Head of Geography

Applicant Information Pack Head of Geography

A foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer

Richard Backhouse - Principal

Berkhamsted is among the schools leading the way in pursuing a ‘foundation structure’. As a group of six schools, it combines scale of resource with individual attention and development of pupils – and staff. We start with our values: we aim for excellence – aiming high with integrity –in all that we do. We are adventurous, and support development, research, and experimentation in teaching and learning We serve others – at both pupil and staff level: ours is a non-hierarchical school in which the opinions of all matter, and in which we all share in the support and contribution to our local community

Above all, we are committed to developing remarkable people, both among our pupils and our staff We are looking for highly committed, ambitious and adventurous people to join a thriving staff body, whom we can support to flourish here, and whom we can help to grow. Our staff are so important that we have a Chief People Officer as one of our most senior members of staff

Tracey Evans - Chief People Officer

Our staff are our most important asset at Berkhamsted; investing in their professional development with their wellbeing a key priority. We foster a working environment that supports staff both professionally and personally. We offer a wide range of staff wellbeing initiatives. Colleagues can easily access financial, physical, emotional and social well-being support from school

We seek to enable all members of the school community to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by equality, equity, respect and opportunity We work hard at Berkhamsted, but we also know how to come together as a community and enjoy downtime, building relationships which last a lifetime and enrich our professional and personal experience

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 Head of Geography 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.

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 GCSE: boys are taught at Castle and girls at Kings. The Sixth Form is co-educational, and classes may be on either campus. We are also in excited anticipation of the opening of our brand new Sixth Form Centre in 2025 The Department has seven dedicated classrooms and a department office, as well as an office for the Head of Department.

Currently we offer all pupils in Years 7-8 a bespoke course centred on current global issues. All courses are substantially resourced through shared department OneNote teaching and learning materials. At IGCSE we offer the Edexcel syllabus Again, shared teaching and learning resources have been created for each topic, and over 100 students a year opt for this course, with 85% gaining 9-7 grades in 2024. The subject is held in high regard by both pupils and parents.

Since September 2019, the Department has embarked on teaching the Cambridge International Examination

A level course. Healthy numbers post-16 are consistent and we currently have almost 100 students studying the subject at A-Level Over the last 3 years, almost 40% of students have gone onto study Geography at university, with over 85% of all Geography leavers gaining at least A*/B.

Job Description

Make sure to use Gills Sans Font

Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround

The Department has an active trips programme which it is seeking to expand and adapt to meet the needs of new specifications. Currently, a variety of trips for various key stages are run; including an Iceland trip for A-level students, a Sicily trip for IGCSE as well as field work residential experience at a UK field study centre Members of the department are expected to participate in the trip programme. A-level students are also supported by the Department’s Geographical Association programme which hosts two external speakers a year at the School

The Department staff are all equipped with Microsoft Surface pros and are developing their use alongside the school’s major investment in technology for all pupils. We make full use of value-added data for benchmarking and are always looking for ways to improve our teaching and learning through mutual observation, work scrutiny and sharing good practice at regular meetings Our approach is thus academic, and teachers are encouraged to take initiatives within the programmes of study and schemes of work to promote good learning and effective participation.

We seek a highly reflective individual who continually makes improvements to their teaching and can maintain the high quality of education provided by the department. The successful candidate will be expected to teach at all levels up to Oxbridge entrance.

Teachers at Berkhamsted are also tutors within one of our schools where they make an important contribution to the pastoral wellbeing of our pupils, alongside their Head of House, the chaplaincy and wellbeing teams. 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 extracurricular 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.

Job Description

General Responsibilities

Make sure to use Gills Sans Font

1) Curriculum - the strategic direction and development of Geography within the context of the school’s aims and policies which guides subject policies, plans, targets and practices:

Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround

Keeping abreast of developments in modern languages, 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.

Promoting the department in the wider community.

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

Overseeing and co-ordinating applications, staffing and the leadership of educational visits within the department.

Being familiar with all the subject requirements for Public Examinations and ensuring proper preparation of the pupils for them.

Liaising with the Examinations Officer and the Director of Studies in arrangements for Public and Internal School Examinations.

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:

Liaising with the Principal and Vice Principal on the recruitment and appointment of new members to the department.

Job Description

Make sure to use Gills Sans Font

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.

Ensuring that ‘good practice’, in terms of both teaching and learning, documentation and professionalism is shared and upheld throughout the department.

Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround

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.

Encouraging and developing innovative approaches to learning, including online resources.

Evaluating the performance of teaching staff and others within the Department as part of the formal Staff Appraisal process, providing assistance with the development of their careers.

Co-ordinating the programmes for lesson observation and work scrutiny in the departments

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. Where necessary, setting work for pupils if a member of the department is absent and liaising over cover.

3) Resources – ensuring the efficient, effective and safe deployment of Staff and Resources and identifying appropriate additional resources for the department:

Liaising with the Principal, Vice Principal and Director of Studies over the annual staffing allocation and matters of staff welfare and development.

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.

Creating and deploying learning resources effectively; ordering textbooks and other material within budget provisions and keeping an account of departmental expenditure.

Job Description

Checking on stock and resources and taking steps to ensure against unreasonable loss, wear and tear.

Make sure to use Gills Sans Font

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.

Providing and monitoring appropriate risk assessments

Ensuring that all out-of-school activities are in line with the School Health & Safety Policy and Guidelines.

4) Pupils – securing and sustaining effective teaching of Geography, evaluating the quality of teaching and standards of pupils’ achievements, setting targets for improvement:

Aiming to raise expectations and get the best out of pupils with varying needs and abilities

Ensuring that every pupil receives the best teaching and learning experience while in the department. Encouraging interest in Geography and participation in appropriate activities and trips abroad

Encouraging high standards of work, drawing attention to achievement through classroom displays, exhibitions for Open Days, public performances, website info etc.

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.

Contributing to pupils’ core skills of literacy, numeracy and I T capability; contributing to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Assisting with the admission and induction of pupils into the school where appropriate

Using data to recognise and nurture the quality of practice within the department and in promoting pupils’ progress.

Ensuring reports are individualised and meaningful, providing a valuable form of communication and selfreflection.

Job Description

Make sure to use Gills Sans Font

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.

Management skills.

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.

Watch our video

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 6 November 2024

Make sure to use Gills Sans Font

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

Early applications are encouraged, and interviews may take place on a rolling basis We reserve the right to extend or close the deadline.