Head of Chemistry

HEAD OF CHEMISTRY

APPLICATION PACK

TEACHING & LEARNING ALLOWANCES: 3

METHODIST COLLEGE INFORMATION

Methodist College Belfast is one of Northern Ireland’s leading grammar schools, providing life changing opportunities for everyone.

I am delighted that you are interested in joining the staff team here at Methodist College. As a member of staff, you will discover a celebrated tapestry of diversity, opportunity and excellence that makes Methody truly unique. Methody provides life changing opportunities for everyone and we would love you to experience that for yourself as a member of staff.

Staff at Methody are committed to making a difference to pupils, colleagues and the College community but soon discover that Methody also enriches their lives through their unparalleled staff experience. If you are an enthusiastic, committed, and progressive person ready to bring your unique gifts and talents to the College, we would love you to be part of our exceptional team.

This is a place where lifelong friendships begin, where bright futures are built, where leaders are made and where life changing experiences take place.

THIS IS METHODY.

J LENDRUM PRINCIPAL

JOB DESCRIPTION

MAIN PURPOSE

1. To be responsible for the vision, leadership and management of Chemistry curricular provision in Methodist College.

2. To promote high standards of pupil attainment and achievement.

3. To create and maintain a positive learning environment within the department.

4. To monitor, support and be accountable for pupil progress.

5. To contribute towards the development and implementation of the agreed curriculum.

6. To manage and deploy departmental resources effectively to deliver the goals and the development needs of the department in line with the school development plan.

7. To support the professional development of staff within the department.

8. To ensure that College policies are implemented.

9. To promote, support and contribute to the values and aims of the College.

10. To ensure the smooth running of the department on a day-to day basis.

REPORTING TO

Curriculum Vice Principal

RESPONSIBLE FOR

Teaching staff and other relevant personnel within the department

TEACHING AND LEARNING

1. Develop, review and evaluate common standards of practice, appropriate learning and teaching strategies and other educational initiatives relevant to the College in liaison with the appropriate Vice Principal and Director of Studies.

2. Develop appropriate schemes of work for each year group in line with the specifications of the NI curriculum and the external Awarding Bodies.

3. Liaise with the Special Educational Needs staff in the delivery, monitoring and review of PLPs and other means of support for pupils with learning needs.

4. Track pupil progress and identify appropriate subject level interventions, liaising with the Form staff and parents, as appropriate, in supporting academic progress.

5. Develop appropriate methods of assessment and evaluate their effectiveness.

6. Devise and implement guidelines on homework, coursework and continuous and controlled assessment.

7. Direct and monitor subject teachers in the preparation, feedback and reporting of internal formal assessments.

8. Encourage pupil participation in subject related activities beyond the classroom.

ETHOS

1. Demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for your subject.

2. Demonstrate a student-centred approach.

3. Maintain high standards of positive behaviour and discipline, both in the classroom and in the wider departmental area.

4. Celebrate pupil success by promoting its recognition throughout the College.

5. Raise pupils’ awareness of the subject(s) taught in the department.

6. Ensure the implementation of the College’s policies, liaising with parents/guardians and Form staff where appropriate.

7. Ensure professional working relationships within the department.

DEVELOPMENT

1. Produce and implement an agreed Departmental Development Plan.

2. Monitor, review and evaluate regularly all aspects of the work of the department.

3. Keep abreast of developments in relevant subject areas and disseminate information to members of the department.

4. Advise, guide and motivate members of the department and establish support procedures where necessary, including EPD staff and those on ITT.

5. Support the continuous professional development of departmental staff in line with agreed development plans.

6. Act as a PRSD reviewer.

7. Participate in the recruitment of members of the department.

OPERATIONAL

1. Be responsible for the day-to-day management of staff within the department.

2. Supervise departmental support staff, as appropriate.

3. Convene regular departmental meetings and keep minutes.

4. Attend school meetings and events as required.

5. Maintain good channels of communication and represent the views and interests of members of the department and disseminate information.

6. Draw up the departmental timetable.

7. Manage the departmental budget.

8. Liaise with the appropriate Vice-Principal regarding cover for absent members of the department. If required, provide suitable work for pupils.

9. Supervise the work of substitute teachers.

10. Implement, as appropriate, risk assessments and Health and Safety regulations specific to the subject(s) taught in the department ensuring that the department is a safe environment and that in the event of an emergency, a safe and speedy evacuation is possible.

11. Supervise the organisation of departmental trips and ensure members of staff are fully aware of College policy, particularly with regard to safety and security.

12. Liaise with the Careers Service.

13. Liaise with Awarding Bodies and with the Examinations Officers on all appropriate aspects of external and internal examinations.

14. Contribute to the College’s liaison and marketing activities e.g. the collection of material for the school website and other publications.

15. Contribute to the development of effective links with partner schools and other relevant external bodies.

16. Review external examination performance and prepare statistics.

A Head of Department will be expected to comply with any other reasonable request from the Principal to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. This job description is current at the date shown, but, in consultation with you, may be changed by the Principal to reflect or anticipate changes in the job commensurate with the grade and job title.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. Honours Degree (2:2 or above) that includes Chemistry as a major component.

2. Registered or eligible for registration with GTCNI.

3. Have taught Chemistry for a minimum of 5 years in a post-primary school.

4. Able to develop, communicate and deliver their vision for Chemistry provision.

5. Committed to raising pupil achievement, with a track record of success in pupil outcomes in external examinations.

6. Skilled in using ICT in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning.

7. Ability to demonstrate exceptional organisational and administrative skills.

8. Management and Leadership skills:

• Flexibility

• Managing staff and pupils

• Commitment to learning and professional development

• Ability to lead a team

9. Ability to inspire, challenge and motivate staff and pupils.

10. Inclusive: encourage pupils and others to value each other’s talents and abilities, and enable the development of these.

11. Will contribute to the School’s extra-curricular programme.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

1. Ability to teach Biology or Physics to KS3.

2. Experience of leading a team in any area of school organisation.

Appointment to this position is subject to the successful candidate undertaking a criminal records check through Access NI and to this check being clear of any offences which might affect appointment to this post. The College’s decision on what is acceptable arising from this check is final. The cost of this check is £32.00 and the successful candidate will be required to pay the school for this service.