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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Social Sciences department while raising student achievement.
- Company: Join Harris Academy Rainham, a vibrant and oversubscribed school with strong community values.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dedicated team committed to educational excellence and community service.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and shape future leaders in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: QTS or equivalent, relevant degree, and proven teaching success required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
The purpose of your role will be:
- To be accountable for leading, managing and developing the subject area.
- To raise standards of student attainment and achievement within the whole subject/curriculum area and to monitor and support student progress.
- To ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students studying in the department, in accordance with the aims of the academy and the curricular policies determined by the Governing Body and Principal.
- To teach the relevant subject across the age and ability range.
- To facilitate and encourage a learning experience which provides students with the opportunity to achieve their individual potential.
- To effectively manage and deploy staff, financial and physical resources within the department.
- To share and support the schoolâs responsibility to provide and monitor opportunities for personal and academic growth.
Your main areas of responsibility will fall under the areas of:
- Operational and strategic planning (including formulating the subject and faculty improvement plans, and leading the development of appropriate syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, marking policies, assessment and teaching strategies)
- Ensuring the delivery of an appropriate, comprehensive, high quality and cost effective curriculum and leading development of the subject and its delivery
- Staff development (including recruiting, building and managing an effective team of motivated staff)
- Student outcomes (including ensuring the effective operation of target setting, monitoring and evaluation systems and the input and maintenance of accurate student data)
- Pastoral system (including being a form tutor to a selected group of students)
- Teaching, including acting as an outstanding role model
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We would like to hear from you if you:
- Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree, and, ideally, management training
- Demonstrate successful teaching of GCSE at good or better level
- Have experience of initiation and effective management of change
- Show evidence of raising achievement in present post and showing good value added for groups
- Have knowledge of current curriculum developments in subject and their implications
- Have good knowledge and understanding of current educational thinking
- Show good understanding of how children learn and how to raise standards of achievement
- Have good communication skills in speech and writing
- Display excellent organisational skills
- Are able to build and sustain professional standards and relationships with students
- Are able to contribute towards creating a safe and protective environment
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Teacher Development
At Harris, we have curated professional development pathways that will guide you towards achieving your career ambitions. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. With a strong network of passionate educators, expert development initiatives and a multitude of opportunities for career progression, your journey with Harris could be the most rewarding one yet. We offer a wide range of high quality teacher professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership.
Flexible Working
We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individualâs circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.
Benefits
In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance (usually ÂŁ2,000 for Inner London and ÂŁ1,500 for Outer London), a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
WORKING WITH US
Harris Academy Rainham is a very popular and oversubscribed 11-16 academy which is part of the Harris Federation. We joined the Federation in September 2016 and there are exciting times ahead. We opened a Sixth Form for 400 students in September 2023 and are looking for ambitious and dedicated staff who wish to be a part of our Academy. At Harris Academy Rainham we have a dedicated group of staff who are deeply committed to serve our community. We have built a school on our core values of Belong, Believe, Become. These values are at the heart of our school and all that we do. What makes us different: Our values are at the centre of our school and arenât simply a slogan on a website. We have a firm but fair approach to behaviour. This is built on the use of consistent routines and teaching our students how to behave. We deliver a knowledge rich curriculum that is developed by our staff to meet the needs of our students. The knowledge we teach takes our students beyond their everyday experiences and enables them to see the world differently. Our leaders are role models, they lead by example, admit mistakes, welcome opinions and love honest conversations. We are a staff united against educational disadvantage with a fierce determination to show our students the world beyond Havering. What we can do for you: Great career progression both within our Academy and the Federation. Excellent professional development opportunities. As a Leading edge school we have been recognised as being at the forefront of educational thinking and research is central to all we do. Meaningful measures to manage workload â no graded observations, early finish on a Friday, no onerous marking requirements but sensible feedback policies. Bespoke support and line management from excellent leaders across the school. Opportunities for fantastic professional growth as the school develops a sixth form. A school where subjects are âfront and centreâ of all we do. The subject determines our pedagogy.
To learn more about working in our academy and what we can offer you, view our academy page via the âwhy work atâ button.
Head of Social Sciences employer: HARRIS ACADEMY RAINHAM
Contact Detail:
HARRIS ACADEMY RAINHAM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Head of Social Sciences
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the academy through LinkedIn or social media. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the culture and expectations, plus it shows our genuine interest in the role.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in social sciences education. We want to impress with our knowledge of curriculum developments and how they impact student learning. Bring some fresh ideas to the table!
â¨Tip Number 3
Showcase our teaching style! During the interview, be ready to discuss specific examples of how we've raised student achievement in previous roles. Use data and anecdotes to illustrate our impact and effectiveness as an educator.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to ask questions! This is our chance to find out if the academy aligns with our values. Inquire about their approach to staff development and how they support teachers in achieving their career ambitions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Social Sciences
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for social sciences shine through! We want to see how much you care about the subject and how you can inspire students to achieve their best.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in teaching and management. Weâre looking for evidence of how you've raised standards and supported student progress, so be specific about your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. We appreciate a well-organised application thatâs easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to submit your application through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at HARRIS ACADEMY RAINHAM
â¨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure youâre well-versed in the current curriculum developments relevant to Social Sciences. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement these changes and improve student outcomes. This shows that youâre not just familiar with the subject but also proactive about enhancing the learning experience.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Social Sciences, youâll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and manage a team effectively. Prepare examples of how youâve successfully managed change or developed staff in your previous roles. Highlighting your leadership style and how it aligns with the academyâs values will set you apart.
â¨Engage with Student Outcomes
Be ready to discuss specific strategies youâve used to raise student attainment and achievement. Bring data or examples that illustrate your success in monitoring and supporting student progress. This will show that youâre results-driven and focused on continuous improvement.
â¨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in education. Prepare to discuss how you build relationships with students and staff alike. Share examples of how youâve facilitated discussions or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your ability to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.