Teacher of History and Politics

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Teacher of History and Politics

Department:

History and Politics

Hours of Work:

Full time

Responsible To:

Head of History, Head of Politics

Responsible For:

N/A

Summary of Role:

Woldingham School is seeking a dynamic and well-qualified teacher of History and Politics to join these excellent
departments.

History is studied by all KS3 students, and they follow a broadly chronological approach moving from the Norman
Conquest through to key events in the 20th century in years 7 and 8. There is a mixture of British and international
events considered. In Year 9 students study Power and the People, covering the content they will need to know if
they choose to take it at GCSE. History is one of the most popular options for GCSE with approximately half the
students in the present Year 10 and 11 choosing to study it.  Candidates are prepared for the AQA course with
modules on Germany, Cold War, Power and the People and Elizabethan England. History is also a popular A level
option and follows the AQA course. Students look at USA 1865-1975 as their breadth study, Modern Britain 1951-
2007 as their depth study and Tudor Britain as their coursework topic.  The department has a very good record of
success in public examinations and students regularly go on to read History or related subjects at degree level.

Politics is also a well-established and popular A level subject at Woldingham, following the AQA specification. The
course explores UK and US political systems alongside political ideologies, including Feminism. Teaching is varied
and engaging, fostering confident, compassionate and courageous students. Outcomes in Politics are consistently
strong,  with  excellent  value-added  results  and  many  students  progressing  to  Politics  or  related  subjects  at
university. While Politics is not taught as a discrete subject at KS3 or KS4, the department contributes regularly to
the Thrive programme, developing all students’ understanding of key political concepts.

Facilities and resources for teaching History and Politics are good; there are three dedicated history classrooms and
a politics classroom, all with IWB facilities, and a department office. The Departments receive a generous annual
allowance for the purchase of books and equipment.

The  History  Department  has  a  strong  connection  with  the  Politics  Department,  both  in  terms  of  location  and
staffing. Experience teaching Politics and running Model United Nations is desirable.

Specific Responsibilities:

1.  To teach classes as allocated by the Heads of Department.
2.  To plan and prepare schemes of work and lessons thoroughly, according to department and school

policies.

3.  To prepare relevant classes for public examinations at GCSE and A Level, according to the specifications

above.

4.  To manage pupils’ behaviour and promote a working atmosphere in lessons by following department and

school policy.

5.  To set, mark and assess work, record assessments and write reports according to department and school

schedules and policies.

6.  To write and mark examination/test papers as directed and prepare mark schemes when necessary.

Last updated: February 2026

7.  To support the department’s work by contributing to initiatives and taking on responsibilities which are

reasonably allocated by the Heads of Department.

8.  To contribute to the co-curricular programme.
9.  To undertake supervisory duties.
10. To undertake the duties of a form tutor (Monday to Friday)

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Desirable

Operational Excellence

•  A well-qualified and experienced graduate with a

History degree.

•  A qualified teacher or an ECT.
•  Ability to teach a second subject will be an

•  The ability to teach across all Key Stages and up to

advantage.

A Level.

•  Excellent subject knowledge and a commitment to
communicate enthusiasm for the subject through
dynamic teaching.

•  To contribute to the co-curricular programme.
•  Fluent and accurate written and spoken English.
•  Excellent ICT Skills.

Personal Behaviours

•  A good communicator who is able to inspire an

•  A willingness to make a contribution to the

interest in the subject.

•  An ability to engage warmly and professionally

academic enrichment provision offered by the
department

with students.

•  A calm and confident presence in the classroom.
•  Excellent organisational skills.
•  The ability to work as part of a team in a busy

department.

•  A willingness to be generous with time committed
to school, recognising that ours is a school that
never closes during term time and the work
continues after the final bell of the day has rung.

Ethos and Whole School Values

•  Committed to operating as part of the School

community.

•  Committed to the Sacred Heart Values.
•  Committed to Woldingham as a school with high
academic standing providing a holistic education
and outstanding pastoral care.

Safeguarding and Pastoral

•  Committed to safeguarding and promoting the

welfare of children and young people.

•  A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS.