TE13/47/11
BELFAST EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD
APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL
Black Mountain Primary School
1 Post
Applications are invited for the post of Principal of Black Mountain Primary School.
2 School Information
Black Mountain Primary School is situated in an area of North West Belfast bounded by the Ballygomartin, Springmartin, Springfield and West Circular Roads and lying between the Springmartin and Highfield Estates.
It is a large, bright, modern complex comprising nineteen rooms. Six rooms are used as class bases and five others are used for library, resources, ICT, science special needs and a nurture unit. We have a Homework Centre and continue to develop a Community Resource Centre in line with the commitment to further promote the community aspect to school. There is a large dining hall and gymnasium combined. The nursery unit has purpose-built accommodation set apart from the school. The school buildings retain an open and well cared for appearance which indicates the value placed on it by the local community.
At present there are 131 children on roll with an additional 26 attending the nursery class. As a result of parent requests we have recently opened a playgroup which caters for 16 children The school enjoys a high standard of decorative order and cleanliness and provides a caring, comfortable and inviting environment. Black Mountain functions as part of the community and had forged close links with the local church, library, health care centre and neighbouring schools. Interest and support is given to the children’s out of school activities as evidenced in a thriving Homework Centre and Extended Schools activities.
The curriculum is broad and balanced in compliance with the requirements of the Education Reform (N.I) Order, including language, mathematics and science, environmental studies, art and music. Every child, from P1, has their own computer account which they use frequently in the computer suite and in class. Emphasis is placed on structured play, technology and physical education which includes swimming and games. There is a blend of traditional and progressive teaching methods among the 7 members of staff. Extra curricular activities include soccer, tennis, cricket, hockey, scripture union, cycling proficiency, athletics and educational visits.
The school attempts to cultivate the spiritual, moral, cultural, cognitive, aesthetic and physical development of each individual child.
3 Duties
The person appointed to this post will be required to carry out the duties of a Principal as stipulated in the Teachers’ (Terms and Conditions of Employment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 Schedule 1, Regulation 4. (Attached)
4 Experience and Qualifications
Applicants must at the closing date:
(i) be qualified teachers recognised by the Department of Education (NI);
(ii) have a minimum of 7 years teaching experience* in a primary school;
(iii) have a minimum of 2 years experience* as a subject, area of learning or key stage co-ordinator in a primary school; and
(iv) hold a minimum of one teaching allowance.
Preference may be given to those applicants who at the closing date have successfully completed a course of further professional studies (professional studies will be defined as a post graduate degree or a professional qualification such as PQH).
The panel reserves the right to enhance these criteria.
*Please note only post qualification teaching experience will be considered.
On taking up this post the successful applicant must be a registered teacher with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland.
Posts involving work in educational institutions are subject to the provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. The successful applicant will require an enhanced disclosure check which at present costs £30. Further details regarding the payment of this check will be issued with the contract of employment.
5 Person Specification
The person appointed should:
· be able to provide motivational leadership to meet future changes and staff development
· have a sound knowledge of current educational developments and financial management
· have a clear vision of how to move the school forward
· be able to further develop existing home / school links
· be able to actively develop and promote the school within the local and wider community
· be able to work co-operatively with the Board of Governors, staff, parents and external agencies
· have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and
· have an understanding of financial management
6 Salary
Group 2, Spinal Point L9 £45,637 (ISR L9 – L15)
7 General Information:
(i) Eligibility and shortlisting will be carried out only on the basis of the information contained in the application form and accompanying sheet.
NB: Please ensure you show precisely how you meet the essential and preferred criteria.
(ii) Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the school in the week commencing 13 January 2014.
(iii) It is intended that interviews will be held in the week commencing 20 January 2014.
(iv) Please note that no payment in respect of travelling expenses shall be paid to candidates where the post concerned has been advertised in the local press and on the Board’s website and not in the national press.
(v) The application form and enclosed questionnaire must be returned in the envelope provided to the equality unit.
The closing date for receipt of applications is
12.00 NOON ON TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER 2013.
Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances