JOHN LYON Founded in 1876 as an Independent day school for local boys, John Lyon is one of the top independent day schools for boys in the UK. We pride ourselves on our broad yet balanced curriculum and ability to tailor an education to meet the individual needs of our students. Our ethos is to treat every boy as an individual, strive for academic excellence and provide outstanding pastoral care whilst offering a broad range of opportunities outside of the classroom. The School has consistent excellent results with value added at both GCSE and A-Level. The School campus is spread across six buildings in Harrow-on-the-Hill and is part of John Lyon s Foundation. We have a clear set of values that are vital to our community. These values shape who we are, what we do and how we do it. The Sixth Form at John Lyon The Sixth Form is a vibrant community of 160 students. Entry to the Sixth Form is based on GCSE grades obtained; the boys are required to achieve 6 A* - B grades with an A in their chosen A-level subjects. Each year we take a small number of able boys into the Sixth Form from other schools. Academic success is the main focus of our pupils. At GCSE in 2017, 63.2% of our students achieved the top A*/A grades in their GCSE examinations and 85.4% achieved A*-B grades. From this base, most of our students start 4 subjects in the Lower Sixth and continue with 3 A-level qualifications. In 2017, 64.5% of our students achieved A*-B grades at A-level. The vast majority of our students go on to read the course of their choice at elite universities in the UK, with more than half going to Russell Group universities in the past 5 years. The most popular universities attended by our students in the UK are UCL and Warwick. The most popular subjects for undergraduate study were Economics and History, with a significant number going on to read Engineering and Medicine every year. As a School proud of its all-round provision, we are also pleased that a number of boys pursue vocational courses, including boys going to the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts each year, as well as a small number going into school leaver programmes at firms such as Deloitte and O2. While the primary focus of the Sixth Form is the academic success of the students, a John Lyon education is broad and therefore we encourage participation in a wide range of extra-curricular activity for which the School has a very high reputation. The pastoral care of the students is of great importance and we choose our Sixth Form tutors very carefully. The weekly lecture programme, Page 1 of 5
Union, occurs each week and sees Year 11 and the Sixth Form assemble for a lecture or similar which is designed to enrich and stimulate beyond the curriculum. This is often achieved by engaging the services of a visiting speaker, with recent speakers including a Holocaust survivor, the Palestinian Ambassador and a convicted murderer turned prison reformer. As an 11-18 school, Sixth Formers are the leaders of the School community and the younger boys look to them for guidance and example. There is a significant body of Monitors and Prefects, directed by the Head Boy team. They give a clear lead in Assembly and take on many responsibilities around the School. There is a strong sense of community within the Sixth Form and within the Sixth Form Centre, which is deliberately at the physical heart of the School. The current Sixth Form curriculum is that the majority of students study four subjects in the Lower Sixth, with few exceptions. In the Upper Sixth, most students continue with three subjects to full A- Level, although a significant number will carry on with four. The Extended Project Qualification continues to grow and is supported by dedicated teachers, allocated timetabled lessons, leading to excellent results. Students need to achieve a good performance at the end of Lower Sixth to progress on to A Level courses in Upper Sixth. The Thomas Blackwell Sixth Form Centre, opened in September 2012, provides state of the art accommodation, in the original School building. There is a common room with a kitchen, a study space and separate computer suite for the sole use of Sixth Form pupils, along with office space for the Head of Sixth Form, the Head of Higher Education, and two teaching rooms currently occupied by the Economics and Politics departments. The Head of Sixth Form is responsible for the upkeep and staffing of the Sixth Form Centre. The Sixth Form has been integral to the success of the School and, at a time of change nationally, offers an exciting opportunity for a new Head of Sixth Form to contribute to both the significant development of the Sixth Form provision and the ongoing success of the students. HEAD OF SIXTH FORM JOB DESCRIPTION Reports to: The Head Principal Responsibilities Reporting to the Head and the Deputy Head, the Head of Sixth Form works together with the Heads of Year and Head of Higher Education to monitor the pupils, ensuring that they fulfil their potential and develop into young adults able to act as role models in all areas of the school. The Head of Sixth Form leads the tutor team to ensure pupils are given full support in their academic, personal and extra-curricular development. As a senior member of staff, the Head of Sixth Form will contribute to the overall leadership and management of the school and be active in promoting its aims, and supporting an ethos that encourages achievement and high standards. Page 2 of 5
Specific responsibilities include: Academic Having overall responsibility for the academic progress, discipline, appearance and welfare of Sixth Formers; Working with the Director of Studies to maintain a well-balanced and academically stretching curriculum, considering national developments in coming to decisions as to the best courses and range of options to offer; Staying informed of the developments and priorities in post-16 education and developing a vision for Sixth Form provision; Leading and managing a team of Form Tutors, holding regular meetings to develop initiatives and to discuss academic, pastoral and general issues; Liaising with form tutors, HoDs, subject teachers, as necessary, in any discussions concerning individual students and/or their parents; Ensuring effective communication with parents; Oversight of supervised study and organising private study arrangements for Sixth Form students; Oversight of all Sixth Form tracking and resulting actions; Line management of the Head of Higher Education, Ensuring all aspects of the UCAS application process are of the highest quality; Being available on A-Level and GCSE Results Day, and the intervening period, to give support and advice to pupils and their parents as needed; Organising Parents Evenings and ensuring that appropriate letters are sent to parents at the correct time; Planning the weekly Union lectures, providing a varied and stimulating series of lectures. Oversight of the Sixth Form Independent Research Project coordinator. Pastoral Consulting and informing the Designated Safeguarding Lead as appropriate; Organising the election and training of Monitors and Prefects and working to develop their role as leaders in the school; Continuing to build on links with the wider community and to oversee the Community Service Programme. Overseeing leavers arrangements for the Upper Sixth including production of the Yearbook and the Leavers Ball; Oversight of rewards and sanctions in the Sixth Form; Recruitment and Retention of Pupils Working with the Deputy Head, Senior Teacher (Admissions), the Registrar and Head of Year 11 to coordinate Sixth Form recruitment; Running the Sixth Form Open Evening and Sixth Form Information Evening and interviews; Producing and updating the Sixth Form Handbook and oversee all publications (internal and external) relating to Sixth Form; Working with the Head of Year 11 to ensure a smooth transition for Year 11 pupils, allocating boys to tutor groups and developing an effective induction programme for all as they enter the Lower Sixth; Organisation of 16+ entrance exams for external candidates. Page 3 of 5
Community and Links Developing, alongside the Director of International Schools Links (in charge of John Lyon s relationship with the Harrow family of schools in London, Hong Kong, Beijing, Bangkok and Shanghai) to develop Sixth Form exchanges and projects. Working with the Alumni Relations Coordinator to build links with the Old Lyonians, and working with the Head of Careers to increase the work experience opportunities available to the boys; Working with the Coordinator of Links with the London Academic of Excellence Tottenham to develop links for the mutual benefit of students at both institutions. Giving opportunities for student voice to be heard through the Head Boy Team and ensuring representation on the Student council; Guiding and supporting the Peer Mentoring Scheme; Reviewing and developing the annual enrichment provision covering events for UCAS, Careers and academic skills training; GENERAL DUTIES OF TEACHING STAFF To carry out a share of supervisory duties and detentions in accordance with published schedules; To participate in appropriate meetings with colleagues and parents relative to the above duties; To contribute to PSCHE programme when required To provide cover and examination assistance as required. It should be noted that a job description is not an exhaustive list of activities, and employees may be asked to carry out other duties commensurate with the grade of the post. The job description may also be amended to take account of changed circumstances, and employees will be consulted if this is necessary. Person Specification for All Teaching Appointments In making an appointment at the John Lyon School we look for the person who, at interview and by virtue of their qualifications, best demonstrates that he/she: is suitably qualified for the responsibilities of the post; has good interpersonal and communication skills with pupils and colleagues; has good listening skills and respect for all pupils; has the ability to form relationships and to motivate pupils; can demonstrate high standards in the necessary professional competencies required of teachers: o subject knowledge and application o classroom management o assessment, recording and reporting students progress o teaching effectively throughout age and ability range has confidence to lead, inspire and contribute their own ideas and initiatives to the Department; is willing to be involved in the wider activities of the School; has a commitment to personal and professional development; energy, stamina and determination; Page 4 of 5
a sense of humour and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Note that all staff are expected to contribute to the School s extra-curricular activities programme. HEAD OF SIXTH FORM PERSON AND EXPERIENCE SPECIFICATION The role of Head of Sixth Form is suitable for a charismatic person with the ability to lead and inspire. They will have to innovate and have the ability to operate independently and also to both lead and contribute to a team. The nature of the role means the successful candidate will be optimistic and have a calm and creative approach to problem solving. They will have excellent interpersonal skills for a range of audiences from pupils to parents to staff. They will display soundness of judgement and the courage both to make and to follow through difficult decisions when necessary, which inevitably means that they will require the aforementioned determination, resilience and a sense of humour. In terms of experience, the successful candidate will have taught highly able students and will likely have experience of Oxbridge teaching and development. They will likely have had an academic leadership role in some format, either as Head of Department, or leadership of an academic aspect of a school, such as academic enrichment. They will have a thorough understanding of the post-16 curriculum and current developments as well as an understanding of the UCAS and Oxbridge admissions systems. It is likely that they will be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the role of IT in tracking progress, reporting and other necessary academic and administrative processes. It is essential that candidates have good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to address large audiences persuasively and with authority. Those applying for the post will have a genuine interest in young people and, while a particular ability to communicate with Sixth Form students is essential, it is important that the Head of Sixth Form is able to speak to GCSE students about their futures as well. The role is suited to those with a capacity for strategic thinking coupled with excellent attention to detail. Working alongside the Senior Teacher (Admissions), the successful candidate would ideally have a flair for marketing and understanding of the principles involved in promoting the John Lyon Sixth Form to the community. Candidates should have an understanding and experience of safeguarding and/or recognise the importance of safeguarding and show a willingness to develop their experience. This appointment provides an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and well qualified individual to lead the Sixth Form at an exciting point in the development both of the Sixth Form and the School as a whole. The post holder s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school s/he must report any concerns to the School s Designated Safeguarding Lead. In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 all employees have a duty to look after their own and others health and safety. The John Lyon School is an Equal Opportunity Employer This position is subject to an ENHANCED DBS certificate in the event of a successful application. Copies of the School s Code of Conduct and Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders are available from the Personnel Department. Page 5 of 5