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- Tasks: Lead the History & RS department, ensuring high-quality teaching and student outcomes.
- Company: Murray Park Community School, a rapidly improving and over-subscribed school.
- Benefits: Flexible working, strong staff wellbeing focus, and robust professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a thriving school community with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Strong subject expertise and commitment to effective teaching practices.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 47000 £ per year.
About this Role
Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 2 (£7,042)
Responsible to: Senior Leadership Team Member
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Framework: To work within the framework of teachers' pay and conditions, current legislation and the policies of the school.
Murray Park School, an 11-16 foundation school, is a rewarding and professionally stimulating place to work. Over the past five years, we have undergone rapid and sustained improvement, moving from a Requires Improvement judgement to Good (September 2022), alongside significant improvements in Progress 8 outcomes. We are over-subscribed and will reach maximum capacity of 1400 students in September 2027, reflecting the confidence in the school from our community. We are now entering the next phase of our development and are seeking high-quality staff who share our ambition to continue improving outcomes for all students. Our approach is underpinned by a warm‑strict culture: we combine consistently high expectations with genuine care, ensuring every student feels a strong sense of belonging while being fully prepared for their future. This is realised through clear routines, shared practices, and a collective commitment to getting the small things right every day. Staff who thrive here are those who value consistency, clarity, and a culture of continual improvement.
Responsibilities
- Be committed to securing the best possible outcomes for all students, particularly those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable.
- Demonstrate strong subject expertise and a clear understanding of effective pedagogy using evidence-informed practice.
- Maintain consistently high expectations and uphold our shared routines and practices.
- Value continual improvement, both personally and across a team, with a willingness to engage in coaching and professional dialogue.
Additional Leadership Expectations
- Coach and develop others, fostering a culture where all staff continually improve.
- Be a thoughtful curriculum leader, able to apply evidence-informed practice and cognitive science principles to curriculum design and implementation.
- Contribute meaningfully to whole‑school priorities as part of the wider leadership team.
Benefits
- A genuine commitment to staff wellbeing, with careful consideration given to workload when introducing new initiatives.
- Flexible working opportunities, including the ability to work off‑site at points during the week.
- High levels of staff retention, with most vacancies arising through school growth rather than turnover.
- A centralised and robust behaviour system, including internal alternative provision, ensuring classrooms remain disruption‑free.
- A comprehensive CPD programme rooted in evidence-informed practice and professional collaboration.
- A clear and consistent approach to teaching, balancing high‑quality shared practice with professional autonomy.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable number of applications be received.
Head of Department - History & RS at Murray Park Community School employer: Chellaston Academy
Contact Detail:
Chellaston Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department - History & RS at Murray Park Community School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Murray Park Community School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's recent achievements and future goals. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you genuinely care about contributing to the school's ongoing success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those around pedagogy and leadership. We want to see how you can apply evidence-informed practices in real scenarios, so be ready with examples!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department - History & RS at Murray Park Community School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for History and RS! Share why you love the subjects and how you plan to inspire students. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Your Experience: We want to know about your teaching journey! Be sure to include specific examples of how you've improved student outcomes, especially for those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Emphasise Teamwork: At Murray Park, we value collaboration. Talk about how you've worked with colleagues to enhance teaching practices or develop curriculum. Show us that you're a team player who thrives in a supportive environment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application reflects our school's values and culture. Use the job description as a guide and align your skills and experiences with what we're looking for. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chellaston Academy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your subject knowledge, especially in History and RS. Be ready to discuss effective pedagogy and how you can apply evidence-informed practices in the classroom. This shows that you’re not just passionate about the subjects but also understand how to teach them effectively.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop others. Think of examples where you've coached colleagues or contributed to team improvement. Highlight your experience in fostering a culture of continual improvement and how you can bring that to Murray Park School.
✨Embrace the Warm-Strict Culture
Familiarise yourself with the school's warm-strict approach. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain high expectations while genuinely caring for students. Share your strategies for creating a sense of belonging in the classroom and how you ensure every student feels valued.
✨Engage in Professional Dialogue
Be ready to talk about your commitment to professional development and collaboration. Discuss how you’ve engaged in coaching or professional dialogue in the past and how you plan to contribute to the CPD programme at Murray Park. This will show that you value growth, both personally and for your team.