HEAD OF MATHEMATICS For SEPTEMBER 2018

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1 HEAD OF MATHEMATICS For SEPTEMBER 2018 Dulwich College is an academically selective school for boys from age 7 18, with provision for boys and girls from 0 to 7 years in our Kindergarten and Infant School. This appointment is for the Senior part of the College, which pupils enter in Year 7. Excellent teaching and learning come first in the College s priorities, and this is seen as essential to the holistic development of every pupil. We are determined that all our pupils fulfil their academic and co curricular potential. We expect every pupil to engage in free learning activities, that is, in broadly intellectual pursuits that are not constrained by examination preparation, and we are very proud of the range of trips, expeditions, visits, competitions and societies that take place, often led by pupils. Our recent ISI inspection (November 2014) confirmed the College as Exceptional for pupil achievement and Excellent in all aspects. We know there is still much for us to do to develop the College further as we head towards the 400 th anniversary in 2019, but as the report noted, there is a particular energy and breadth of ambition and achievement within the College, and the quality of relationships enjoyed between teachers and pupils is a notable feature of working here. The College is an independent boys school situated in a pleasant suburb approximately five miles from the centre of London. There are about 1540 boys on the school roll, of whom some 130 are boarders. There is a strong history of diversity at the College, reflecting that of south east London generally, but also that we are committed to an expanding programme of means tested access; currently about 30% of pupils have such an award but we hope to increase this to 50% in the coming years. Further information about the College can be found in the Independent Schools Yearbook, other educational publications and on the College website The Common Room provides a congenial and stimulating environment for the 150+ members of the teaching staff, and there are excellent opportunities for colleagues who wish to do so to participate in games and a variety of out of school activities and visits. In accordance with normal College procedures, the appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report, which is normally submitted in confidence from the candidate s General Practitioner to the College Doctor. Applicants will be required to confirm that they are suitable candidates in terms of the Children Act 1989, and the guidelines laid down by the DfE (Department for Education) and the Disclosure and Barring Service. Dulwich has its own salary scales, which are above those of the maintained sector and compare favourably with those at other independent schools of similar standing. There is a good local primary school and members of staff qualify for two thirds remission of fees for any of their children educated at the three schools of the Foundation: Dulwich College, James Allen s Girls School and Alleyn s School. Places may be available for the children of staff at the nearby DUCKS, our Nursery and Infant School (children under 4 receive a 10% remission of fees). School accommodation may be available, if required.

2 Application forms, accompanied by a covering letter, should be submitted to: The Master, Dulwich College, London SE21 7LD. Applications may also be sent by to recruitment@dulwich.org.uk The closing date is 4pm on Tuesday 5 December 2017 Short listed candidates will be invited to visit the College to meet the Head of Mathematics, Mr Chris Ottewill, and other members of the teaching staff. Applicants will also be expected to teach a lesson. There will also be formal interviews with the Master and Deputy Masters. Reasonable travelling expenses will be refunded (Max 150). Interviews will be held on Tuesday 12 December Details regarding the teaching element of the interview will be sent to short listed candidates prior to interview. The Mathematics Department The Mathematics Department has considerable examination and university success and is one of the largest at the College with approximately 170 boys out of the 230 or so in Year 12 taking some form of A level Mathematics, either Single Mathematics, Single Mathematics plus AS Further Mathematics or full Further Mathematics, with seven groups of the latter. It is hoped that the successful applicant would be able to teach throughout the school from Year 7 to A level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics. We teach the Edexcel International GCSE syllabus and OCR A at A level. The department currently has nineteen members. The classes in Years 7 and 8 follow a common syllabus focusing initially on numeracy and making sure that all boys have a firm foundation in algebra, geometry and statistics. In Year 9, boys follow either an accelerated or a standard course. In Year 10, approximately 100 boys from the accelerated groups are prepared for taking OCR Additional Mathematics alongside IGCSE at the end of Year 11 with the remaining 120 boys taking IGCSE at the end of Year 11. Class sizes vary from 15 to 25. As mentioned, we follow the OCR A syllabus at A level, with boys who take Single Mathematics therefore studying some Pure, Mechanics and Statistics over two years. The AS Further Mathematics course enables boys to take one and a half A levels, again with a mixture of Pure, Mechanics and Statistics. Boys who take Mathematics and Further Mathematics will study all of the Pure Mathematics content, the Mechanics and Statistics from Single Mathematics, and will then have the option to specialise in either Mechanics or Statistics for the remainder of the Further Mathematics course. In recent years several students have been involved in the Mathematics Olympiads, whilst, at the other extreme, it was very rewarding for some boys to achieve a pass at A level. Opportunities for the use of IT in Mathematics lessons are available through software such as Cabri Geomètre, Omnigraph and Autograph. All classrooms are fitted with computers and projectors and we make every effort to ensure that all teachers who would like to use an interactive whiteboard are able to do so. There is an innovation suite available at the College which can be booked to enable IT to be used for whole class work. Damian King Deputy Master Academic November

3 JOB DESCRIPTION FOR TEACHING STAFF HEAD OF MATHEMATICS Reporting to: Deputy Master Academic Essential Qualifications: Educated to Degree Level Desirable Qualifications: QTS status Introduction In essence, the function of a Head of Subject is: (a) to set an example to colleagues in the department, to get the best out of them, and to encourage them to work effectively and pleasurably together as a team; (b) to interest the boys in the subject and ensure that they are challenged academically; (c) to show enthusiasm for the subject and convince others of its lasting value; (d) to provide a stimulating learning environment and maintain it in good condition; (e) to represent the subject generally; and specifically when pupils are making subject choices; (f) to ensure that the administrative business of the department is carried out effectively. Details may be found in the Subject Handbook. Among such duties in all subject areas are the systematised retention of coursework and mock exam scripts. It is accepted that some administrative duties may be delegated within a department. (1) QUALITY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING Teaching Ensure that the highest possible standards of teaching are achieved within the department. The Head of Subject s role is central to the academic success of the College, and it includes: - ensuring that colleagues are up to date and on top of their subject; - promoting departmental discussion of teaching methods, so that lessons are interesting, organised, and effective; - systematic monitoring of teaching standards (e.g. by lesson observation and work scrutiny); - encouraging lesson observation of/by other colleagues within the department; - ensuring that appropriate work is set, marked with consistency and in line with the College and Departmental marking policies Learning Monitor boys progress in the subject. This includes: 3

4 - seeking to fulfil the potential in the subject, of each boy, whatever his ability; - finding out how boys are performing before it is too late for remedial action: e.g. recording boys overall progress (often by setting across the year group tasks); and analysing departmental and College assessment data as appropriate, initiating action (directly or via teacher, form tutor, head of school) when boys performance is unsatisfactory; liaising with the Head of Learning Assessment (HOLA) in the use of baseline data - producing annual reports on, and analysis of, GCSE and A Level results (2) THE DEPARTMENT AS A TEAM Being leader of a department that flourishes as a team includes: - consulting and/or informing members of the department in respect of all matters of departmental policy, planning and organisation; - determining the teaching programmes of colleagues on an equitable basis; - holding regular meetings where departmental issues are discussed, and minutes are taken; - participating in Appraisal of colleagues and leading the Annual Review process; - providing advice and support to members of the department concerning their teaching; - following up with a colleague any complaint coming from parents (via a member of senior management such as a Head of School) and advising on the College s response; - promoting the wider involvement of colleagues in the life and work of the College (and being aware of colleagues overall responsibilities, e.g. in view of annual consideration of their period allocation); - encouraging colleagues to take INSET opportunities, including those advertised and distributed by the Deputy Master (Academic), bringing particular courses to their attention as appropriate; - participating in the appointment of new teachers; - taking responsibility for the induction of NQTs and other newcomers to the department; - making recommendations for salary promotions; - organising and monitoring the work of any ancillary staff allocated to the department. 4

5 (3) RELATIONS WITH (OTHER) COLLEGE MANAGEMENT Good communication with other departments and other members of management is essential for the harmonious functioning of the College. This includes: - working closely with the Deputy Master (Academic) the senior manager responsible for academic monitoring and for the work of Heads of Subject and making him fully aware of departmental issues; - forwarding to the Deputy Master (Academic) records/minutes of departmental meetings; - working closely with the Head of College Administration on matters of departmental staffing and timetable matters; - communicating any departmental concerns re. whole school issues to senior management; - working closely with Form Tutors/Heads of year when boys performance is unsatisfactory; - attending meetings of CAPCOM (Central Academic Policy Committee) or its subgroups - being aware of cross curricular initiatives and resources (e.g. in ICT and the libraries); - when results are published in August, being either present or readily contactable and able to give advice to boys and/or respond promptly to boards if results need to be challenged. (4) DOCUMENTATION: SYLLABUSES AND SCHEMES OF WORK This dimension of the job includes: - being aware of change and development in public examination syllabuses, and recommending syllabuses for the College (and informing the Deputy Master (Academic) of any proposed changes); - maintaining a Scheme of Work, which summarises the content of work to be covered in each year, and gives guidance on teaching strategies and the availability of teaching resources; - developing a subject specific marking and prep policy (consistent with College policies); and participating in work scrutiny processes; - maintaining, and acting on, a departmental development plan, drawing on the whole College development plan; - contributing subject synopses to various College academic course booklets; - for boys in the Upper School, providing (or explaining access to) information, such as specifications, on AS and subsequently A2 courses; 5

6 - seeing that the subject is properly presented at Open Days etc;; - acquiring information on courses in higher education, to form a basis of advice to boys. (5) RESOURCES Each department should create an environment which promotes learning; and accumulate resources to help make teaching interesting and effective. For the Head of Subject this includes: - maintaining departmental teaching areas in good order; - submitting annual budget requests to the Deputy Master (Academic) and keeping annual departmental expenditure within approved limits; - making proper arrangements for the maintenance of equipment (this includes the checking of returned textbooks and charging for losses or damage); - liaising with librarians on the provision of resources in the libraries and advising re: acquisitions; - liaising with Information/Computer Services teams concerning the provision of ICT facilities appropriate to the department s teaching and administrative needs. (6) HEALTH AND SAFETY Under the direction and guidance of the College s safety officer (the Director of Operations), Heads of Subject must ensure that the department complies with all current Health and Safety legislation, in the light of the College s policies. Risk assessments need to be updated on a regular basis, and colleagues reminded that everyone has an important responsibility in this area. 6