At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire geography education across schools, shaping future leaders.
- Company: Join Ark Curriculum Plus, a not-for-profit focused on educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: 3+ years teaching experience and strong knowledge of current curriculum.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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About The Role
- Reports to: Programmes Director
- Contract: Fixed term - 1 year, 37.5 hours per week
- Location: 2 days per week in London (White City) with some travel to schools; other days can be worked from home or in the office
- Interviews: will be held on 26 - 27 May, with flexibility available around these dates
We're seeking a Head of Geography to provide educational leadership for their programme. You will work in both Ark schools and across the wider partnership, as an integrated part of an Ark subject leadership team to establish a shared vision for subject excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to and implement the organisation's strategy and mission, lead identified cross functional projects and activities as appropriate
- Ensure there is a strong ongoing subject‑specific learning and development programme for AC+ teams to build and maintain their subject expertise and pedagogical best practice
- Implement consistent, regular Subject Panels and share notes in a consistent format, in line with structures agreed with Ark stakeholders
- Work with and through Senior Delivery Managers and Principal Development Leads where relevant
- Create clear pedagogical rationale and briefs and train subject team members across programmes
Experience & Skills
- Minimum of 3 years teaching experience across Key Stages
- Demonstrates knowledge of education developments and best practice in teaching
- Strong stakeholder management skills, negotiation skills and experience of working with external partners
- Up‑to‑date knowledge and use of the current curriculum and assessment requirements
Qualification Criteria
- Educated to Degree level
- Right to work in the U.K.
Please note applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the role may close early depending on demand. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.
Benefits
- Our hybrid working model aims to offer the best of both worlds, striking the right balance between in‑person collaboration and remote working.
- You will work a minimum of two days per week in our state‑of‑the‑art office in West London allowing you to connect with colleagues, with the flexibility to work remotely, or in the office over the remaining days.
- In addition to our current hybrid working arrangements, employees can request to work fully remotely for up to 10 working days a year, whether this be in the UK or abroad.
- Our flexitime policy allows you to work your hours around our core hours of 10.00 - 16.00, helping you prioritise your work‑life balance and personal commitments.
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with each year of service up to 30 days after 3‑years' service. This entitlement is pro rata for part time employees. This entitlement excludes bank holidays.
- Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
- As an Ark employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme where we make an 11% contribution; you are not required to contribute towards this scheme unless you choose to.
- Access to high‑quality professional learning throughout your career, offering both face‑to‑face sessions and a bespoke online learning platform.
- Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers, interest‑free loans available for season tickets or a bike, gym discounts offering up to 40% off your local gym and free eye tests.
About Us
Ark Curriculum Plus is a not‑for‑profit education venture set up by the Ark Multi Academy Trust to improve subject outcomes. We've now been going for over ten years, using what we learn in Ark to support over 1,000 schools nationally. Our mission is to empower teachers to give every young person, regardless of their background, the subject knowledge and skills that will allow them to succeed. We now have subject excellence programmes in English, Maths, Science and Geography, at primary and secondary. A team of subject experts work with partner schools to empower teachers to achieve subject excellence using an ambitious curriculum combined with CPD, teaching and assessment resources. Our programmes, including Mathematics Mastery and English Mastery, have been shown to have measurable impact in evaluations by the EEF, FFT and The Brilliant Club.
Diversity and inclusion
We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone - staff and students - can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.
Safeguarding statement
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
For any questions, please contact [email protected].
Head of Geography (Secondary) Maternity Cover employer: Ark Schools
Contact Detail:
Ark Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Geography (Secondary) Maternity Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Ark. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Ark's mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in subject excellence and educational leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let your passion for geography and teaching come across!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It shows you’re serious about the role and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light possible!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Geography (Secondary) Maternity Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Geography role. Highlight your teaching experience and any relevant projects you've led that align with the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves educational leadership, be sure to emphasise your experience in leading teams or initiatives. Share examples of how you've contributed to subject excellence or developed training programmes for others.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly see how you fit into our vision for the role.
Apply Early!: We review applications on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until the last minute! Get your application in as soon as you can through our website to ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ark Schools
✨Know Your Geography Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in geography education and the current curriculum. Being able to discuss recent trends or changes will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the subject.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Think about specific instances where you've implemented educational strategies or developed programmes that improved student outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability as a Head of Geography.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in managing relationships. Share examples of successful collaborations with external partners or how you've navigated challenging negotiations.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Ark is keen on building a diverse and inclusive environment. Be prepared to talk about how you've contributed to diversity initiatives in your previous roles or how you plan to promote inclusivity within the geography programme.