Job Description
Post Title:Thinking Space Manager
Reporting to:Deputy Head, Academic
Attached to:English Department
The Thinking Space Manager will be based in our Thinking Space, an innovative learning facility at the heart of the College campus. Inspired by famous creative companies, our contemporary Thinking Space has a number of different areas to encourage both independent and collaborative learning.The Thinking Space Manager/Digital Librarian will play a key role in developing successful learning habits in our pupils and will advise, inspire and support new ways of learning. The Thinking Space Manager/Digital Librarian will work closely with teachersto ensure that pupils make best use of the Thinking Space and the College’s online learning resources.
Key Responsibilities:
●Monitor the use of the Thinking Space, including supervising and guiding pupils when working independently
●Find, gather and curate online learning content, making recommendations to departments and providing INSET to enable confident access
●Manage the College’s online e-subscriptions, such as VLE Books, JSTOR and Press Reader
●Manage the College’s newspaper and magazine subscriptions, ensuring they are up-to-date and well-organised
●Assist students in their learning and research, both informally on a one-to-one basis and more formally through student seminars
●Co-ordinate the booking systems for lessons in the Thinking Space
●Manage and monitor the use of the Thinking Space’s physical resources, such as books and devices
●Represent the Thinking Space at events such as Open Mornings
●Contribute to the College’s Co-curricular programme as appropriate
●Assist the College in its variousReading for Pleasureand literacy initiatives (such as Readathon and author visits)
●Collaborate with classroom teachers to design and implement lessons that make best use of the Thinking Space and its resources
Plus, any other duties as reasonable required by the Headmaster or member of the Senior Management Team.
Essential Requirements:
- Significant experience of working with young people, preferably within education
- Passionate about facilitating and developing learning through digital media
- Excellent knowledge of digital media
- A very high level of digital literacy
- The ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders (staff, pupils, parents and external agencies)
- Must be prepared to attend internal and external training days
This job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to amendment or modification at any time after consultation with the post holder. It is not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks but sets out the main expectations of the College in relation to the post holder’s professional responsibilities and duties.
Outline Salary and Conditions:
- A competitive salary will be offered in accordance with experience and qualifications.
- Shiplake College has its own salary structure
- Contributory pension scheme
- Lunch is provided free of charge, as are other meals when on duty
- Term time working
- 4 weeks pro rata
- Shiplake complies with standard employment legislation with regard to retirement
Shiplake College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service. Shiplake College is an equal opportunities employer.
Person Specification
Essential / DesirableExperience of working with young people / Experience of working with young people within an education setting (secondary school)
The ability to manage and disseminate
information in a range of different media / Strategic planning skills to support the
writing and implementation of Thinking Space policies
Good knowledge, understanding and competence in ICT / At least two years’experience within a Learning Resource Centre in an Educational
institution or within a similar Information Centre
Strong in organisation and efficiency / An awareness of current educational
best practice
Excellent communication skills; friendly and approachable / Some experience of budget management
Confidence in positively managing pupils’ behaviour in accordance with College policies and expectations / Advanced research skills