HEAD OF PSYCHOLOGY The Psychology department is a close knit and supportive team and boasts some of the best results at A level and the IB at the School. It consists of two members of staff, the Head of Department and a teacher of psychology and biology. There is a collective breadth and depth of knowledge of the subject currently. Each member of the team has a commitment to sharing ideas and good practice. The department is housed in the humanities building, shared with business and teaching rooms are spacious and well-resourced including WiFi, projector and a range of teaching resources. There is opportunity to develop the wider psychology experience for pupils studying it in the Sixth Form and prospective pupils lower down the School. As a subject we have had an increasing number of pupils studying psychology as part of their A Level or IB programme with significant numbers continuing in the study of the subject at university. Purpose of the Job To manage the department as well as providing pupils with high quality teaching within the curriculum area(s). To raise the profile of the department throughout the Senior School and to help drive the development of the subject within the School. To contribute fully to the life of the School. In addition to teaching, this will require participation in the normal supervisory and co-curricular duties undertaken by all members of staff, including fulfilling a commitment to the boarding life of the School. The Key Areas, Limits of Responsibility and Criteria for Success as outlined below will apply equally to other subjects or areas of experience offered by candidates. Key responsibilities: • To be responsible for the teaching, and subsequent progress, of pupils studying the subject in the Senior School, from KS3 to GCSE, A Level and as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB). • To prepare Schemes of Work and be responsible for all aspects of the management of the curriculum including management of the departmental budget. • To be involved with any other aspects of School life associated with the subject. • To encourage and support the full integration of use of ICT within the Department. • To be a fully integrated member of the Heads of Department group, to attend and contribute to meetings, prepare departmental reports on examination performance, and development plans which contribute to the School’s Strategic Development Plan. • To play a full part in the life and running of this successful Day and Boarding Independent School. • To support pupil development in the role of Form Tutor, as a member of the House team. • To carry out duties in one of our four Boarding Houses – usual commitment is one weeknight shift (around 5 hours) each week plus one weekend shift in three (either morning/afternoon/evening or a House trip). Limits of Responsibility: • To be ultimately responsible to the Headmaster. • To report to the Deputy Head (Academic). • To run the department in line with School and departmental Policies. • To undertake a pastoral role, including that of Form Tutor and House Tutor, in accordance with school policy, reporting to the Deputy Headmaster and Housemaster/mistress. • To undertake a role in a Boarding House reporting to the Deputy Head and Housemaster/mistress. Criteria for Success: • Evidence that high standards of teaching and learning in the department are being maintained. • Evidence of good differentiation for learners at both ends of the spectrum. • Evidence of an enriched curriculum which incorporates appropriate extra-curricular events. • Improved departmental “value added” results, year on year. • Maintaining positive relationships with staff and pupils. • Actively supporting the ethos of the School. Warminster School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful applicants must be willing to undergo a criminal record check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. Qualifications Experience Essential • A good Honours Degree in a relevant subject • A teaching qualification • • Evidence of high-quality classroom teaching Evidence of raising standards and of initiating and maintaining innovative curriculum design and delivery Desirable • Evidence of professional development Method of Assessment • Production of the applicant’s certificates • • • • Experience of teaching A Level or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Experience in a pastoral role such as form tutor Experience of working in a boarding environment Experience of teaching across all relevant Key Stages • Contents of the application form Interview Professional references • • Skills / Knowledge Excellent subject knowledge • • Ability to impart key skills and attributes of a Warminster Learner (risk taking, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, independence, problem solving) • An interest in fostering a varied approach to learning • An appreciation of the value of ICT in fostering learning Personal Competencies and Qualities • A commitment to improving pupil learning • An enthusiasm for the subject • An interest in fostering a varied approach to learning • An appreciation of the value of ICT in fostering learning • The ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing • An effective motivator of pupils • An ability to work effectively as part of a team • An ability to keep to deadlines • A willingness to reflect • A good level of organisation • A good sense of humour • A commitment to co-curricular activities and to the School’s involvement in the wider community • Alignment with the key values of the School (courage, integrity, kindness, empathy, creativity, curiosity) • An understanding of Health & Safety issues within an educational setting • Commitment to sharing good practice • Ability to work using own initiative • A willingness to contribute to whole-school initiatives • A commitment to networking and the sharing of best practice • An understanding of Health & Safety issues within an educational setting • Commitment to sharing good practice • Good ICT skills • An appreciation of the learning needs of different pupils • Contents of the application form Interview Professional references • • • Contents of the application form Interview Professional references • •