Head of Psychology Required from September 2015 (or earlier)
Welcome to our information booklet for the post of Head of Psychology. It is designed to give a flavour of life here as a teacher at JCG, provide information to support your application and, with the College website, provide you with a snapshot of the myriad of varied activities that take place each day in college. Founded in 1880, JCG has been at the forefront of girls' education in Jersey for over 125 years and has a well deserved reputation for academic excellence and service to the island community. Our students thrive on expert teaching, state of the art facilities and a vast range of extra-curricular, enrichment and expedition activities. They are enterprising, friendly and ambitious and they have wonderful purpose, energy and sense of service to others. Our staff care and are dedicated, creative and talented. Our exceptional academic results are a testimony to the personal and collective success of all at JCG. From here, our students go on to study at good universities, both in the United Kingdom and across the world. Each day we strive to deliver the very best educational experience for our students. This experience should deliver outstanding academic achievement and, more importantly, nurture someone who is happy, well mannered and able to find fulfilment in one’s service to others. Inevitably, an information booklet and website can only partially reflect the reality of College life. I look forward to meeting short-listed candidates in December 2014 where interviews will take place at Jersey College for Girls. At interview, candidates will meet our students and staff, and experience the warmth, vitality and ethos of intellectual curiosity that is JCG. It is a privilege to lead this remarkable school and I would encourage you to apply for this vacancy. Carl Howarth Principal
JERSEY COLLEGE FOR GIRLS JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title:
Head of Psychology
Responsible to:
Head of Humanities Faculty
Grade:
MPS plus SA2
Time Allowance:
0.04
Job Purpose The prime responsibility of the Head of Psychology is to lead and give direction to the work of colleagues in their department and to assist the Head of Faculty by co-ordinating the following areas of the Psychology department to ensure high levels of student learning and success: Principal accountabilities 1.
Lead and manage colleagues within the department.
2.
Provide a high quality curriculum.
3.
Take responsibility for Internal and External Examinations including Assessments.
4.
Liaison with Stakeholders.
5.
Manage the departmental budget.
In addition to the duties and responsibilities contained in “The Teacher’s Task” the further specific duties that apply to this post are: Specific Management Responsibilities 1.
Lead and manage colleagues in the department
Provide educational leadership by demonstrating good practice in the classroom, expert knowledge about the curriculum and of evaluative processes and procedures and the theories that underpin students’ learning. Ensure that the norms, expectations and values of JCG are communicated clearly. Ensure that the work of the department supports the JCG development / management plans and is meeting the requirements of all current documents / systems / policies and examination syllabuses where appropriate.
Provide realistic priorities, timelines and deadlines for work within the department. Holds regular departmental meetings and provides the Head of Faculty and line manager with minutes. Create opportunities for the department to work as a team. Seeks and supports professional development for self and colleagues. 2.
Provide a high quality Curriculum
Develop and maintain differentiated Programmes of Study to promote strong skills and independent learning, leading to high levels of achievement. Develop strategies and lead the sharing of practice to ensure high levels of student success and achievement, with a particular emphasis on: able students who need additional challenges, liaising with the G & T Co-ordinator as appropriate; and students who are underachieving. Analyse student data to aid target setting. Ensure cover work for absent colleagues. Lead the development of cross-curricular links with other departments to ensure students see the connections between subjects and increase engagement and enjoyment of Psychology. Conduct an annual review of programmes of study. Organise and coordinate activities, events, competitions, trips and study days as appropriate. Organise tailored support for all students intending to study Psychology at university. 3.
Internal and External Examinations including Assessments Prepare a report on examination results by the end of September for the Results Analysis Report.
Analyse, monitor and report on the attainment and progression of students. Organize all internal assessments and examinations. In liaison with the Exams Officer, co-ordinate the administration of external examinations. Co-ordinate the completion of coursework/internal assessments. Organise all internal moderation where appropriate. 4.
Liaison with Stakeholders
Foster, enhance and promote the vision of Psychology across the school. Ensure continuity and progression of curriculum, achievement and the development of skills across the Key Stages. Ensure the Head of Faculty, the department and parents are fully aware of matters related to Psychology.
Liaise with the Head of Faculty to ensure strong and purposeful links with HE institutions to promote the study of Psychology at University. Extend the opportunities for student feedback to enhance the enjoyment and learning of Psychology through the use of student surveys. Develop links with outside agencies including local businesses and organisations to develop the learning experience for students. Conduct all Department meetings and where appropriate contribute to Faculty meetings. Attend relevant College and Island meetings as required. Ensure all safeguarding procedures are in place in order to provide a safe and secure learning environment. 5.
Manage the departmental budget Monitors and controls budget expenditure aiming to achieve value for money. Follows the specified procedure for ordering equipment, supplies, textbooks and other resources. Co-ordinates textbook distribution and collection. Maintain all departmental inventories of books and stock.
Undertake any other task as may be reasonably requested by the Head of Faculty and the Principal. The successful candidate will have: Strong interpersonal skills which display high levels of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy in dealing with difficult situations. Good organisational and administrative skills. Strong leadership skills, an ability to take responsibility and a proactive approach to problem solving. A keen interest in supporting student learning. The ability to work collaboratively, to model good practice and maintain high levels of confidentiality. Experience in actively supporting teaching staff and students in the completion of their work High levels of skill in working with both individual students and large groups to support student involvement in the life of the school. Energy, vision and enthusiasm to lead the Department in the designated areas of responsibility. High level presentational skills in addressing students, parents and teachers. Ability to manage and motivate staff members to focus on what can be achieved. The ability to work under pressure, prioritise and meet deadlines. An ability to be able to demonstrate a strong understanding and commitment to the aims and ethos of Jersey College for Girls.
JD HERE
Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty The Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty is well established and highly successful. The Faculty is made up of Psychology, History, Religious Education, PSHE and Geography. Our GCSE and A level results are consistently among the best in the College. There is a strong ethos of collaboration and support in the Faculty. We have high expectations of ourselves and our students. The Faculty occupies the first and second floors of the modern Roberts building. Almost all teaching rooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and Apple TVs. Psychology Department Head of Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty / Head of Psychology: Ms Fiona Hutchings M.Sc M.Ed. Teacher of Psychology: Mrs Felicity Williams B.Sc. (Maternity leave 2014/15) GTTP Teacher of Psychology: Miss Andreia Gomes B.Sc. (One-year training post) Psychology is delivered at A Level through following the OCR specification. The A2 Options include Forensic Psychology and Health & Clinical Psychology. The department has a long history of success with this examination board and the marketing for 2015 entry has proposed that JCG will continue with OCR. Currently, both permanent members of the team are working for OCR as examiners. Psychology is amongst the most popular A Level subject choices in 2014/15. The retention from AS to A2 is excellent. We offer our students a wide range of extra curricular opportunities on both a weekly (e.g. Psychology Academy, Psychology Clinic) and annual basis (e.g. SPELL training, visit to Durrell, visit to Magistrates’ Court, London Conferences). Further information about the department is available from the Psychology Curriculum page on the JCG website. In 2014 the A Level Psychology grades were 71% A*-B. The department consistently out performs national standards.
Why be a teacher at JCG ? The best testament about what it is like to be a teacher at JCG is the view of the teachers’ themselves. Last year the College gave out a questionnaire to all staff. The following quotes have been taken at random from the responses of individual staff to a question in the survey Question : What do you most like about your current job? 'I feel that there is a genuine desire to allow everyone to reach their full potential.' 'Inspiring students to succeed when they thought that they could not. Giving confidence and knowledge to students. Working with similarly motivated colleagues.' 'Opportunities to try something different, be creative. Teaching. Working in a great department. Excellent relationships with staff and students. Seeing students succeed. Running a department, making decisions.' 'The students I am privileged to teach and colleagues I am privileged to work alongside.' 'The students are endlessly engaging and their motivation to learn is exciting. My job offers constantly changing challenges and is certainly never dull! I feel supported by senior staff.' 'The fact that we all work together well as a team and we all support each other.' 'The potential of the students and their ability to embrace innovative teaching ideas and impress you everyday with their ideas and knowledge.' 'Working with the students and being part of what I see as a great team at JCG.' 'The supportive nature of my department and the lovely students who we teach.' 'The feeling that I'm making a positive difference in the classroom and in my wider responsibilities. I also like being part of a large and successful team.' 'Working with such talented and inspirational students.' --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Some comments from teachers ranging from those new to the College and those who have progressed their careers here : Felicity Williams is a new teacher at JCG - she joined the College in September 2013 and had this to say about joining the College: 'JCG - a teacher's utopia. I was welcomed and valued as a member of a fantastic team, as well as being afforded the trust to adjust the dynamics of my classroom from day one. This was an excellent foundation for the building blocks that follow. Setting aside the prestige and exemplary reputation of the school, JCG will aspire and motivate you to become the best role model for the students on both an educational and pastoral level. They identify that good grades alone don't prepare a young person for the world and enable you to engage on multiple levels to promote well rounded students. Ask and you shall receive: A multitude of resources and state of the art facilities are provided to equip you with the tools that you require in delivering the curriculum. There is always someone at hand to support you in your quest to be the best that you can be. The establishment will satisfy your professional development with a clear pathway to whatever your goal may be through utilising the wealth of experience and skill of those who work with you. Be under no illusions, 100% is required from every teacher at JCG, but here's the difference: You'll want to give nothing less and you will be rewarded and valued by your superiors, peers and most importantly, the hard working students.'
Ros Cleave started in 2005 I have taught at Jersey College for Girls for 9 years, starting in January 2005. I am originally from Bristol and taught there and in Swindon both as a full time DT teacher and on supply. During my teacher training I had the opportunity to spend 9 weeks teaching at JCG and said then if the opportunity ever arose I would come back so I was thrilled to be given the job. Since starting at JCG as a main pay scale DT teacher I have furthered my career and had an array of opportunities to extend my professional development. I am currently JCG’s Educational Needs Co-ordinator and have been in this whole school role for the past three years. Through this role I work with all other secondary schools, the education department and many companies on the island. Prior to this role I was Head of Key Stage 4 for just over 4 years. While at JCG I have achieved many professional accreditations including the National Award for SENCo, the CCET and I am currently on my second year of my master’s degree, all with the support of JCG and Jersey’s education department. Outside the confines of JCG there are many opportunities in Jersey itself. As an avid hockey player I have played for a local team for 8 years and represented the island for a year. My other main passion is singing and 3 years ago I became a member of the Progressive School of Music in Jersey and I have recently achieved my Grade 4 with distinction. I have made Jersey my home, bought a house, got married and had two children in my time here. The beauty of the island is definitely part of the draw, a seaview from my kitchen window and the fact you are never more than 10 minutes from a beach keeps me here and will do for the foreseeable future. Lisa Rheumer - started in 2001 I joined Jersey College for Girls as a Biology teacher in September 2001 and since then my career has progressed significantly. JCG has allowed me to develop my skills as a professional by supporting me to attend a wide range of courses and conferences, both on and off island, covering areas including critical skills, child protection, first aid, health and safety in the workplace, higher education and the examinations system. I have been given the opportunity to take on many different roles of responsibility with in the College, covering areas such as curriculum, pastoral, extra-curricular and administration and through these roles I have been able to develop my knowledge and experience and also discover which path I would like my career to follow in the future.
I have also been lucky enough to travel the world with JCG visiting countries such as Austria, Spain, Barbados, Cuba, Honduras, Madagascar and South Africa to take part in sporting and scientific activities with the students. JCG is a wonderful place to work and I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of this College; the students here are engaged and enthusiastic in all that they do and the staff are talented and dedicated to providing our students with the best educational experience possible.
Information on Jersey College for Girls www.jcg.je Please take a look at our website where you should find all the information you need on the College. However, indicated below are some of the things you might want to access immediately. Our Home page: www.jcg.je and online publications http://issuu.com/jerseycollegeforgirls will give you a good feel for life at Jersey College for Girls.
On our website, please do look at our: Our vision for a student at JCG - this outlines what our aspirations are for every student at the College and guides us in our day to day work with the students Our A level prospectus and our GCSE prospectus both outline our academic curriculum and are available to read from our homepage.
By clicking on ‘About us’ you will be able to follow links to: College Prospectus - this will outline our Values of Aspire, Inquire, Excel, Belong which guide us in everything we do at the College. Academic results - where you will find a summary and the details of our 2014 results. You can get a better feel for the College by taking a virtual tour and browsing the media Gallery By clicking on ‘School Life’ you will be able to follow links to: Curriculum - information on the Psychology Department. Also all other aspects of the curriculum. Extra curricular - with downloads for the Year 11-13 Enrichment programme and extra curricular activities Inquiring minds lecture series - outlining how we aim to extend the learning of the students beyond the taught curriculum
How to Apply We are looking for a well qualified graduate of Psychology; a talented and inspiring individual interested in developing a teaching career in a highly successful College. As a teacher you will have the opportunity to share your passion for your subject with extremely motivated students and be rewarded with a great sense of accomplishment and job satisfaction. As a member of the College you will be encouraged to contribute to the development of the College and its students through a range of extracurricular opportunities; you will also be fully supported to pursue your own personal professional development and career aspirations. Jersey is a beautiful island and so you will also benefit from an exceptional working environment with lots of opportunities to enjoy life beyond school. Employment opportunities will give you access to documents outlining what you will need to know about working in Jersey. To see what it is really like to live on a beautiful island—click to watch the short Jersey Tourism 2014 TV Advert with our very own Alumni professional singer and song writer Nerina Pallot. This is a permanent post is available for April 2015. Salary up to £53,922 per annum in accordance with the Jersey Scale of Salaries. Jersey College for Girls is a school that constantly strives to excel in every area of school life and if you would like to be a part of our team please apply through States of Jersey by going to the www.gov.je website.
If you would like to speak with someone about this opportunity please get in touch with Miss Toni Rollo, Assistant Head teacher, at t.rollo@jcg.sch.je or on 01534 516214. Applications are due by 28th November 2014 and interviews will be week commencing 8th December 2014.
@jcg_live /jerseycollegeforgirls