Head of Mathematics

The Post 

We are looking for someone who is passionate about mathematics with the ability to communicate their enthusiasm in an inventive and inspirational way. She or he will be able to demonstrate originality in teaching, inspire creativity in pupils and staff, and inculcate the skills necessary for excellence in examinations while maintaining excitement and interest in learning.

The successful applicant will be expected to teach GCSE and A level mathematics (an ability to teach further mathematics is desirable) to eager and enthusiastic pupils throughout the school.  He or she will be able to cope with administration competently yet speedily, leaving him or her free to concentrate on inspiring teachers and motivating young people. The Head of Mathematics will have opportunity to take the time to reflect and plan, and when appropriate they will be able genuinely to enjoy the exuberant life of the College.   All members of the Common Room are expected to play an additional part in the boarding life of the school, e.g. by acting as tutors in one of the day or boarding houses, by offering their expertise in coaching team sports, or contributing to music, drama, debating etc.  The department has a long tradition of wide and varied contribution, recognising the value it brings to relationships with pupils in the classroom.

1.Job Title: Head of Mathematics

2. Responsible to: The Deputy Head (Academic)

3. Job Summary: To be responsible for the teaching of mathematics throughout the College. To make a personal contribution that will enable students and staff in the department to excel.

4. Duties and Responsibilities

a) Academic

• To foster interest in, and enthusiasm for mathematics and its significance in the wider world.
• To draw up schemes of work and other necessary documentation in consultation with the Deputy Head (Academic) and those teaching mathematics to ensure that the Department meets deadlines for assessments, examinations and reports.
• To ensure that the Department keeps abreast of curriculum developments, and to arrange for INSET as appropriate.
• To update and renew teaching materials, resources, equipment and apparatus, and to give a lead in teaching topics to new examination specifications.
• To consult with the Senior Management Team over major decisions, particularly those affecting the Department as a whole, or its place in the curriculum.
• To administer all matters in the Department in accordance with school policy as laid down by the Senior Management Team.
• To encourage and develop extra-curricular activities in the department, involving societies, educational visits and outside speakers.

b) Staff Management

• To hold regular meetings for all members of the Department.
• To assist in, and advise on, the appointment of any new members of staff working within the Department.
• To be responsible for the performance management of teaching staff working in the department.
• To be responsible for the work, attendance, training and monitoring of any assistant staff working in the Department.
• To ensure equal access and opportunity for students by appraising the work and lessons of teachers within the department as part of the annual department review.

Financial Management

• To submit a draft budget to the Deputy Head (Academic) and to ensure that expenditure is kept within the approved budget.
• To order equipment, materials and books as appropriate, and to keep an up-to-date record of all expenditure.
• To keep an inventory of equipment and plan for future needs.

Administration

• To co-ordinate the recording and moderation of all pupils’ work for assessments / examinations / non-examined assessments etc. and to ensure that all the awarding body’s criteria are met.
• To supervise the setting, moderation and marking of the internal College examinations.
• To submit an annual report of the performance of the department to the Deputy Head (Academic) and Headmaster as part of the annual department review.
• To be responsible for all aspects of health & safety in the department ensuring that all risk assessments are made in accordance with College policy and national legislation.
• To attend Heads of Department meetings, and to represent the subject in all discussions concerning the curriculum.

Pastoral

• To promote and uphold the College’s core values both in and out of the classroom.
• To support the development of all pupils through the unspoken curriculum (the way pupils learn to treat each other and the way they are expected to behave).
• To be a tutor in a day or boarding house as directed by the Deputy Head (Pastoral)
• To act as tutor to a group of tutees as directed by the Housemaster or Housemistress (Hsm).
• To hold regular meetings with tutees to discuss academic progress and any pastoral issues.f)To discuss eRCs with tutees and comment as appropriate.
• To support the Hsm and House by attending house activities and events.
• To support tutees in their wider College lives.
• To attend chapel alongside tutees at weekly chapel services and any other school congregational events as requested by the Second Master.

Co-curricular

• To play an active role supporting the games and activities programme as directed by the Deputy Head (Co-curriculum).

General

• To represent mathematics at Heads of Departments meetings.
• To Chair regular meetings of the mathematics department.
• To attend staff meetings as requested by the Headmaster.
• To carry out any other duties associated with the role as requested by the Headmaster or Senior Management Team.

Safeguarding

• The post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Statement and staff code of conduct 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 they must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or, if they are the School’s DSL, to the Headmaster and relevant agencies.

In making the appointment the Headmaster will have regard to the experience and potential specifically exhibited by candidates. The exact delineation of responsibilities will be determined by the strengths and interests of the appointee.

This job description may be altered to meet changing educational context at the discretion of the College.

5. Person Specification

Applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:

a) Education & Training

Essential:

• Educated to good degree standard (or equivalent) in Mathematics or a closely-related discipline
• Evidence of continuous personal and / or professional development

Desirable:

• Teaching qualification
• Post graduate degree
• Ability to teach further mathematics

b) Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• An understanding of GCSE and A-level Mathematics and the importance of Mathematics in the school curriculum.

Desirable:

• Schools experience
• Experience of working in a boarding/residential environment
• Management experience

c) Skills

Essential:

• A dynamic and skilled leader with the ability to manage people towards a common goal
• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• A high level of ICT competency
• An inclusive manner and the ability to work in a team
• The ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative feedback; to monitor and evaluate

d) Personal Qualities

Essential:

• A belief in the College’s core values and the determination to uphold them
• An ability to set deadlines, meet them and manage expectation against them
• An ability to build, foster and sustain positive relationships with all in the College community
• Patience, compassion, courage, resolve and objectivity
• Dedication, loyalty, commitment and positivity
• Capacity for hard work
• To positively embrace change and development
• Being a positive role model for all in the College community by virtue of approachability, personal conduct and standards of expectation.
• To be a lead learner

6. Salary and Conditions

The College has its own salary scale and the successful applicant will be remunerated at a level representing their qualifications, skills and experience. Specifics of this can be discussed with the Headmaster at interview.

The College offers generous packages of additional benefits and pay; all staff are on a salary scale above the national average and have opportunities for salary progression.

Accommodation may be available. The successful candidate will also benefit from a generous rate for the education of their own children, both at the College and at St. Andrews Prep.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory medical disclosure, an enhanced check with the DBS and any other pre-employment checks deemed necessary by the College.

The College is a non-smoking establishment and an equal opportunities employer.

7. How to Apply

To apply, please visit https://(url removed)/contact/eastbourne-college-vacancies and click the Apply Now button to complete the required application form.

A letter of application (addressed to the Headmaster), evidencing your suitability for the post against the job description and person specification described above, and an up-to-date CV should be uploaded with this online application form.

Please also provide the contact details of three referees, one of whom should be your current employer. Early applications are encouraged. Applications will be considered upon receipt, and we reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy

All applications must be received by Friday 31 May 2024.

Interviews week commencing 10 June 2024.

Safeguarding statement

Eastbourne College (Incorporated) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The appointment is subject to appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the DBS.

Post holders will be engaging in regulated activity.

All posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Charity is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Eastbourne College (Incorporated) welcomes applications from all sectors of the community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our pupil intake. We consider the most important factor to be the right skills, abilities and attitude for the job which will ultimately improve the well-being and education of the pupils.

Eastbourne College (Incorporated) is a non-smoking establishment.