Head of Science (1TA) in Crumlin

The post of Head of Science will require the successful applicant within the Science Department to:

• Lead the development of the Science Department in line with the School Development Plan.
• Lead self-evaluation at departmental level in order to improve performance and pupil outcomes.
• Monitor, evaluate and review pupil learning and report outcomes to pupils, relevant staff, Governors and parents as requested by the Management of the School.
• Ensure appropriate interventions are in place at departmental level for pupils not achieving in line with their predicted levels.
• Support the whole school intervention programme by providing information relating to pupil underachievement and departmental support measures.
• Ensure that reasonable and purposeful measures are in place in line with the Whole School provision map for pupils who have additional needs.
• Ensure the effective use of resources and maintain an effective working and learning environment.
• Ensure that effective schemes of work are in place and that they are reviewed at regular intervals throughout the school year to ensure that they are underpinning learning.
• Teach pupils up to Level 3 in a manner that develops and supports pupils’ learning so that they reach their full potential and achieve high levels of success in examinations.

1) Exercise of general professional duties:

• A teacher who is not a principal shall carry out the professional duties of a teacher as circumstances may require.

2) Exercise of particular duties:

• A teacher employed as a teacher (other than a principal) in a school shall perform, in accordance with any directions which may be reasonably given to him/her by the principal from time to time, such particular duties as may reasonably be assigned to him/her.

1. Planning:

• Planning and preparing courses and lessons.
• Teaching, according to their educational needs, the pupils assigned to him/her, including the setting and marking of work to be carried out by the pupils in school and elsewhere.
• Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils.

2. General:

• Promoting the general progress and well-being of individual pupils and of any class or group of pupils assigned to him/her.
• Providing advice and guidance to pupils on educational and social matters and on their further education and future careers.
• Making records of and reports on the personal and social needs of pupils.
• Communicating and consulting with the parents of pupils.
• Communicating and co-operating with such persons or bodies outside the school as may be approved by the employing authority and the Board of Governors.
• Participating in meetings arranged for any of the purposes described above.

3. Assessment/Reporting:

• Providing or contributing to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual pupils and groups of pupils.

4. Staff Development/Professional Development:

• Participating, if required, in any scheme of staff development and performance review.
• Reviewing from time to time his/her methods of teaching and programmes of work.
• Advising and co-operating with the Principal and other teachers on the preparation and development of courses of study, teaching materials, teaching programmes, methods of teaching and assessment and pastoral arrangements.

5. Discipline/Health and Safety:

• Maintaining good order and discipline among pupils in accordance with the policies of the employing authority and safeguarding their health and safety.
• Participating in meetings at the school which relate to the curriculum for the school or the administration or organisation of the school.

6. Public Examinations:

• Participating in arrangements for preparing pupils for public examinations and in assessing pupils for the purposes of such examinations.

7. Review and Development of Management Activities/Administration:

• Contributing to the selection for appointment and professional development of other teachers.
• Co-ordinating or managing the work of other teachers.
• Participating in administrative and organisational tasks related to such duties.

8. Number of days/Hours of work:

• A full-time teacher shall be available for work on 195 days in any year.

9. Staff cover:

• Supervising and teaching any pupils whose teacher is not available.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Hold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland.
• Hold a degree or equivalent Level 6 qualification which has prepared the applicant to teach Science as his/her main subject.
• Minimum of one years’ demonstrable experience of teaching Science at Key Stage 4 to achieve positive learning outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience of using a range of teaching strategies to meet the learning needs of pupils.
• Demonstrable experience of using digital media/technology to enhance teaching and learning.

SECTION 2 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Knowledge of Northern Ireland Curriculum.
• Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding and Child Protection policy/practice.
• Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Knowledge of current assessment methods to inform teaching.

SECTION 3 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Minimum of 2 years’ demonstrable experience of teaching Science at Key Stage 4.
• Demonstrable experience of monitoring pupil progress, performance, target setting and intervention.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND:

The Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES:

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.