Head of Computer Science

Job Description

Head of Computer Science

Main Pay Scale/ Upper Pay Scale

TLR2B (£5361 pa)

Full time, Permanent

April 2024/September 2024

We are looking for a hardworking, ambitious and dynamic teacher to lead Computer Science and join a team of dedicated professionals who aim to empower our students to be the next generation of leaders through our values of leadership, enrichment, scholarship and kindness.

The Computer Science Department

The Computer Science Department comprises of the Head of Department and one teacher of Computer Science. Computing is taught to students in Years 7 - 9, and Computer Science is taught at GCSE and Advanced Level. In addition, there is an IT Support department comprising of Trust and School staff.

Facilities

The department has the benefit of four air-conditioned computer suites, each comprising 33 networked PCs. Currently, the student network runs on Linux Servers running entirely free and open-source software. Staff workstations run on Windows and a range of proprietary and open-source applications. The school has high speed Internet access, and every pupil has their own e-mail address and access to the WHSG private cloud. All teaching rooms are equipped with interactive touchscreens. High quality monochrome and colour laser printers are available for network printing throughout the school Additional computing facilities are available for use around the school also.

Curriculum

At Key Stage 3 all pupils in year 7 & 8 are taught Computing on a weekly basis. With year 9 having one lesson a fortnight

Students in Years 10 to 11 study OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277). They begin their Key Stage 4 studies by further developing an understanding of Computer Science, primarily using the Python programming language.

At Advanced Level, students are currently studying OCR A Level Computer Science specification (H466). Current Year 13 students are studying a legacy course which is AQA Computer Science specification (A Level Award 7517).

Aims of the Department

Our aim is to ensure students understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science. We encourage students to be confident with their knowledge of how computer systems work and to design and write programs in a high-level language (Python). We encourage pupils to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.

Course Content:

Computer Systems:

Students will study the components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems via networking, students will also understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society.

Computing Thinking, Algorithms and Programming:

Students will study abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, leading to analysing problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. Programming will be taught through Python. Students will also complete practical programming tasks during this time to further embed their programming skills.

January 2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

VISION AND PURPOSE

• To liaise with colleagues within Westcliff High School for Girls and within the South East Essex Academy Trust to support strategic development, share good practice and plan collaborative activities.
• Uphold the school's values of Scholarship, Leadership, Enrichment, and Kindness.
• Ensure high quality teaching across the department.
• Raise student attainment.
• Maximise the learning experiences and achievement of students.
• Monitor and report on student progress.
• Plan and contribute to activities within the department.
• Undertake the role of Form Tutor, as required.
• Play a full part in the school and ensure that the vision and values of the school and the trust are upheld at all time.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• To be accountable for the highest standards of student achievement across the Computer Science department by monitoring, supporting and evaluating pupil achievement and setting targets for improvement.
• To be accountable for leading, developing and enhancing the teaching practice of all teachers of Computer Science, evaluating the quality of teaching and securing and sustaining effective teaching of Computer Science.
• To ensure all colleagues within the Computer Science department adapt lessons for students with SEND needs in relation to their IEP or via guidance given by the SENDCo.
• To lead the development of appropriate syllabi, resources, schemes of work, marking policies, assessment and teaching and learning strategies in the Computer Science department.
• To be accountable for the strategic direction, leadership and management of the Computer Science department, the development and implementation of Computer Science policies, plans, targets, and practices within the context of the school 's aims.
• To ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, and sequenced Computer Science curriculum that enables all students to make significant progress.
• To effectively line-manage and deploy teaching and support staff, and financial and physical resources within the Computer Science department to support the designated curriculum portfolio.
• To ensure the effective self-evaluation and progress of the Computer Science department in line with the School Development Plan.
• Lead and encourage staff to take active responsibility for their professional development within the department.
• Liaise with other middle leaders and teachers to share and collaborate in approaches that will support success across departments.
• Work with the Assistant Headteacher responsible for the area of Computer Science to ensure that the performance of staff is reviewed and celebrated, and that under-performance is addressed using informal and formal mechanisms.
• To keep up to date with national developments in Computer Science teaching practices and methodology.
• To make appropriate arrangements for classes during staff absence.
• To participate in the interview process for teaching posts when required and to ensure effective induction of new staff in line with school procedures.
• To be responsible for the day-to-day management of staff within the Computer Science department and act as a positive role model.
• To promote teamwork and to motivate staff to ensure effective working relations.
• To ensure the Behaviour Management Policy is implemented in the Computer Science department so that effective learning can take place and provide support to colleagues where necessary.
• To monitor pupil attendance together with pupils' progress and performance in relation to targets set for each individual; ensuring that follow-up procedures are adhered to, and that appropriate action is taken where necessary.
• To participate in the school's ITT programme.
• To play a full part in the life of the school community, to support its distinctive mission and ethos and to encourage staff and students to follow this example.

TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach assigned students, ensuring a high-quality learning experience for all.
• Plan and prepare curriculum lessons in conjunction with school and departmental requirements and policies, including external syllabus requirements.
• Assist in the development of curriculum plans, syllabi, resources, schemes of work, and policies.
• Set and mark work in accordance with the school's assessment and marking procedures.
• Contribute to the review and quality assurance of curriculum plans as directed by senior leaders in the school.
• Contribute to the school and departmental improvement plans and their implementation.
• Maintain student records through the school's assessment procedures and use these to inform teaching.
• Where necessary, liaise with colleagues to ensure effective provision e.g. coteachers, associate support staff, trainee teachers.
• Communicate effectively with parents when required including during parent's consultation evenings.
• Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school effectively to promote a high quality of education for all students.
• Where necessary, collaborate with persons or bodies outside the school and participate in meetings arranged for the purposes of pupil progress.
• Initiate any necessary interventions to enable students to progress, including where relevant operating in line with a student's Individual Education Plan.
• Promote teamwork and ensure effective working relations.
• Ensure the Behaviour Management policy is implemented in the department so that effective learning can take place.
• Support the department participating in the school's ITT programme.
• To play a full part in the life of the school community, to support its distinctive mission and ethos and to encourage staff and students to follow this example.
• Proactively seek opportunities to develop professional practice through further training opportunities.
• Undertake the role of form tutor, as required including the delivery of PDE resources.
• To participate in the life of the House System.
• Comply with any reasonable request from the Headteacher or other school leader to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.

For further information and to apply please visit

https://mynewterm.com/jobs/136490/EDV-2024-WHSG-79134

Information about the School

Westcliff High School for Girls is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects its entire staff to share this commitment. All post-holders working in our schools will be considered to work in Regulated Activity and will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS). In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance all shortlisted candidates may be subject to online searches that may include social media. For further information please contact HR@seeat.org.