Head of Science

Roles and responsibilities

1. Leadership and Management of the Science Department:

• Department Leadership: Lead and manage the science department, setting clear goals and ensuring that the department delivers high-quality teaching and learning. Oversee the performance of science teachers and provide leadership in curriculum development and departmental initiatives.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement long-term plans and strategies for the science department. Ensure that the department’s objectives align with the school's overall educational mission, goals, and values.
• Staff Management and Development: Lead, support, and mentor science teachers and other staff members. Conduct performance reviews, provide professional development opportunities, and create a culture of continuous improvement within the department. Foster teamwork and collaboration among department members.
• Resource Management: Ensure that the department has the necessary resources, including equipment, materials, and textbooks, to deliver the curriculum effectively. Manage the department’s budget and allocate resources efficiently.

2. Curriculum Development and Delivery:

• Curriculum Planning: Oversee the design, implementation, and review of the science curriculum, ensuring it meets national or international standards and is up-to-date with current scientific developments. Ensure the curriculum is balanced and includes all key scientific disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science).
• Differentiated Instruction: Ensure that the curriculum is accessible to all students, including those with special educational needs (SEN), those requiring extension work, and students with diverse learning needs. Implement differentiated teaching strategies that cater to various ability levels.
• Assessment and Monitoring: Oversee assessment practices within the department, ensuring they are fair, consistent, and aligned with curriculum goals. Use data from assessments to track student progress, identify areas for improvement, and inform teaching practices.
• Innovative Teaching Approaches: Encourage the use of innovative teaching methods and educational technologies in science lessons. Promote inquiry-based learning, practical experiments, and hands-on activities to engage students and stimulate scientific curiosity.

3. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement:

• Monitoring Teaching and Learning: Observe and assess the quality of teaching within the department to ensure high standards are maintained. Provide constructive feedback to teachers and facilitate peer observations and collaborative planning.
• Department Reviews: Regularly review the effectiveness of the department’s curriculum and teaching practices. Implement strategies for improvement based on feedback from students, staff, and external evaluations.
• Ensuring High Standards: Maintain high academic standards in the science department. Analyze student performance data to identify trends and areas for improvement, and develop action plans to address gaps in learning or achievement.

4. Student Engagement and Support:

• Promoting STEM Education: Encourage student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by offering enrichment opportunities, organizing science clubs, and promoting extracurricular activities related to science.
• Personalized Support for Students: Ensure that all students, including those with specific learning needs or challenges, receive the necessary support to succeed in science. Provide additional assistance to struggling students, as well as extension opportunities for high achievers.
• Fostering a Passion for Science: Inspire students to develop a love for science by connecting classroom lessons with real-world applications, encouraging scientific inquiry, and fostering critical thinking skills.
• Student Well-being: Support the emotional and social development of students within the department by ensuring a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Desired candidate profile

Be a vocational and inspirational educator who supports an inclusive learning environment, with the ability to raise standards for all students
Be knowledgeable of and confident in the use of proven, effective teaching and learning methodologies, yet with the ability to ‘think outside of the box’ and be open to new approaches
Be fully committed to our high-performance learning philosophy (HPL) and the notion that every student can achieve
Have extremely high standards and expectations for all, and be able to work effectively under pressure with excellence as the primary goal
Be aspirational for themselves and their own development and career progression
Believe strongly in and fully support the wider extracurricular life of the school to develop fully rounded students
Have outstanding knowledge of their curriculum area and an infectious passion for their subject.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:
Parent and Community Communication: Foster positive relationships with parents and the wider school community. Regularly communicate with parents regarding their child’s progress in science and invite them to science-related events or exhibitions.
External Partnerships: Build relationships with local businesses, universities, and scientific organizations. Collaborate on projects, field trips, or guest speaker events that enhance students' understanding of real-world science applications.
School Leadership Collaboration: Work closely with the school leadership team, including the headteacher and other department heads, to ensure that the science department’s goals align with the overall vision of the school.