Subject Leader - Physics

Job Description

Core Purpose

• To provide leadership and direction for the department and ensure that it is managed and organised to meet the aims and objectives of the school. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To be responsible for securing high standards of teaching and learning through curriculum development and continual pedagogical innovation, resulting in student performance matching or exceeding school expectations. To play a role to quality assure the implementation of school policy and practice and to be responsible, like all other staff, for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students

Leadership

• Lead and line manage staff within the department.

• Provide the Head of Faculty with relevant student performance information as part of the faculty’s self- evaluation cycle. 

• Contribute to quality assurance programmes within the faculty, such as lesson observations, learning walks, work scrutiny and student conversation.

• In collaboration with the Head of Faculty, identify and implement strategies to address improvement needs.

Strategic Direction 

• Overview and evaluate department performance in discussion with the Head of Faculty and teaching staff and provide future targets based on such evaluation and discussion

• Ensure short, medium and long term plans are established for the development and resourcing of the department which contribute to whole-school aims, policies and practices and identify realistic targets for the development of the department

• Manage change effectively, deploying staff and resources to maximise curriculum outcomes

• Implement policies and practices for the department which reflect whole school and faculty aims and objectives

• Create a climate, which enables other staff to develop and maintain positive attitudes towards their subject and teaching it

• Demonstrate both enthusiasm and high standards of teaching to members of the department and to students

Teaching and Learning

• Establish the department’s curriculum intent and expectations for implementation. Ensure effective curriculum coverage, sequencing, continuity and progression in the subject areas for all students by all members of the department

• Ensure that teachers are clear about the end points of teaching modules and how lesson sequencing will support knowledge acquisition.

• Ensure that teachers are clear of the learning objectives of lessons and through the provision of resources provide guidance on appropriate teaching and learning methods

• Ensure the development of students' literacy, numeracy and ICT skills and SMSC knowledge through the department’s curriculum intent and implementation

• Follow faculty policies for assessing, recording and reporting on student achievement, using feedback to set targets for further improvement within the department

• Establish high expectations and ensure that clear targets are set for student achievement including for those with special educational needs, pupil premium status and the most able

• In conjunction with teachers regularly monitor the progress of all students, using data effectively to identify students who are underachieving, creating plans of action where necessary to support recovery

• Establish a partnership with parents to involve them in their child's learning and develop links with the local community and relevant organisations to support the department’s curriculum intent and implementation

• To instigate, monitor and evaluate intervention strategies where appropriate

• To oversee the examination entries for Key Stages 4 and 5

• To identify and nurture opportunities for students to engage beyond the taught curriculum through extra-curricular activities and educational visits

Leading and Managing Staff

• Provide opportunities for staff development and enrichment through the appropriate allocation of tasks and membership of whole school working parties

• Help staff to achieve constructive working relationships with students and colleagues based on clear expectations 

• Oversee the appraisal of department staff as required by Trust policy, identifying staff needs with regard to continuing professional development and Learning (CPDL)

• Ensure that all new teachers are appropriately trained, monitored, supported, assessed and effectively inducted into the faculty

• Encourage staff to discuss developing ideas in their subject and foster an atmosphere of discovery to enhance their perception of the subject

Efficient and Effective Deployment of Staff and Resources

• Identify timetabling, staff and resource needs for the subject and inform the Head of Faculty of likely priorities for expenditure in close connection with school policies and subject development plans

• Ensure the effective and efficient management and organisation of learning resources including ICT

• Use accommodation to create an effective and stimulating learning environment in which health and safety risks are properly assessed

• Maintain effective control for allocated capitation for the department

• Support the Head of Faculty in reviewing the Science Faculty’s Health & Safety Policy against the latest guidance and establishing procedures to ensure that practice is consistent with the expectations of that policy. Support the Head of Faculty in ensuring staff training records are maintained and that appropriate maintenance cycles for faculty equipment and resources are established

Communication and Liaison

• Communicate effectively with members of the department and faculty through formal and informal meetings and briefings

• Meet regularly with the Head of Faculty over matters relating to the development, as well as personal professional development

• Meet regularly with teaching staff to support the accomplishment of both whole school, faculty and department aims and objectives

• Liaise with other key staff, including Exams Officer, SENCO, Heads of Year/Key Stage and support staff on matters relating to the department

• Communicate with parents as appropriate

• Represent and promote the department at relevant school events and talks, such as, but not limited to the GCSE Options evening and the Sixth Form Admissions Event

• Oversee the deployment of assigned prefects and other student representatives to support department development

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.