Job Description
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Head of Department- Social Sciences (Psychology specialist preferred).
Contract term: Permanent
Contract type: Full Time
Salary: £31,350 to £47,839 + TLR2b £6060
Closing Date: 15th April 2024 at 12:00
Start date: September 2024
We have an exciting opportunity to appoint an inspirational leader to lead our fantastic Social Sciences department. The Social Sciences department is made up of Sociology & (KS4-5) & Psychology (KS5) and is part of our Humanities Faculty. The Social Sciences Head of Department will be led by our Head of Faculty for Humanities & will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with the other subject leads in History & Geography. The Social Sciences are popular choices for our students both at KS4 & KS5. We have an 'outstanding' sixth form; where social sciences form an important part of this curriculum. We are a school that prides itself on keeping up to date with educational research & ensuring that our learners are equipped for the modern age; our Digital learning strategy is a testament to this. We are passionate about sharing good practice, learning from one another & striving to make our classrooms an environment where every student can learn & progress. The school was inspected by Ofsted in September 2022 and to quote the Lead Inspector 'This is a very good school with an outstanding Sixth Form'. "Leaders have designed the curriculum well. They have ambitious aims for what pupils should know to be ready for their next stage." "Leaders prioritise reading. They ensure pupils who struggle with reading get all the help they need. Leaders successfully promote a love of reading in the school. They make sure pupils build up their vocabulary to support their literacy. This helps pupils build their knowledge as they learn the content of the curriculum. " "The quality of education in the Sixth Form is especially strong. Teachers use their subject knowledge expertly to check on learning…Pupils are polite and friendly. They praise the culture of respect in the school" Ofsted, September 2022
The successful candidate will:
● Have a passion for social sciences & a drive to ensure that all students engage in a broad and balanced curriculum.
● Have knowledge of what makes a successful team & skillset to motivate teachers to continually improve & enhance their curriculum.
● Be up to date and familiar with the exam board and curriculum changes with the social sciences. This is a brilliant opportunity to work in a school with an excellent Humanities team. The candidate will teach one of the Social Sciences. (Psychology preferred). If you are looking to work in a great school with a clear team ethos, a collaborative approach to teaching & learning plus fantastic facilities; then Roding Valley could be the place for you.
We can offer:
● A team of highly skilled specialists across the humanities subjects
● A highly-skilled line manager who will support you to be an excellent head of department.
● Opportunities for continual professional development, including opportunities to'act up' into senior roles & apply to be on our Extended Leadership Team
● Be part of a team of talented, subject specialist, middle & senior middle leaders
● Opportunities to work collaboratively with Trust schools (CLP)
● A friendly and supportive working environment.
● A comprehensive induction programme and an innovative Continuous Professional Development programme; including two coaching cycles.
● Bike to work Scheme.
● Freshly made food on-site delivered through our excellent canteen facilities.
"RVHS is a great place to work as it combines the freedom to be creative in your teaching alongside the support which ensures you are best able to do your job." RVHS is keen to embrace an approach that is centred on teaching and learning and academic attainment for our students. RVHS is an 11-18 school in Essex, that enjoys a good reputation in the local area and benefits from excellent transport links, including being adjacent to Loughton tube station (Central Line). For further information see the website www.rodingvalley.net Informal discussions with the Miss Larkin, Deputy Headteacher, are welcome, please contact her on recruitment@rodingvalley.net to arrange.
The Chelmsford Learning Partnership is committed within its schools to:
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety, and the spiritual and cultural development of children and young people;
Promoting equality of opportunity and community cohesion where the diversity of different backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and positively valued;
The fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs
and expects all staff, volunteers and other workers to share in this commitment.
As an equal opportunities employer, The Chelmsford Learning Partnership is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join The Chelmsford Learning Partnership.
In compliance with safer recruitment procedures and guidelines, all applications must be made on an application form, CVs will not be accepted. This appointment will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and satisfactory references. In line with recommended practice the school will conduct searches for information on shortlisted candidates which is publicly available on-line. The Chelmsford Learning Partnership is an equal opportunities employer.
Information about the School
Roding Valley High School is a successful 11-18 school in Loughton and is part of The Chelmsford Learning Partnership. Currently catering for around 1400 pupils, this school boasts an excellent local reputation and fantastic facilities which provide an excellent working and learning environment. The school was graded “good” with outstanding features at the last Ofsted.