HEAD OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

JOB TITLE : HEAD OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Responsible to: Deputy Head (Academic)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Main Purpose: To teach and oversee the teaching and administration of Computer Science in the Senior
School

Roles and Responsibilities:

General

Teaching and Learning

Promoting and ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils
To instil in pupils a passion for computing on a departmental a whole school level.
Creation, review and delivery of Schemes of Work and Curriculum Maps,
cascading the information to pupils and parents.
Run departmental meetings, ensuring minutes are maintained.
To ensure a collegiate approach with other departments, liaising with the
equivalent HOD at Casterton Prep School.
To ensure open communication with department members, passing on
information as appropriate.

Where necessary, ensure that pupils are taught in appropriate groups

Review, and advise colleagues as necessary, about special educational needs
and considerations.
Advise pupils at times of option choices and when help is needed for
careers or Universities
To maintain high professional standards to relation behaviour, punctuality,
attendance and appearance
To demonstrate our school values through interactions with pupils, staff
and parents.
To respond to parental queries in a timely manner
Attendance at subject fairs and other school events where subject representation
is required.

Advise the Head on the appointment of new staff
Assist in the drafting of advertisements and job descriptions
Support new staff prior to, and on arrival
Lesson observations of staff, formally on an annual basis, but encouraging an
open-door policy with regular drop-ins to support teachers and ensure an
awareness of professional practise.
Promote attendance and involvement in teaching and learning sessions.
Ensure the integration of technology within the whole-school curriculum delivery,
in-line with the school strategy.

Staff Development

Encouragement of CPD, to maintain knowledge of pedagogical and subject
specific developments.

Administration

To ensure regular communication with the Deputy Head Academic.
To provide timely reports following public examination results to the Deputy Head
Academic, analysing pupil performance.
Accurate and effective communication regarding exams, ensuring information is
provided to the exams officer.
Keep clear records of all pupils, such as internal assessments (CAT scores) and
examinations (Entrance and Scholarship Exams) and external examination results
To ensure the departmental handbook is reviewed on an annual basis.
Entries and administration for relevant regional and national competitions
Write, mark and set the scholarship exams for entry to Year 9 and Sixth Form

The Computer Science Department

•  As numbers are beginning to increase at KS4, we are now looking for a suitably qualified Teacher of
Computing  to  help  grow  the  subject  further  throughout  the  school.    In  Year  9,  we  have  recently
increased  our  computer  science  offering,  ensuring  that  all  pupils  receive  four  lessons  a  fortnight.
Pupils then have the option of choosing Computer Science as one of their GCSE options for Years 10
and 11, followed by an offer of A Level Computer Science in Years 12 and 13 and have also run BTEC
Information Technology which may be an area of potential growth in the future. Uptake in the sixth
form is an area that we are particularly keen to develop moving forward. We follow the Edexcel exam
specification at GCSE, and CIE in the sixth form.

•  We currently have three IT suites, used also in part by the Technology and Art/Graphics departments,
with one designated classroom for Computer Science lessons. All pupils also have their own devices.
Technology and Computer Science teaching is strong at our Prep School and we want to continue to
develop Computer Science specifically in the Senior School to create a seamless transition towards
tertiary education and the workplace.

•  As a school, we have ambitions to grow our digital offering. As we embark on an exciting process of
digital transformation, we are looking to appoint someone with the energy and ambition to drive the
subject forward, both on a department and whole-school level. We recognise that digital skills are
key for our pupils and would be interested to hear from individuals who have experience in building
knowledge of these on a whole school basis. This post is suitable for those looking for their first Head
of  Department  position,  in  addition  to  more  experienced  Heads  of  Department  who  would  be
interested in an opportunity to influence growth and development in the subject. The school also
has a generous CPD budget, with regular opportunities for professional development and training.

•  The School operates a two-week timetable with lessons lasting for 55 minutes in the morning and 50
in the afternoon. There are three lessons on a Saturday morning. The role offers great opportunities
for personal and professional development in a School that aspires to be the market leader in all areas
of Boarding School life. A proactive attitude to INSET training is encouraged and supported by the
School.

Beyond Computing

•  The successful candidate will be expected to contribute fully to the pastoral life of the School, as

a Resident or Non-Resident Tutor in one of the nine Boarding Houses. This role includes
delivering PSHE to a small tutor group, and one evening boarding duty per week.

•  There is also a strong expectation that the successful candidate will participate fully in the School’s
extensive extracurricular activity programme. Experience in sports coaching and outdoor adventure
activities is most welcome, please specify on your application any relevant areas of interest and
experience.

Salary and Accommodation

•  Sedbergh School runs it’s own salary scale commensurate with qualifications and experience.
•  Accommodation may be available and will be discussed at interview.

Health and Safety:

All staff should be aware of the school’s health and safety policy and implement it as appropriate.

Safeguarding:

All staff employed by Sedbergh School are expected to take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding
the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible or with whom they come into
contact.

These roles and responsibilities provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a
definitive list.  Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the level of this post.

Sedbergh School is committed to safeguarding & protecting the welfare of children. Applicants must be
willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past
employers
and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No 1080672