JOB TITLE: Head of Mathematics
LOCATION: Giggleswick School
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Studies
Start Date: 1st September 2025
Closing Date: Friday 14th March 2025
Interview Date: Friday 21st March 2025
The Department
The Department takes pride in the recent destinations of A Level pupils from competitive Degree Apprenticeships to related degree courses in Accounting and Finance, Mathematics and Investment Banking at a range of Russell Group universities. Super-curricular enrichment takes place through close collaboration with local universities, annual participation in the UK Maths Challenge at all levels, in which many pupils achieve gold and silver certificates, as well as in house clubs from finance club to origami. These run alongside further STEM opportunities which includes a vibrant programme of talks from academic and industrial experts to stretch students beyond the curriculum. Pupils are taught in sets and all members of the department are expected to teach a variety of abilities, although GCSE sets are usually taken by the same member of staff for two years.
The Head of Department’s key responsibility is to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the subject and is responsible to the Director of Studies. The Head of Department will contribute to the academic enrichment within Mathematics and should be a clear advocate for their subject and its development both in STEM 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
* Ensure that classes are covered, and work is set when staff are unexpectedly absent
* Direct any non-teaching staff within the subject
* Issue and oversee returns of books and other specific materials required by students
* 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 and assist in work scrutiny as directed by the Director of Studies
* Provide the relevant information for the Performance Review of staff within the subject for the Assistant Head (Staff)
* Deliver the strategic aims of the School through effective leadership and development of the team
Enrichment
* Assist in the provision of subject enrichment programmes, such as clubs, field trips, visiting speakers and off-campus visits to Higher Education institutions
General Responsibilities
Teaching duties
* All full-time members of teaching staff teach up to 18 x 55 min lessons across a six day week and are expected to make a regular contribution to department clubs workshops and the extra-curricular activities programme. A weekly emergency cover period and, where possible, a weekly departmental meeting is also timetabled.
* All members of staff are expected to attend, as required, regular staff meetings, INSET, parents’ conferences and the monthly tutor meetings 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 invited 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
* Teachers are expected to support all aspects of the boarding life of the school. This can include 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
The Person
Education & qualifications
* Degree in Mathematics, or Maths related subject
* PGCE
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
* Effective management of difficult conversations with pupils, parents and staff
* 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
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. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant’s job qualifications, skills, experience, and abilities. Applicants or employees with questions or concerns relating to discrimination for any of the reasons listed above should contact HR at hr@giggleswick.org.uk .