Job Description Director of Learning Science & Technology Background The Academy organisation structure consists of 5 learning villages based upon the following combinations of subjects. Learning Villages: Science & Technology (Academy specialism) Maths & IT Communications Sports & Arts Humanities & Year 7 Directors of Learning are key leaders within the Academy and the role carries significant leadership and management responsibilities. It is essential that the ethos within the learning village is reflective of that of the Academy as a whole and this will be a major part of the role. Areas of responsibility within the learning village include vision for the development of outstanding learning and teaching, related strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, behaviour for learning, resources, the learning environment, performance management, data management and intervention, fearlessly tackling underperformance, reporting and contributing to assemblies. This job description is not exhaustive and will be subject to review. Job Purpose To provide strategic leadership and management of learning and teaching within the Science and Technology learning village and for the specialism across the Academy and its community, ensuring that high standards are maintained to ensure every student reaches their potential. To develop the learning village as a centre of excellence, ensuring the specialism has a significant impact on student progress, the profile and ethos of the Academy. Specific Responsibilities Achievement and Standards As director of the specialism learning village, contribute significantly to the strategic planning for raising attainment across the Academy. As director of learning within the specialism learning village, raise standards of student attainment and achievement both the learning village and across the whole Academy. Set high expectations and stretching targets for subjects within your learning village which contribute to Academy targets. Ensure a consistent and continuous focus on student achievement, using data to track and monitor progress in every student s learning and ensure data is used to inform teaching by all teachers within your learning village. Page 1 of 6
Evaluate student progress across the learning village through the appropriate use of assessment and analysis of data (including national, local and Academy data) and plan appropriate, creative and detailed interventions as to maximise individual student achievement. Ensure that teachers within the learning village mark and monitor students work giving formative, next steps feedback and targets for improvement in line with the Academy Assessment & Marking policy. Ensure the appropriate procedures are in place to moderate teacher assessments and student coursework to ensure reliability. Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of outcomes, completing the learning village SEF and plan for improvement by completing strategic 3 year and action 1 year plans. To ensure the delivery of the specialism plan. Recognise and reward students who are making good progress. Ensure parents and families are well informed about their child s progress and targets. Quality of Provision To devise and support the implementation of the outreach aspects of the specialism, ensuring that they have an impact in the community and in local partner schools. Pioneer new developments in science and technology. To actively promote the development of effective subject links across the Academy and with external agencies. To provide outstanding teaching and learning within for your own classes and to ensure the standards of learning and teaching are at least good across the learning village, through a rigorous monitoring, innovation and support programme. Construct, revise and develop detailed schemes of learning in line with Academy expectations, for all subjects within the learning village and all year groups within the Academy. Ensure schemes of learning are accompanied by stimulating learning materials that maximise student engagement and enjoyment, provide a wealth of new learning opportunities including the use of new technologies, enable them to develop their personal learning and thinking skills and in particular their literacy and numeracy skills. Implement strategies that ensure high standards of behaviour within the learning village. Make significant contributions to discussions on course selection and implementation. Working with the Academy transition team, collaborate effectively with partner feeder schools to ensure smooth transition for new students. Play a full role in the delivery of the Academy s enrichment programme and support the extended schools programme including visits. Ensure a safe & stimulating working and learning environment within the learning village, adhering to current Health & Safety regulations and providing appropriate risk assessments. Page 2 of 6
Prepare guidance materials for parents and families to help them support their child s learning. Keep up to date with current research for all aspects of subjects within in the learning village. Line Management Responsibilities Assistant Director of Learning Director of Specialisms Learning Consultant Science & Technology Science HLTA Science & Technology Teachers Technicians Common Roles of All Members of the Academy Middle Leadership Leadership: Vision and Values Assist the Senior Leadership Team in translating the vision of the Academy into agreed objectives and operational plans relevant for your area. Take responsibility for policy implementation in agreed specified areas and assist with policy development where required. Lead by example, providing inspiration and motivation, and embody for the students, staff, governors, parents and wider community the vision, purpose and leadership of the Academy. To ensure equal opportunities for all. To be committed to safeguarding and to promoting the welfare of all young people. Assist the Senior Leadership Team to develop a culture and environment in which young people thrive and to drive innovation. To drive up educational standards, promote life-long learning and continually improve outcomes for all. Lead and contribute to an ethos in the Academy where well being and respect are at the heart of the Academy and each student is valued and nurtured to develop personally and educationally. Ensure the effective operation of Academy self-evaluation systems as appropriate, and produce reports as required. Identify and take appropriate action arising from evaluation, setting deadlines and reviewing progress on actions taken. Page 3 of 6
Leading and Managing Others and Self Take responsibility for the day-to-day line management of designated staff. Support the Principal in the recruitment, deployment, motivation, development and performance management of staff, making the most effective use of their skills, expertise and experience and to ensure that all staff have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Develop and maintain a culture of high expectations for self and others. Regularly review own practice, set personal targets and take responsibility for own development. Encourage all staff to be continually active in their personal and continuous professional development. Lead groups of staff in developmental activities and evaluate outcomes. Actively engage in the performance review process. Work within the Academy s health and safety policy to ensure a safe working environment for staff, students and visitors. Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and positive, courteous relations with students, parents and colleagues. Adhere to Academy policies and procedures. Partnerships and Communication Support the Senior Leadership Team in: Creating strong links and collaborative ways of working with Sponsors and other stakeholders, including the wider community and neighbouring schools, ensuring that the Academy is at the heart of the community. Fostering and enhancing strong and continually developing links to support and develop curriculum opportunities. Working with other public and voluntary sector agencies, clubs and societies in the local community to develop extended services to enable the wider community to access knowledge, skills and learning opportunities. Supporting and developing public service, international and social enterprise activities. Page 4 of 6
Ensuring that parents and carers are kept well informed about the Academy curriculum, its targets, student attainment and their part in the process of improvement; ensuring that Academy policies and procedures are regularly communicated to staff and students so that they are clear about their responsibilities 1. The Person PERSON SPECIFICATION Our aim is to create an outstanding Academy at Bedford and our staff will be expected to exemplify excellence in all that they do. In a Director of Learning we require someone with high expectations, enthusiasm and the ability to positively impact on the ethos of the Academy. We value the ability to demonstrate emotional intelligence, be flexible and to adapt to different situations with a clear sense of humour. We require a leader with ability to raise student outcomes, with vision to develop workable strategies for improvement within the learning village and across all subjects, whilst motivating staff and students around them. Knowledge and Experience Essential Degree in a Science subject, QTS, relevant professional development At least 3 years successful secondary teaching experience, including experience at KS3, 4 and 5. In depth knowledge and understanding of Science education working in a school with a culturally and socially diverse student population department level improvement planning with successful outcomes Evidence of successful management of student progress through the use of tracking and monitoring of student data at department and classroom level Evidence of intervention planning with successful outcomes for students within a department Successful experience of department self evaluation Successful experience of teaching the full range of ability students, including Desirable working in more than one institution working with all years at KS3. supporting and developing the practice of others a wide range of Science courses Knowledge and understanding of Technology subjects, courses and health & safety requirements leading a Specialist Department Successful experience of leading community and business initiatives Page 5 of 6
Skills and Attributes students with additional needs such as SEN, EAL and gifted and talented leading and supporting initiatives that have improved student discipline, behaviour and attitudes Knowledge and understanding of developing and leading a Specialism department developing successful schemes of learning for a wide range of courses Knowledge and understanding of health & safety issues within a Science department Ability to be a consistently outstanding teacher Willingness to learn Ability to lead and motivate staff and students Ability to understand, analyse and make effective use of a range of data Ability to lead and manage own work effectively and take responsibility for own professional development Developed interpersonal and communication skills (including written, oral and presentation skills) Be able to cope with change, lead innovations and meet challenges successfully Team working skills: the ability to build and lead teams and be a team member Energy, tenacity, resilience and determination Diplomacy Fundamental belief that every child matters and that aspirations/achievements can be significantly altered A liking, sympathy and respect for children and sensitivity to their needs Ability to relate well to parents and the wider community Personal presence to develop and promote high standards in all aspects of school life. managing budgets leading cross curricular initiatives Page 6 of 6