APPOINTMENT OF HEAD OF SCIENCE September 2019

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AN INTRODUCTION FROM THE HEADMASTER ______

We are delighted that you have shown an interest in the role of Head of Science at Hoe Bridge.

Hoe Bridge is an academically focused IAPS Prep School that is looking to appoint a Head of Science that will stretch children’s understanding, innovate current practice and inspire the passionate scientists of the future. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven professional to lead a forward thinking department which has outstanding facilities and a reputation for preparing children for future success in a large number of the best senior schools in the South of . Results are outstanding at both Scholarship and Common Entrance and we would like to continue this standard whilst also exploring the latest educational practice. The ideal candidate is someone with character, driven to captivate children’s minds and passionate about making Science the most exciting subject in the curriculum. Our expectation is that leaders at our school show a desire to collaborate, inspire and develop their Department, demonstrating highest standards in terms of leadership, organisational and pedagogical skills with a willingness to contribute to the rich co-curricular life of this busy school. The post holder will be responsible for overseeing the teaching and learning of Science across the school. Our staff are sparky, innovative, dedicated but friendly, always looking for new ways to engage the children’s interest in their subject. With a mentoring programme for every new member of staff and excellent career progression opportunities, all staff are encouraged to develop and extend themselves and to get involved in all aspects of school life. The information in this application pack and on our website will support you in understanding the context of our school, our ethos and culture.

Thank you for your interest in this position. I very much hope that you will consider making an application for this exciting opportunity.

Chris Webster

Headmaster

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ABOUT HOE BRIDGE ______

Hoe Bridge School is a thriving co-educational prep school for boys and girls aged between 3 & 13. There are 480 children on role split between the Pre-Prep and Prep Departments. It is set in a perfect location just on the outskirts of surrounded by 22 acres of beautiful grounds and is only 25 minutes from central London. The ethos of high expectations, individual determination, enthusiasm, respect, warmth and care lead to happy, confident and successful children. The community of parents, children, staff and governors thrive on the mutual respect and support embodied in the ethos. Expectations are high and pupils’ achievements are measured against these expectations but equally importantly against their own individual potential. Individual efforts are rewarded and recognised, no matter what the level or the subject and as a community everyone celebrate these successes. Throughout the years, inspiration, care and leadership come from both staff and children alike and ensure the community is vibrant and dynamic. When the School was last inspected by Independent Schools Inspectorate we achieved a grade of ‘excellent’ which is something that both the girls & boys, staff and parents are extremely proud of. The atmosphere of every school is unique and the strength and attraction of Hoe Bridge lies in the atmosphere generated by the staff and pupils. Standards and targets are realistic, though set as high as possible, the bright are challenged and the less able supported; the staff endeavour to instil confidence in all the children and visitors are amazed to see just how happy the children are, how determined they are to succeed and how much they care about each other. "A busy and fun action packed adventure" is one way life at Hoe Bridge has been described.... what a great and accurate description! There is never a dull moment or time to be bored and the children are proud to call Hoe Bridge their school. The School has an extremely good reputation not just in the local area but county wide as well. There is a real energy throughout to preserve the family atmosphere, to constantly strive to improve results and explore all the possibilities available to enrich both the School and the lives of the children.

______ETHOS ______

Happiness: to have fun, friends and fulfilment

Confidence: to develop respect, self-reliance, independence and leadership enabling pupils to use their breadth of knowledge practically in school and throughout their lives

Achievement: to develop the intellectual/academic, sporting, social and cultural/creative skills in order that pupils excel both within Hoe Bridge and beyond

Welfare: to create an environment where children are safe and secure working in partnership with all members of our community in school, in the locality and in the wider world

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JOB DESCRIPTION ______

Following the retirement of the current post holder at the end of this academic year, we are looking for a Head of Science who is an outstanding teacher, someone who is prepared to lead by example and manage best practice by all members of the department. As Head of Science, he or she will be responsible for leading, managing and developing the Science curriculum. The successful candidate would benefit from a proven track record of teaching Science up to Common Entrance and Scholarship level and from Year 4 through to Year 8. We are looking for someone who will inspire children to love Science and to continue the success of the department.

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RESPONSIBILITIES ______

Heads of Department play a leading role in pursuing the academic objectives of the School, which include an expectation that:  All pupils will aspire to their full potential  All pupils will be closely monitored and staff will be managed professionally so that all can flourish Heads of Department at Hoe Bridge are expected to manage their departments through effective leadership and monitoring, enabling and encouraging all members of their department to work together towards common goals. In order to achieve this, a Head of Department will need to undertake specific tasks. These tasks are likely to include most or all of those listed below, but this list is not exhaustive.

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KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES ______

Strategic Development & Academic Direction  Establishing, with the involvement of other staff, short, medium and long term plans for the development and resourcing of the department which contribute to whole school aims, policies and practices, seeing the department as an integral part of the school, maintain a ‘whole school’ perspective  Writing in collaboration with relevant colleagues a Department Development Plan  Setting an example of high quality teaching and learning in the subject and encouraging a culture of mutual lesson observations  Maintaining an awareness of existing, new and changing legislation (e.g. Health & Safety, Risk Assessment, etc.) and meeting the requirements Overall Responsibility for Pupils’ Learning  Monitoring progress and evaluating the effects on teaching and learning by working alongside colleagues, analysing work and outcomes  Evaluating the teaching of the subject in the school using this analysis to identify effective practice and areas for improvement  Establishing and implementing clear departmental practices for assessing, recording and reporting on pupils’ achievement (in line with school policies) and for using this information to recognise achievement and to assist pupils in setting targets  Using data effectively to identify pupils who are under-achieving and offering effective support for those pupils  Working towards the development of pupils’ individual and collaborative study skills necessary for them to become increasingly independent in their work  Ensuring effective preparation for external examinations  Ensuring that coursework is administered and moderated effectively  Co-ordinating internal examinations and assessments  Encouraging effective use of further resources e.g. internet, etc.

Management and Support of the Department Team  Providing pastoral and professional support for colleagues, including taking a lead in supporting their professional development  Carrying out the TDR of departmental colleagues  Supporting new members of staff in line with the School’s induction procedure  Monitoring the quality of teaching and reacting as necessary to any concerns  Chairing and running regular departmental meetings  Overseeing and supporting ancillary staff, technicians, etc.  Ensuring that matters of routine administration are carried out efficiently, delegating effectively and fairly as appropriate Development and Maintenance of Departmental Resources  Managing the Departmental budget  Developing and sharing resources  Producing and maintaining schemes of work  Monitoring of stock, apparatus, equipment, etc.  Keeping abreast of national developments in the subject and its assessment  Creation and maintenance of a Departmental handbook

Representing and Promoting the Department Within and Beyond the School

 Liaison with other departments  Representing the Department to the Senior Management Team and Governors, etc.  Handling subject specific parental enquiries  Liaison, where appropriate, with the local community .

General Duties

 To uphold and enforce school rules and to work in co-operation with colleagues to promote the high standards of behaviour and concern for others that are part of the school’s tradition and mission  To attend meetings as required such as staff meetings, INSET sessions and other such training as may be necessary  To act in accordance with the Staff Handbook and the Staff Code of Conduct  To undertake supervisory duties in accordance with the staff duty rota  To be fully aware of and to implement the school’s policy on Health and Safety, both when pupils are in school and when they are engaged in school activities elsewhere  To cover for absent colleagues when necessary  Attend school functions, including after hours, as directed by the Headmaster  To take part with the Headmaster and Senior Management Team in an annual Teacher Development Review meeting, which will include the agreement of professional development/training objectives for the coming year  To undertake such other duties which the Headmaster may from time to time reasonably request.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION SALARY & PENSION ______

The Headmaster wishes to appoint a dynamic and well-qualified graduate A very competitive package is available for the right candidate, dependant to lead the Science Department from September 2019. This is a full-time on experience. Hoe Bridge School has its own salary scale. All teachers post. All teaching appointments are probationary for a period of two terms. automatically become members of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, unless The successful candidate will be a qualified teacher of Science and will be they specifically request to opt out. Further details are available upon able to teach to scholarship standard. The capacity and imagination to request. Teachers are entitled to take holiday during the usual Hoe Bridge inspire, guide and challenge pupils of all ages and abilities is a key part of School holiday periods; holiday cannot be taken during Hoe Bridge School the role, as is the ability to lead others. term time. In addition, teachers maybe required by the Headmaster, upon reasonable notice, to work for varying short periods after the end and We are looking to appoint a person who in interview and by virtue of their before the beginning of any term. qualifications and experience best demonstrates that he/she:

 is suitably qualified for the responsibilities of the post  has the ability to fulfil the responsibilities of the post with energy, enthusiasm and excellence ______ has strong interpersonal and communication skills  has good listening skills and respect for all pupils HOW TO APPLY  has the ability to explain clearly and has good presentation skills ______ has the ability to form relationships and to motivate all pupils  has the ability to generate enthusiasm for the work of the A letter of application together with a completed application form should Department be sent to the Headmaster’s PA, Mrs Jane Langley-Holmes, at Hoe Bridge School, Hoe Place, Road, Woking, GU22 8JE. and that he/she has the ability to achieve high standards in: Electronic applications should be sent to:  teaching effectively throughout the age and ability range  subject knowledge and application [email protected]  classroom management Applicants selected for interview will be informed within a week of the  assessment, recording and reporting pupils’ progress closing date for applications. Candidates short-listed for interview will be and: required to bring to interview proof of ID, qualifications and their right to work in the UK.  is willing to be involved in the co-curricular life of the school  is a team player  has a commitment to personal and professional development Closing date: 5.00 pm Wednesday 6 February 2019  has a sense of humour Interviews to take place: Wednesday 13 & Thursday 14 February 2019 The offer of appointment at Hoe Bridge School is conditional upon the provision of a self-declaration of physical and mental fitness to discharge the responsibilities of the post.

For further information please contact: Hoe Bridge School, Hoe Place, Old Woking Road, Woking, Surrey GU22 8JE 01483 760018 [email protected] www.hoebridgeschool.co.uk