OUR VALUES We enrich through a broad and varied curriculum Job Description Geography Lead (maternity cover) Director of Humanities Teaching Job Title Line Manager Department Job Summary To lead the department and teach Geography with expertise and enthusiasm at KS3, GCSE and A Level, offering support to the learning of individual students and contributing to the School’s pastoral system. In the absence of the Head of Department, we are looking for someone who can lead the department, support the staff, and inspire and motivate our students. Candidates will have a firm grasp of curricular developments, inspire high standards in the classroom, have a warm approach, and be prepared for wider involvement in co-curricular activities. Main Responsibilities Department Leadership and Management: • To be an excellent and reflective practitioner and a role model in the teaching of Geography, ensuring high quality teaching and learning across the department. • Oversee the quality assurance of Geography at iGCSE and A Level. Ensure examination specifications are covered as specified in the curriculum documents. Ensure staff keep up to date with exam board specifications and assessment requirements. • Ensure that marking of students’ work is both regular and thorough and embed clear quality assurance procedures with regards to marking, feedback and assessments. • Be responsible for collating, moderating and submitting the NEA. • Lead members of the department, offering help and guidance where necessary and encouraging their ongoing training and development. Observe all members of the department regularly and provide constructive feedback. • Manage the departmental budget effectively, ensuring that all department resources are costed, monitored, distributed and used effectively. • Produce, maintain and regularly update the department handbook, schemes of work, programmes of study, curriculum maps, assessment grids and any other documentation relevant to the role. • Ensure all staff participate fully in the performance review process. Address any underperformance of staff through coaching, monitoring and support. Teaching: • Teach challenging, well-planned lessons and sequences of lessons, informed by secure subject knowledge and effective teaching methods, in line with the vision of the department. • Enable students to acquire new knowledge and to make good progress according to their ability to increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subject being taught. EMIT 11 25 Page 1 of 4 • Use an appropriate range of teaching strategies and resources which meet students’ needs and expectations and are designed to raise levels of attainment. • Liaise with the SENCO, ensuring that the needs of all students are met. • Show a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs, prior knowledge and attainment of earlier learning in order that students meet their learning objectives and make sustained progress. • Develop ways to encourage, challenge and inspire students to apply new knowledge, understanding and skills to deepen further learning. • Manage the learning of individuals, groups, and whole classes effectively, using teaching techniques appropriate to suit the stage of the lesson and the needs of the learners. • Assess, record, and report on the development, progress and attainment of students. • Provide students, colleagues, parents and carers with timely, accurate and constructive feedback on students’ progress, attainment and areas for development. • Lead departmental activities, e.g. enrichment work, Geography surgeries and trips. • Develop clear lines of communication and cooperation with parents and carers. Continuing Professional Development: • Review own methods of teaching and programmes of work. • Evaluate own performance and be committed to improving own practice through CPD. • Engage actively in the performance review process. General: • Use effective strategies for managing behaviour and encouraging students to act responsibly. • Maintain good order and discipline among students and safeguarding their health and safety both when they are authorised to be on the school premises and when they are engaged in authorised school activities elsewhere. • Attend meetings as required (departmental, staff, pastoral, parent meetings, etc.). • Promote the school in a variety of different contexts, including attending curriculum and marketing events, and interactions with parents and prospective parents and students. • Assist with supervision and covering for absent colleagues when required. • Act as a Form Teacher, as required, providing pastoral care and support. • Support students and colleagues by attending school productions, functions, trips and events as appropriate, and contributing to the wider co-curricular life of the School. • To promote and uphold the ethos and values of Tormead School. • Actively promote and model good practice in equality, diversity, and inclusion, and to support and uphold fundamental British values. • To adhere to all School policies, procedures, and risk assessments, including safeguarding, child protection and health and safety. This job description is not intended to be all embracing and the post holder shall be required to carry out other duties as necessary and required, commensurate with training and experience. Safeguarding Children The postholder is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons with whom they come into contact, and to adhere to and ensure compliance with Tormead’s Safeguarding Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out their duties, the postholder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, they must report any concerns to one of the school’s Designated Safeguarding Leads in accordance with Tormead’s policies and procedures. EMIT 11 25 Page 2 of 4 Key Relationships Internal: Deputy Head (Academic), colleagues, students, and parents External: Prospective parents and students Person Specification – Geography Lead/Teacher Essential Criteria Desirable Criteria Qualifications & Training ● Relevant undergraduate degree ● Qualified Teacher Status (or ● Evidence of continuing and relevant professional development equivalent) Experience ● Evidence of creative and ● Experience of leading in a innovative approaches to teaching and learning of Geography successful Geography department at Key Stage 3 to 5 Knowledge & Understanding Skills & Abilities ● Experience of integrating technology with learning ● Proven experience of successfully contributing to or running co- curricular clubs and activities ● Knowledge and understanding of and a commitment to equal opportunities and health and safety ● An understanding of the independent school sector ● Dedication to promoting Geography within the School and marketing within and outside school ● Excellent record keeping and ● reporting Inquisitive, collaborative and thorough ● An ability to make all students feel valued and involved in your lessons ● Experience of using assessment effectively to inform teaching ● Enthusiasm for, and an excellent knowledge of, Geography ● Keep abreast of educational research and pedagogy so that lessons enable all students to make progress ● Sound safeguarding knowledge and a commitment to best practice in pastoral support and care ● Knowledge and understanding of data protection and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality ● High levels of personal and professional integrity ● Ability to use a range of teaching strategies to meet the needs of all students ● Ability to inspire, motivate and support students ● Sound behaviour management skills and discipline ● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to work effectively and harmoniously with others (including students, colleagues, and parents) ● Commitment to the improvement and development of own teaching and performance EMIT 11 25 Page 3 of 4 Essential Criteria Desirable Criteria ● Ability to work under pressure, on own initiative, and react to competing demands ● Ability to solve problems, make sound judgements and take decisions EMIT 11 25 Page 4 of 4