Head of Computer Science at Pembroke House School

THE ROLE

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and passionate teacher to join Pembroke House School as Head of Computer Science. This newly created post will give the successful applicant an opportunity to develop an innovative digital education programme throughout the school as well as identifying the potential applications for ICT to teaching and learning across the curriculum. The school is presently looking to build a STEM Centre and it is envisaged that the Head of Computer Science will play the leading role in developing then running this new and exciting part of school life. He/she will also oversee the work of the Head of ICT and three administrators. This is a full-time role.

JOB PURPOSE

1. To promote and safeguard the safety and well-being of all pupils and young people.
2. To facilitate and encourage a learning experience which provides pupils with the opportunity to achieve their individual potential.
3. To contribute to raising standards of pupil attainment and progress.
4. To implement and deliver an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for pupils and to support a designated curriculum area as appropriate.
5. To monitor and support the overall progress and development of pupils as a teacher and Tutor where appropriate.
6. To share and support the school’s responsibility to provide and monitor opportunities for the personal and academic development of children and young people

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plan, deliver and evaluate consistently high-quality lessons that engage all pupils and help them to make progress in their understanding of your subject.
2. Plan well-structured lessons that meet the needs of all pupils through effective structuring of tasks, so they provide challenge or support as appropriate.
3. Ensure that pupils’ progress is regularly and accurately assessed and that feedback to pupils is used both summative and formatively to enhance the attainment and progress of all pupils.
4. Ensure that standards of behaviour in classes support effective learning and act to manage inappropriate behaviour in accordance with the school’s policies.
5. Show commitment and responsibility for own professional development and ensuring best practice in classroom teaching and learning.
6. Provide extra-curricular opportunities that enhance and develop subject provision.
7. Keep subject knowledge up to date.
8. Attend Department and other team meetings as required.
9. Contribute to the development of schemes of work and Department resources. 

OTHER DUTIES

1. To be familiar with and adhere to all School Policies.
2. To fulfil your duties and responsibilities regarding safeguarding pupils and health and safety.
3. To support the aims and ethos of the school and promote good relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents.
4. To set a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance.
5. To participate in the School’s arrangements for appraisal, professional development, meetings cycle, quality assurance and internal verification.
6. To effectively manage financial and physical resources within the curriculum area to support the designated curriculum portfolio.
7. Under the reasonable direction of the Head carry out the professional duties of a School teacher as set out in the School policies and Staff Handbook.

Person Specification: Head of Department

Pembroke House School seeks to deliver an outstanding educational experience in all fields to its students. It requires staff with the ability, enthusiasm and expertise to support this ambition. 

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

1. Subject teaching
2. Good honours degree in the subject applied for or a closely related subject.
3. A teaching qualification that is recognised by the relevant bodies in Kenya in order for the successful applicant to be able to apply for a work permit.
4. Ability to provide stimulating, well-planned lessons across the age and ability range within the school.
5. Subject knowledge to challenge able students and achieve strong results at all relevant levels.

Pastoral and Co-Curricular duties

• Commitment to boarding school life and the ability to carry out the role of tutor effectively.
• A professional, yet caring and compassionate approach to dealing with students.
• Willingness to be involved in a range of co-curricular activities, and the ability to offer expertise relevant to one or more areas of the school’s co-curricular programme.

Personal qualities

• Suitability to work with children. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be completed on the successful applicant.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written) for dealing with pupils, parents and colleagues.
• Conscientiousness, enthusiasm, and the ability to sustain long hours during term time, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to develop a rapport with pupils throughout the school.
• Strong organisational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• A positive attitude towards professional development and their own learning

Role as Head of Department

It is not a requirement for applicants to have previously held a post as Head of Department. However, it is anticipated that the successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of:

1. People skills to manage a team and to resolve difficulties as they may arise.
2. Administrative skills to organise and manage a busy Department in the school.
3. The vision to maintain the Department’s high profile within the school and to lead the Department forward.