Head of Department - Physical Education in Derry, Londonderry

Primary Location: Derry/Londonderry-Limavady-Limavady High School

Contract Type: Permanent

Duration of Contract/Contract End Date: N/A

Status: Full-Time

Hours per Week: Full time

Working Pattern: Weekly (Monday - Friday)

Grade/Scale: Teacher | Main Pay Scale, M2 - UPS 3 | £32,916 - £50,876 per annum

Allowance(s): Teaching Allowance 2 as per the DE Teachers' Pay and Allowances circular

Anticipated Interview Date(s): 17 September 2026

JOB DESCRIPTION

PROFESSIONAL DUTIES OF A TEACHER

• 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.
• 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.
• Participating in meetings arranged for any of the purposes described above.
• Providing or contributing to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual pupils and groups of pupils.
• Participating, if required, in any scheme of staff development and performance review.
• Maintaining good order and discipline among pupils in accordance with the policies of the employing authority.
• Participating in arrangements for preparing pupils for public examinations and in assessing pupils for the purposes of such examinations.
• Contributing to the selection for appointment and professional development of other teachers.
• 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. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

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 Physical Education as his/her main subject.
• Minimum of 1 Year demonstrable experience of teaching Physical Education at Key Stage 3 and 4.
• Demonstrable experience of coaching Rugby to a high standard.
• Demonstrable experience of ability to analyse data, identify trends and raising student achievement.
• Be registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) before taking up post.

SECTION 2 - ADDITIONAL 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 a range of teaching strategies to meet the learning needs of pupils.
• Knowledge of Information Technology systems such as digital classroom tools/media.
• Effective teaching and classroom management skills to inspire and challenge pupils to raise achievement.
• Proven ability to provide a supportive, inclusive learning environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively to promote positive relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents and the wider community.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.