Subject Leader of Geography

Job Description

Core Purpose 

• Raise standards of student attainment and achievement within the whole curriculum area and monitor and support student progress

• Be accountable for student progress and development within the subject area

• Develop and enhance the teaching practice of others

• Ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students studying in the department, in accordance with the school's aims and curricular policies

• Be accountable for leading, managing and developing the subject/curriculum area

• Manage effectively and deploy teaching/support staff, financial and physical resources within the department to support the designated curriculum portfolio

Main duties and responsibilities

TEACHING

• Undertake an appropriate programme of teaching in accordance with the duties of a standard scale teacher

STRATEGIC/OPERATIONAL PLANNING

• Lead the development of appropriate syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, marking policies, assessment and teaching and learning strategies in the department

• Be responsible for the day-to-day management, control and operation of course provision with the department, including effective deployment of staff and physical resources

• Monitor actively and follow up student progress

• Implement school policies and procedures, e.g. equal opportunities, health and safety etc

• Work with colleagues to formulate aims, objectives and strategic plans for the department which have coherence and relevance to the needs of students and to the aims, objectives and strategic plans of the school

• Be aware of the school’s SEND policy and take responsibility for delivering its day to day provision within the department

• Be responsible for accessing all information related to students with SEND via the SEND register and meetings with the SEND teacher. Ensure that all staff are up to date and meet the needs of students with SEND

• Lead and manage the planning function of the department, and to ensure that the planning activities of the department reflect the needs of students within the subject area, QIP (Quality Improvement Plan) and the aims and objectives of the school

CURRICULUM PROVISION

• Liaise with the Head of Faculty to ensure the provision (amending or designing as necessary) of a broad curriculum that meets the aims of the school and the needs of all students

• Ensure that innovative and appropriate approaches to learning are made available to students with specific learning needs, including the more-able

• Work with other subject leaders to agree schemes of work so that the content of courses is complementary

• Ensure that all statutory requirements of the National Curriculum are met

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

• Lead curriculum development for the subject area

• Evaluate regional, national and international initiatives to promote learning and incorporate appropriate elements into the school’s strategy for the subject area

• Actively monitor and respond to curriculum development and initiatives at national, regional and local levels

• Liaise with the Examinations Officer to maintain accreditation with the relevant examination and validating bodies

• Evaluate the design and delivery of the curriculum; continuously striving to improve all aspects whilst ensuring proper ‘value for money’ is obtained

STAFFING

• Work with the Head of Faculty to ensure that staff development needs are identified and that appropriate programmes are designed to meet such needs

• Continue own professional development as agreed with line manager

• Be responsible for the efficient and effective deployment of any technicians/support staff

• Undertake Performance Management Review(s) and to act as reviewer for a group of staff within the subject area

• Make appropriate arrangements for classes when staff are absent, ensuring appropriate cover within the subject area

• Participate in the interview process for teaching posts when required and to ensure effective induction of new staff in line with school procedures

• Promote teamwork and motivate staff to ensure effective working relations

• Participate in the school’s ITT programme

• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of staff within the subject area and act as a positive role model

QUALITY ASSURANCE

• Ensure the effective operation of quality control systems

• Establish the process of the setting of targets within the subject area and to work towards their achievement

• Establish common standards of practice within the subject area and develop the effectiveness of teaching and learning styles

• Contribute to the school procedures for lesson observation

• Implement school quality procedures and ensure adherence to those within the subject area

• Monitor and evaluate the subject area in line with agreed school procedures including evaluation against quality standards and performance criteria

• Seek/implement modification and improvement where required

• Ensure that the subject area's quality procedures meet the requirements of self-evaluation

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

• Ensure the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date information concerning the subject on the management information system

• Make use of analysis and evaluate performance data provided

• Identify and take appropriate action on issues arising from data, systems and reports; setting deadlines where necessary and reviewing progress on the action taken

• Produce reports within the quality assurance cycle for the subject area

• Produce reports on examination performance, including the use of value-added data

• In conjunction with Head of Faculty, manage the department's collection of data

• Provide the Governing Body with relevant information relating to the performance and development of the subject area

COMMUNICATIONS AND LIAISON

• Ensure that all members of the subject area are familiar with its aims and objectives

• Ensure effective communication/consultation as appropriate with the parents of students

• Liaise with partner schools, higher education, industry, examination boards, awarding bodies and other relevant external bodies

• Represent the subject area's views and interests

• Contribute to the planning and delivery of school liaison activities

• Lead the development of effective subject links with partner schools and the community, promoting subjects effectively at liaison events in school, partner schools and the wider community

• Promote actively the development of effective subject links with external agencies

MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES

• Manage the available resources of space, staff, money and equipment efficiently within the limits, guidelines and procedures laid down; including deploying the budget, acting as a cost centre holder, requisitioning, organising and maintaining equipment and stock, and keeping appropriate records

• Work with the Head of Faculty in order to ensure that the subject's teaching commitments are effectively and efficiently time-tabled and roomed

PASTORAL SYSTEM

• Monitor and support the overall progress and development of students within the subject area

• Monitor student attendance together with students' progress and performance in relation to targets set for each individual, ensuring that follow-up procedures are adhered to and that appropriate action is taken where necessary

• Act as a Form Tutor and to carry out the duties associated with that role

• Contribute to PSHCE, citizenship and enterprise according to school policy

•  Ensure the behaviour management system is implemented in the subject area so that effective learning can take place

SCHOOL ETHOS

• Play a full part in the life of the school community, to support its distinctive mission and ethos and to encourage and ensure staff and students to follow this example

• Uphold and promote the school’s values

• Promote actively the school’s corporate policies

The Trust is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.