xxxxxxxxx History of Berkhamsted Schools Group
Berkhamsted School is situated in the historic Hertfordshire town of Berkhamsted, a prosperous community surrounded by Chiltern countryside and within easy reach of London Berkhamsted is a leading Independent School for pupils aged 3 to 18 years, the foundation of which dates back to 1541 (when John Incent, the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, successfully applied to King Henry the VIII for a license to purchase a piece of land for a ‘freescole’).
In 1888 a Girls School was founded in Berkhamsted under the same governing body, and the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools merged to form a diamond school in 1997 The Prep School was also integrated at this stage, and the School became Berkhamsted Collegiate School.
In 2011 the School merged with Heatherton House, a small independent day School for girls in Chesham Bois, and became the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Operating as a satellite Prep School, Heatherton provides a feed of Girls to the Berkhamsted Girls School every year. In 2012 Berkhamsted Schools Group acquired Haresfoot, a small proprietary prep school in Berkhamsted. This site now houses the Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Berkhamsted Day Nursery Limited, and Berkhamsted Prep takes children from age 7-11.
Berkhamsted is the only School in the Herts, Beds and Bucks region, and one of only a small number of Schools in the country, to offer a ‘diamond’ structure that combines the best of both single-sex and coeducational teaching. Boys and Girls are taught together until the age of 11 (Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep), separately from the age of 11-16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint sixth form (Berkhamsted Sixth).
Job Description
The Opportunity
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Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
A well-qualified, proactive and enthusiastic teacher of Biology is required for April/September 2024 and to act as Head of Department in this busy, innovative and thriving department and to teach pupils across the Senior School (Years 7-13). The Biology Department consists of nine subject specialists, several of whom also hold other significant posts in the School, and three laboratory technicians
The Department
The Department extends over two senior school campuses, Castle and Kings, which are separated by an eight-minute walk. Pupils in Years 7-11 are taught in single-sex groups up to IGCSE: boys are taught at Castle and girls at Kings. The Sixth Form is co-educational and classes may be on either campus.
Currently in Biology the Edexcel specification is used at IGCSE and the AQA specification is used at A-level. Pupils in Year 7 follow a mixed Science course in mixed ability sets. By Year 8 the students are taught by subject specialists in each of the three sciences in mixed ability sets. We start teaching the IGCSE Biology course in Year 9, in mixed ability sets, and at the end of this year the students are free to choose the sciences as part of their GCSE options (they must choose at least one science).
Job Description
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
In Year 10 and 11 students are taught in mixed ability sets, apart from the Ad Scientists who follow a slightly accelerated course to enable them to have more subjects as part of their options (students are in the Ad Science classes by invitation only) There are currently five KS4 sets at Castle and four at Kings with IGCSE Biology being one of the most popular options at IGCSE. There are currently 75 students studying A-level Biology. A-level results have been consistently good: in 2023 75% of students achieved A* to B.
Our pupils are genuinely enthused by Biology and trust the department to serve them well. The Biology department in turn are always seeking the best, innovative ways to teach. In recent years, this has included developing pupils Metacognition skills The successful candidate will wish to engage in these endeavours and seek to develop the pedagogy of the department further We therefore seek a well-qualified and experienced teacher to take the lead role in both the day to day running and the development of this large department. The successful candidate will naturally be expected to teach at all levels up to Oxbridge entrance and contribute to the work of the Heads of Department and other Middle Leaders in driving forward learning at Berkhamsted as well as managing, motivating and inspiring colleagues in the Biology Department.
With both single-sex and co-educational teaching across the School, Berkhamsted offers excellent opportunities for professional development. It is expected that all members of the teaching staff will be able to contribute fully to the life of the School through participation in the pastoral and extra-curricular activities programmes, which are an integral part of a teacher’s role in an independent school community. The salary will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate and above national scales.
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Job Description
Outline Job Description
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
The Head of Biology is required to show leadership in securing standards of excellence in teaching and learning and play a key role in developing school policy and directing the strategic vision for Berkhamsted School. The post holder will also provide the vision for the department and link key objectives into the School Development Plan. They are expected to monitor, support, appraise and motivate other members of the department, setting high professional standards in all aspects of work with targets for professional development and improvement. It is the Head of Department’s responsibility to make decisions or give advice, but it is hoped that this can be done within a framework of consultation and co-operation, so that other staff in the department gain experience and training for responsibility
General Responsibilities
1. Curriculum - the strategic direction and development of Biology within the context of the school’s aims and policies which guides subject policies, plans, targets and practices:
a) Keeping abreast of developments in Biology, teaching methods etc and attending meetings and CPD courses by arrangement with the Principal and Vice Principal; making use of any opportunities for inter-departmental initiatives and co-operation.
b) Promoting the department in the wider community.
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Job Description
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c) Formulating the aims of the department; planning schemes of work for the department within the School’s Curriculum Policy; producing, reviewing and updating the departmental documents, practice and policies as necessary; evaluating new syllabuses
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
d) Overseeing and co-ordinating applications, staffing and the leadership of educational visits within the department.
e) Being familiar with all the subject requirements for Public Examinations and ensuring proper preparation of the pupils for them.
f) Liaising with the Examinations Officer and the Deputy Head Academic Progress in arrangements for Public and Internal School Examinations.
g) Being available and contactable either in person or by email/phone during the examination results periods to advise staff, parents and pupils on examination performance and university entrance.
2 Staff – leading and managing staff to ensure all those with involvement in the teaching or support of the subject receive the leadership, support, challenge, information and professional development necessary to sustain staff motivation and secure improvement in teaching:
a)Liaising with the Principal and Vice Principal on the recruitment and appointment of new members to the department.
Job Description
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b) Providing induction for and guidance of new staff in syllabus, resources, procedures for marking, reporting etc.; ensuring effective supervision of probationer teachers within the department
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
c) Ensuring that ‘good practice’, in terms of both teaching and learning, documentation and professionalism is shared and upheld throughout the department.
d) Ensuring the professional development of all members of the department through in-service training, professional organisations and active involvement in wider school activities. Identifying the training needs of all members in the department and liaising with the CPD co-ordinator
e) Encouraging and developing innovative approaches to learning, including online resources such as on the School’s Learning platform, Firefly.
f) Evaluating the performance of teaching staff and others within the Department as part of the formal Staff Appraisal process, providing coaching to colleagues, support and help with the development of their careers.
g) Co-ordinating the programmes for lesson observation and work scrutiny in the departments
h) Organising regular departmental meetings and ensuring good communication within the department and that all are up to date with identified issues, plans made, actions taken within an agreed timescale.
Job Description
i) Where necessary, setting work for pupils if a member of the department is absent and liaising over cover.
Make sure to use Gills Sans Font Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
3. Resources – ensuring the efficient, effective and safe deployment of Staff and Resources and identifying appropriate additional resources for the department:
a) Liaising with the Principal, Vice Principal and Deputy Head Curriculum over the annual staffing allocation and matters of staff welfare and development.
b) Preparing estimates for departmental budgets and major equipment at the appropriate time Managing the departmental budget effectively and informing line managers of any issues Liaising with the member of SMT responsible for ICT regarding resources, installation and support.
c) Creating and deploying learning resources effectively; ordering textbooks and other material within budget provisions and keeping an account of departmental expenditure.
d) Checking on stock and resources and taking steps to ensure against unreasonable loss, wear and tear
e) Monitoring the implementation of the School Health and Safety policy within the department, ensuring a safe working environment in line with the Policy for both staff and pupils.
f) Providing and monitoring appropriate risk assessments.
Job Description
g) Ensuring that all out-of-school activities are in line with the School Health & Safety Policy and Guidelines.
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Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
4. Pupils – securing and sustaining effective teaching of Biology, evaluating the quality of teaching and standards of pupils’ achievements, setting targets for improvement:
a) Aiming to raise expectations and get the best out of pupils with varying needs and abilities.
b) Ensuring that every pupil receives the best teaching and learning experience while in the department
c) Encouraging interest in Biology and participation in appropriate activities and trips.
d) Encouraging high standards of work, drawing attention to achievement through classroom displays, exhibitions for Open Days, events, website info etc.
e) Designing, setting and managing homework, so that it is a valuable extension of class activities and helps pupils to develop independent learning skills Ensuring formative and summative assessment is meaningful and work set by the department is marked accurately and returned promptly.
f) Contributing to pupils’ core skills of literacy, numeracy and I.T. capability; contributing to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
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Job Description
g) Assisting with the admission and induction of pupils into the school where appropriate.
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Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
h) Using data to recognise and nurture the quality of practice within the department and in promoting pupils’ progress.
i) Ensuring reports are individualised and meaningful, providing a valuable form of communication and self-reflection.
The skills and attributes essential to the Head of Department’s role
·Leadership skills, attributes and professional competence: the ability to lead, manage and motivate people to work as individuals and as a team towards a common goal.
·Decision making skills: the ability to solve problems and make decisions.
·Communications skills: the ability to make points clearly, listen accurately and understand the views of others.
·Time-management: the ability to plan time effectively and to organise oneself well
·Administrative skills: the ability to organise and run this large department.
·Management skills: the ability to work effectively with Senior Leaders, other Middle Leaders and direct reports.
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BenefitsBenefits
We boast a competitive salary structure, alongside other benefits, which includes access to a comprehensive pension scheme
The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We have a developed programme for staff with initiatives and support in the areas of Economic, Physical, Emotional and Social wellbeing.
Free classes and advisory services. memberships and discounted rates in local establishments, together with cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, free daily lunch, and fee reduction for staff's children are examples of some of the non-contractual benefits on offer in this programme.
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Watch our video and hear from our colleagues why they enjoy working at the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Find out more about what it is really like to be a member of the community.
BenefitsSafeguarding and Child Protection
Berkhamsted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding.
A copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a registered charity dedicated to education: 310630.
Application and Next Steps
The closing date for applications is 22 October 2023
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It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children; applicants must be willing to undertake a number of safeguarding checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Berkhamsted Schools Group along with documentary evidence of qualifications.
Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, the school has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. (If it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn).
Where the successful candidate has worked or been a resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance.
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.
Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform the School of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview.
If you have any questions relating to this role please contact the HR department at recruitment@berkhamsted.com
Applicant Information Pack
