curriculum across KS4 and KS5.
- Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning, implementing strategies for improvement.
- Track student progress and use data to inform teaching and departmental planning.
- Contribute to whole-school initiatives and uphold high standards of behaviour and academic performance.
- Support the professional development of team members through coaching, mentoring, and CPD opportunities.
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree in a Social Science subject or Psychology.
- A proven track record of delivering excellent outcomes in Social Sciences or Psychology.
- Experience teaching at both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.
- Experience of or ambition for leadership within a department.
- Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
- A commitment to inclusive education and high aspirations for all students.
- A supportive and forward-thinking senior leadership team.
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development and career progression.
- A positive, inclusive school culture committed to staff wellbeing and student success.
Contact Detail:
Education World Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former staff members at the school or similar institutions. This can give you valuable insights into the department's culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led curriculum development or improved student outcomes in your previous roles. Highlighting measurable achievements will demonstrate your capability as a leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and research in social sciences and psychology education. Being able to discuss contemporary issues and innovative teaching strategies will show your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Think about how you would support and develop your team. Prepare ideas for coaching and mentoring that align with the school's values, as this will demonstrate your leadership style and commitment to staff development.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Social Science position. Understand the key responsibilities and the qualities they are looking for in a candidate, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in teaching Social Sciences or Psychology, particularly at Key Stage 4 and 5. Provide specific examples of how you've led curriculum development or improved student outcomes.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role involves leadership, make sure to highlight any previous leadership roles or experiences. Discuss how you've supported colleagues, contributed to team development, or implemented successful teaching strategies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your passion for education and your commitment to inclusive teaching. Address how you plan to contribute to the department's strategic direction and support the professional development of your team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Education World Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully managed teams. Highlight specific examples where you've improved teaching standards or student outcomes, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead the Social Science and Psychology department effectively.
✨Demonstrate Curriculum Development Skills
Since the role involves developing a coherent curriculum, come equipped with ideas on how you would approach this task. Discuss any past experiences where you've designed or improved curricula, focusing on how it benefited students' learning and engagement.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
The job requires tracking student progress and using data for planning. Be ready to explain how you've used data in the past to inform your teaching strategies or departmental decisions. This shows that you can make informed choices that enhance student achievement.
✨Highlight Commitment to Professional Development
Talk about your approach to supporting staff development through coaching and mentoring. Share any relevant experiences where you've facilitated professional growth within your team, as this aligns with the school's commitment to ongoing development and high standards.