JOB DESCRIPTION

Head of Key Stage 3 Mathematics

(KS2 Transition)

Full time

Start: September 2018

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Maths

INTRODUCTION

This job description should be read in conjunction with the current School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document and the provisions of that document will apply to the post holder.

The performance of all the duties and responsibilities shown below will be under the reasonable direction of the Headteacher; and the Deputy Headteacher, or other Senior Manager if appropriate, will be mindful of his/her duty to ensure that the employee has a reasonable workload and sufficient support to carry out the duties of the post.

This job description will be reviewed at least annually and any changes will be subject to consultation. The school’s Grievance procedure will be used to resolve any dispute arising out of the job description. Other relevant policies may be the County Council’s Stress at Work Policy and the Dignity at Work Policy.

King Alfred’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

GENERAL DUTIES

You will be expected to carry out the professional duties of a teacher as outlined in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document currently in operation, or any subsequent legislation.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

  1. Plan, prepare and deliver high quality lessons to students at some or all of Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.
  1. Accurately assess and report on progress and any concerns to line manager and parents.
  1. Contribute to curriculum development work of the Maths Faculty
  1. To help ensure that lessons are differentiated appropriately for the needs of all students

Teaching and Learning Responsibilities:

To be part of a TLR Team responsible for the quality of Teaching and Learning in Mathematics across the Academy.

  • Along with members of the Mathematics TLR Team to develop, implement and evaluate strategically the vision for Mathematics at the Academy:
  • Contribute to the Maths Department Development Plan.
  • Create a KS3 Maths Development Plan which is shared with colleagues in the department. This will highlight the key development targets for KS3 Maths (including robust KS2 transition) and ensure these remain a key focus for the year.
  • To lead the KS3 team of teaching staff in Mathematics:
  • Motivate the team of KS3 teachers and provide an environment for them to discuss and share resources, tips, ideas and issues.
  • Support teachers in working effectively with KS3 students and classes, including leading and sustaining a culture of continuous assessment through KA Maths’ Life After Levels approach.
  • To monitor, through lesson observations and learning walks, the quality of Teaching and Learning and where appropriate to share good practice and support the development of all KS3 teaching staff.
  • Monitor the quality of written AfL, marking and feedback and support teaching staff in embedding good practice into their teaching.
  • Support KS3 teaching staff to evidence their effective practice for the Appraisal process.
  • As directed by Head of Faculty, support and coach staff where need for such targeted support is identified, including leading Teacher Support Package.
  • To engage and work with feeder Primary schools from within the VAT to plan for a robust and successful transition from KS2 to KS3:
  • Work closely with Head of Faculty and Director of Teaching and Learning (VAT) to develop opportunities for cross-phase collaboration for both students and teachers to improve transition from KS2 to KS3.
  • Manage transition of data (EYES) from end-of-KS2 to KS3.
  • Develop and implement a consistent cross-phase numeracy policy which is predicated upon the foundational practice of VAT Primary schools and supports the development of fluency and accuracy of numeracy across KS3 and beyond.

  • To be a point of contact for students and parents with respect to KS3 Mathematics:
  • Answer any email / phone enquiries from parents of KS3 students, dealing professionally with any follow-up.
  • Support staff, parents and students during KS3 Parents Evenings and other key meetings.
  • Deal professionally with any KS3 student issues / complaints in Maths brought to your attention by Senior Staff, Student Managers, Teachers or Students themselves.
  • Use student voice to review the quality of Teaching and Learning in KS3 and share the feedback with KS3 teachers.
  • Support the Teaching and Learning of students through the organisation and structure of Maths Teaching in KS3:
  • Actively manage the KS3 sets to support Teaching and Learning, and where appropriate student’s Learning Pathways.
  • Manage an appropriate and effective assessment structure for KS3 (including mocks, termly and Blue Books assessments) that is closely tied to student’s Learning Pathway statements.
  • Effectively track students’ achievement within and across KS3, and use tracking and data analysis tools to identify underachievement of specific students and specific groups (particularly Highly Able, Pupil Premium and SEN).
  • Oversee and manage the intervention and support of specific students and specific groups (particularly Highly Able, Pupil Premium and SEN) where underachievement is identified through data analysis, putting in place actions to improve achievement.
  • Ensure an appropriate Scheme of Work is in place across KS3 to ensure that all students can secure their Learning Pathway statements. Evaluate and modify as necessary on at least an annual basis. Manage the logistics to ensure that the high quality teaching for KS3 Maths is well resourced.
  • Ensure effective and regular homework is being set across KS3.
  • Support any KS3 lessons which require cover or planning in the absence of specialist teaching staff.
  • As directed by Head of Faculty, lead CPD against specific foci for individual staff or the KS3 teaching team
  • Report termly to the Head of Maths on the progress and examination data related to targets across for KS3:
  • Provide highlights of data which shows how KS3 are progressing at each term throughout the year (which will be shared with Senior Staff at Data Meetings).
  • Create an action plan for KS3 with a sharp focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the KS3 cohort and specific sub-groups as identified through termly data analysis, to ensure appropriate interventions and to enable effective planning of resources. This action plan should refer to a continued focus on the KS3 Development Plan.
  • Promote and plan enrichment activities in Mathematics for KS3 students and parents:
  • Prepare and enter a cohort of KS3 students into the Junior Maths Challenge.
  • Organise enrichment activities for KS3 students to participate in outside of lesson-time (through links with Mathematical Organisations such as the UKMT and FMSP, for example) and promote a culture of targeted problem solving and challenge for all students across KS3.
  • Engage parents in KS3 Maths Parents Information Evenings to involve them in the learning of Maths in KS3 and also in Maths Challenge Parents Evenings.

Other Responsibilities:

  1. To provide high quality pastoral care as a tutor to a group of students in one year group.
  1. Contribution to the wider aims of the Academy.
  1. To engage with and deliver the broad extra curricula experience offered to the Students of the Academy

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff employed by King Alfred’s Academy are expected to work within the following policies and procedures:

Safeguarding:

Ensure that all Child protection policies are adhered to and concerns are raised in accordance with these policies

Health and Safety:

Taking appropriate responsibility for one’s own health, safety and welfare and the health and safety of pupils, visitors and work colleagues in accordance with the requirements of legislation and locally-adopted policies; including taking responsibility for raising concerns with an appropriate manager.

Security and data protection:

Work within the confines of the Data Protection Act and to take appropriate measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of data.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The successful candidate will:

Be capable of teaching Maths in KS3 and KS4, and subject to qualifications and experience in KS5.

Love working with and inspiring young people and be able to make and maintain relationships with the full ability range of our students.

Be passionate about Maths and want to be a collaborative member of the Maths Faculty.

Be committed to engaging in continued professional learning

Be able to communicate effectively with staff, parents and students.

Be willing to contribute to the wider life of the Academy.

Selection will be on the basis of the application form, interview and specimen lesson, and satisfactory references.

N.B. As part of our commitment to safeguarding children, the current/most recent employer of each shortlisted candidate will be asked to provide a reference prior to interviews being held.

King Alfred’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All post holders in regulated activity are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

All staff are expected to promote fundamental British values.