JOB TITLE : Head of Chemistry
LOCATION : Giggleswick School
RESPONSIBLE TO : Director of Studies
START DATE: 1 September 2025
CLOSING DATE: 31 January 2025
INTERVIEW DATE: 5 February 2025
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The Science Department at Giggleswick has a proven track record of examination success and value added. The Chemistry Department is particularly proud of its record of achieving Chemistry and Medical places at top-ranking Russell Group Universities.
Chemistry has one of the highest uptakes at A-level and recent leavers have gone on to study a wide variety of courses, both nationally and internationally. Our students achieve highly in the annual RSC Chemistry Olympiad and our teams have regularly won their regional heat of the RSC School's Analyst competition.
Head of Department Responsibilities
* The Head of Department’s key responsibility is to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the subject and is responsible to the Head of STEM. The Head of Department will contribute to the academic enrichment within the Sciences as directed by the Head of STEM and should be a clear advocate for their subject and its development both in the Sciences and the wider school.
* Curriculum
* Select the most appropriate examination specifications
* Draw up, co-ordinate and monitor Schemes of Work, including setting of preps or independent study and regular testing
Administration
* Maintain set lists, communicate set changes Organise and co-ordinate assessments for public examinations, including moderation Organise and monitor the setting and marking of internal examinations, external examinations and scholarship examinations
* Ensure students are entered for appropriate examinations and advise on entry tiers
* Direct any non-teaching staff within the subject Issue and oversee returns of books and other specific materials required by students
* Ensure that classes are covered, and work is set when staff are unexpectedly absent
* Ensure that departmental rooms provide a stimulating and attractive learning environment that projects a positive image
* Order and maintain any equipment, textbooks and materials
* Ensure that the subject handbook is kept up to date
* Have input into the Governors’ Report and Subject Development Plan
Staff
* Observe staff within the subject as part of the Quality Assurance process
* Assist with work trawls as directed by the Head of STEM and Director of Studies
* Provide the relevant information for the Performance Review of staff within the subject for the Assistant Head (Staff)
Enrichment
* Assist in the provision of subject enrichment programmes, such as clubs, visiting speakers and off-campus visits to Higher Education institutions
Teaching Duties
* You would be expected to teach a maximum of 18 academic lessons per week
* All members of staff are expected to attend, as required, regular staff meetings, INSET, and parents’ conferences that are held to discuss pupil progress
* The school day begins with a regular pattern of Assemblies, Chapel and Tutor/Form periods which teachers attend. Teachers are also expected to support students at major school functions such as drama productions, the Spring Concert or Sports Day
* Teachers make a significant contribution to the coaching of games or sport; the Friday afternoon academic enrichment programme; the Outdoor Pursuits programme; and the Combined Cadet Force. This can include coaching, supervising, leading or training pupils on 3 or 4 afternoons each week, depending on academic teaching commitments
Pastoral duties
* The School has a strong personal tutorial system and teachers provide additional pastoral care and academic advice and support for up to 8 tutees
* All full time members of staff do an evening duty in a boarding house
* Teachers are expected to support all aspects of the boarding life of the school. This includes making a contribution to the weekend activity programme for boarders on Saturday evenings or Sundays; supervising events or activities; attending Sunday Chapel services; by organising and leading trips; or sharing a pastime
Other duties
* Teachers are assigned to a duty team which supervises school duties such as meals and weekend duties (e.g., detention) approximately every five weeks
* Once a year, teachers take part in an Exeat duty team to provide cover for the boarders who remain at School. This involves one duty of approximately 4 to 5 hours
* All teaching staff are expected to follow the Staff Code of Conduct and to follow the guidance laid out in the staff handbook
Education & qualifications
* Degree in Chemistry
Knowledge & experience
* Proven track record of successful A level and GCSE teaching results
* Experience of working with children and young people
* A secure knowledge of your subject
Skills
* Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop positive relationships with young people
* Have strong organisational and IT skills
* Able to engage pupils in learning through active teaching strategies
* Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
* Able to demonstrate effective planning and teaching skills
* Able to present confidently to a large group of students
Personal qualities
* Commitment to and flexible with the demands of the role
* Demonstrates fairness and consistency in all dealings with pupils
* Energy and enthusiasm
* Able to demonstrate the positive values, attitudes and behaviour we expect from our pupils
* Reliability and integrity
* Willingness to contribute to the co-curricular life of the school
* A commitment to personal professional development and taking responsibility for it
* A positive motivation to work with children and young people
* Emotional resilience
Safeguarding
* Evidence of a commitment to promoting the health, welfare and safeguarding of children
Equal Opportunities Employer
Giggleswick School is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate, or to receive less favourable treatment, on grounds of age, disability, race, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
Giggleswick School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment by complying with the School’s Child Protection Policy and Staff Code of Conduct at all times. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and The Disclosure and Barring Service.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy and interview early, subject to receiving suitable applications.