HEAD OF BUSINESS STUDIES AND ECONOMICS JOB DESCRIPTION The Economics and Business Department consists of one Head of Department and another member of teaching staff. The department offers students the opportunity to study Edexcel A Level Business, Edexcel A Level Economics (A) and Edexcel GCSE Business. All courses are taught over two years, with the girls sitting their examinations at the end of the second year. A Level lessons are taught over five 55-minute lessons per week, and GCSE lessons are taught over three 55-minute lessons per week. Individual intervention, support and tutorial sessions are also made available for girls as circumstances dictate, and this contact enables learning to take place in a way that suits the requirements of each student. Small class sizes enable us to run a seminar format, where it is easier for all girls to actively participate. Students are encouraged to contextualise their learning and give group and individual presentations based on current scenarios that are appropriate to the topic being studied. This enables them to get involved in independent learning. Students are all required to bring a device to school. The department takes every opportunity to invite in external speakers and arrange visits to business organisations to enhance students understanding of Economics and Business both from an academic and wider-world perspective. From time to time the students will also take part in external competitions and will attend lectures and conferences run by LSE and other organisations. This role reports to the Director of Studies A Head of Department at Prior’s Field has the following professional duties: • • • • To provide leadership which ensures the provision of the highest quality of learning opportunities for the pupils and the professional fulfilment for the staff working within the department. To prepare a detailed analysis of each year’s public examination and value-added results. To monitor the work of staff working within the department in order to ensure that high standards are maintained in the performance of professional duties and to give them all necessary help, support and advice. To assist in the development of school policies when requested and to implement them within the department, developing appropriate departmental policies as and when necessary in order to define the working practices of the department. • To ensure the implementation of departmental policies for schemes of work, teaching strategies, homework, marking, assessment, recording and reporting. • Annually to review the work of the department and, taking account of the School Development Plan, to lead on the writing and updating of the Business and Economics Departmental • Development Plan which identifies targets for the department and indicates strategies for achieving them. • • • • To organise the teaching allocated to the department, ensuring that staff are deployed efficiently and that their work is coordinated to promote continuity and progression in learning experiences for the pupils. To ensure effective communication within the department and lead regular minuted departmental meetings. To delegate clearly defined areas of responsibility to other members of the department. To participate in half termly Heads of Department meetings and to liaise with other Heads of Department, the Librarian and senior members of staff to develop interdisciplinary approaches which enrich pupils’ learning. Curriculum • • • • • To ensure that the relevant area of the curriculum is delivered effectively, efficiently and appropriately so that each girl is enabled to develop to her full potential at every stage. To ensure the continuing development of schemes of work, taking account of the requirements of the National Curriculum, where these apply. To ensure that the department’s schemes of work incorporate appropriate elements: ICT, differentiation, EA and LDD. To keep abreast of new educational developments and evaluate new course materials and syllabi for possible introduction into schemes of work. To set school examinations and Entrance Examinations where appropriate and arrange for them to be marked by members of the department. Pupils • • To assist in the assessment and selection of prospective pupils as appropriate. To ensure that pupils are allocated to appropriate teaching sets as necessary. • When appropriate, and in consultation with the Careers Department, to advise and support pupils about suitable option choices, examination entries and future education and career paths. • • To ensure that pupils are appropriately prepared for external and school examinations. To advise members of the department about appropriate action if the work or behaviour in lessons of any pupil is giving cause for concern, to ensure effective liaison with the relevant Head of Year and Form Tutor and to consult with parents as necessary. Page 2 of 7 Staff • • • • • • To carry out staff reviews for members of the Business and Economics department. To ensure that staff are appropriately trained and confident users of ICT in the classroom. To promote the welfare and well-being of all departmental staff. To assist the Head in appointing members of staff. To be responsible for ensuring the effective induction of new staff, including beginner teachers, in relation to their departmental duties and to provide reports as required. To assist in the further professional development of departmental staff by working with them to identify their training needs and encouraging and enabling their participation in appropriate training activities, courses and conferences. Administration • • To be responsible for departmental resources, teaching areas and displays of work ensuring a well-ordered, safe and effective working environment for both staff and girls and liaising with the Bursar on health and safety issues. To contribute to annual budget proposals in the purchase of equipment, consumables and books. • When required, to co-ordinate predictions and approve the entry of pupils to external examinations, liaising with senior staff and the examinations officers to ensure that entry procedures and entry requirements are known and met. • • • • • • • To provide information for and liaise as necessary with your line manager. To ensure that work is set to cover the absence of departmental staff. To liaise with the relevant senior members of staff to ensure that all visits and events arranged by the department are organised according to recognised School procedures. To ensure that the department is fully represented at Parents’ Evenings and, as required, at other official school events. To promote the work of the department both within and outside the School community by contributing as required to information booklets and prospectuses and by other appropriate means. To ensure that department members contribute to the school’s co-curricular programme. To ensure that the department engage fully in any school cross-curricular activities and initiatives. Additional responsibilities of all teaching staff include: • Supporting the ethos of a boarding school and working in accordance with the school’s aims and policies. Page 3 of 7 • Maintaining good order and discipline among pupils, safeguarding their health and safety at all times when they are the responsibility of the school. • The school places a high priority on excellent pastoral care and this responsibility is shared by all staff. • Maintaining high standards of time keeping, attending assemblies, playing an active role in the life of the school, including the extra-curricular activities programme, supporting school functions and attending year group social events, where appropriate. • Carrying out supervisory and general duties as reasonably required, upholding good standards of behaviour and punctuality among pupils. • Participating in meetings as required. • Preparing and teaching lessons in accordance with agreed departmental and school schemes of work and teaching strategies. • Knowing and adhering to all school and departmental polices. • Setting and marking work regularly, including homework, according to school policy and in a style agreed within the department. • Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils in accordance with departmental and school policies. • Undertaking duties as a Form Teacher. • Participating in arrangements for preparing and assessing pupils’ work for public examinations. • Contributing to the formulation and revision of departmental schemes of work, teaching resources, assessment materials and developing new courses. • On taking up a new appointment, participating in the school’s programme of induction and review of new staff. • Participating in the school’s Annual Appraisal programme. • Participating in arrangements for staff development and INSET. • Participating in administrative and organisational tasks related to all the above, including management and supervision of all ancillary staff when appropriate. • Attending all required school functions, as directed by the Head: staff meetings, parents’ evenings, homework duty, Open Days, Options Information Evenings etc. and preparing exhibits, demonstrations as required. • Undertaking any other duties deemed appropriate by the Head within the context of the school ethos and the teaching programme. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Desirable Page 4 of 7 Experience and qualifications QTS or equivalent A degree in a relevant subject A relevant subject specialism A demonstrable track record of delivering excellent student outcomes at KS3 and KS4 A demonstrable track record of delivering excellent student outcomes at KS5 Evidence of being an excellent classroom teacher at secondary level Exemplary and up to date knowledge of teaching the relevant subject Previous experience of working at a similar level Previous work experience in a UK independent school with a boarding element Experience of budgeting/financial management and resource management Experience of successful leadership of, or within, a relevant subject Experience as a tutor Skills and competencies The ability to demonstrate knowledge of latest specifications and curriculum developments Knowledge of national educational policy, priorities and initiatives Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to relate well to people on all levels, to resolve conflicts in a sensitive manner and to encourage and motivate The ability to motivate and inspire and to build warm and effective professional relationships with staff, pupils and parents Strong organisational skills x x x x x x x x x x x x An understanding of how to use data to analyse past and current performance in order to improve outcomes x A flair for creative solutions to problems x Page 5 of 7 x x x x x The willingness to acquire skills as appropriate A good understanding of the latest evidence and thinking regarding effective practice in the teaching and assessment of the relevant subject A secure understanding of what excellent teaching in the relevant subject looks like An interest in pupils of all abilities and willingness and ability to inspire them The ability to formulate and lead short and long term development plans The ability to plan and implement change The ability to analyse situations or problems and suggest strategies for improvement Effective communication skills both in writing and speech Effective IT skills Knowledge about how young people learn Knowledge of use of appropriate target setting and monitoring procedures The ability to teach outstanding lessons across the age range The ability to develop effective schemes of work The ability to add value to pupil outcomes The ability to operate safe practices A full awareness of the current issues relating to teaching your subject in schools Knowledge of higher education curriculum opportunities Have the ability to lead by example, empower others and command respect An excellent record of punctuality and attendance Personal qualities Be passionate about education, the relevant subject and learning Be keen, enthusiastic, innovative, resourceful, adaptable, flexible and inspirational, with a sense of perspective Have a high degree of emotional intelligence x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Page 6 of 7 x Have a genuine respect for and motivation for working with girls and young women Have a sensitivity to the needs of girls and young women as well as colleagues Be able to earn the respect of pupils, staff and parents Be strongly committed to improving outcomes for all students and the drive and determination to make this happen Demonstrate the ability to show initiative and to work independently and as part of a team Have a vision for provision of the relevant subject across all key stages and the drive to implement it Have the imagination and confidence to develop and share new ideas Have personal integrity, honesty, energy, stamina, resilience and enthusiasm Have the charisma to lead, challenge, support and motivate members of staff Demonstrate sound judgment and discretion Have a willingness to give generously of their time to support school events and activities Have a commitment to personal development and life-long learning x x x x x x x x x x x x Be an effective and supportive team leader and team member x Have high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, behaviour and positive, respectful relationships with students, parents and colleagues Be a reflective practitioner Set high expectations for themselves and their students Be committed to safeguarding our pupils in line with the school’s Safeguarding Policy Have an affinity with, and commitment to, the independent education generally and Prior’s Field in particular x x x x Page 7 of 7 x