Post title: Head of Mathematics

Salary:SFCF Management range £42163-£44780
Conditions:Full Professional Duties; remission of 3 hours to be allocated within the department. (4 hours until the return in May from maternity leave of the Head of Department for Level 2 Maths)
Responsible to: Assistant Principal – Curriculum and Quality

Responsible for: Teaching staff in Mathematics

Background:

The central focus of all Head of Department posts is to secure the achievement of the highest quality teaching for the course team area, together with continuous improvement in student learning and attainment. This involves the development, management and maximising of staff skills and expertise and efficient but non-intrusive administration.

Job purpose

Reporting to the Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Quality, the post holder will lead the development and management of Curriculum and Enrichment provision in Mathematics, ensuring the shared maintenance of high standards, and the continued provision of an appropriate portfolio of courses in the subjects covered by the course area. All Heads of Department will be expected to be on the premises throughout the normal college day to ensure the effective management of the course area team. The duties of these posts include the full professional duties of teaching staff and the key areas of specific responsibilities are:

Directing and developing the work of a course area team

  • Nurture the development and maintenance of clear team aims and shared objectives;
  • Ensure that the department’s central focus is on the learner and the quality of teaching, learning and attainment;
  • Lead the improvement of teaching, learning and attainment through setting, monitoring and working towards the achievement of appropriate performance targets;
  • Where appropriate, delegate course management responsibilities for specific subjects.
  • Promote equality and diversity in the curriculum

Developing and sustaining learning and the learning environment in the department

  • Through the development and dissemination of good practice, ensure that the needs of individual students are met through high quality teaching and support;
  • Ensure the effective use of learning technology to enhance the learning environment;
  • Maintain effective links with cross-college initiatives and ensure that these impact positively on teaching, learning and attainment;
  • Ensure that resources are effectively deployed to maximise learning and attainment;
  • Take responsibility for ensuring that schemes of work are followed;
  • Take responsibility for student discipline and behaviour within the department.
  • Take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.

Developing and maintaining an appropriate range of provision

  • Lead the development, implementation and management of an appropriate portfolio of courses within the department
  • Advise the Assistant Principalon appropriate external accreditation, staffing and resourcing of provision.

Staff management and development

  • In conjunction with the AP, take responsibility for the management of staff within the department, including line management of subject teachers as agreed;
  • Liaise with the APto ensure that subject teachers are effectively qualified and prepared for the courses they are to deliver;
  • Provide new staff within the course area with effective induction.

Managing course team administration

  • Ensure that all courses in the department are supported by appropriate schemes of work;
  • Supervise the marking, standardisation and internal verification of coursework and the moderation of internal tests and examinations;
  • Access and disseminate appropriate management information to inform strategies for improving learners’ experiences and student outcomes;
  • Ensure that accurate records are maintained and administrative tasks are completed accurately and on time;
  • Ensure that the department contributes appropriately to self assessment processes, including development plans and performance reviews.

Liaison and networking

  • Maintain membership of appropriate cross-college groups and liaise with cross-college co-ordinators and departments;
  • Liaise with Student Support Managers and their tutor teams;
  • Network and liaise appropriately with external bodies, especially partner secondary schools and other 14-16 providers;
  • Network appropriately with other post-16 providers.

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Personal profile

  • Honours degree in Mathematics or related subject
/ E
  • PGCE or equivalent
/ E
  • Strong track record of high success rates and positive Value-Added in teaching AS/A2 Maths
  • Successful experience of the other courses run by the department, especially Further Maths and STEP level Maths
/ E
HD
  • Understanding of developments in KS4 curriculum in appropriate subjects
/ D
  • Awareness of current developments in Maths education and training
/ E
  • Membership of an appropriate professional body
/ D
  • Evidence of having taken advantage of appropriate opportunities for professional development
/ E
  • Ability to contribute to the college Enrichment Programmes
/ D
  • Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people.
/ E

Skills and expertise

  • Effective verbal and written communication in both group and interpersonal situations
/ E
  • Effective presentation, delivery and time management skills
/ E
  • Effective team working skills
/ E
  • Ability to manage people

  • Ability to manage resources
/ E
  • Effective problem solving skills
/ E
  • Good level of IT literacy
/ E

Personal characteristics

  • Ability to relate effectively and sensitively to students, other staff and parents
/ E
  • Awareness of the need to provide positive support to all students
/ E
  • Energy, enthusiasm and a sense of humour
/ E

E = Essential requirements

D = Desirable characteristics

HD Highly desirable

All appointments are subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references, and to medical and CRB checks.

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6BACKGROUND TO THE POST OF HEAD OF Maths

The current Head of Mathematics is stepping down to a 0.5 teaching post as part of a phased retirement following 9 highly successful years in post during which students have achieved impressive results in the wide range of courses offered.

The department currently offers A level Maths, A level Further Maths and A level Use of Maths together with AEA/STEP/MAT preparation. The College is a magnet for high-achieving Maths students in the area.

There is a department of Level 2 Maths offering GCSE Maths and Levels 1-2 Use of Maths. The current postholder will be on maternity leave for most of the academic year 2016-17 and the Head of Maths will oversee the work of a temporary Course Coordinator for level 2 Maths.

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