The Science Curriculum Area at The Crest Academies is one of our core faculties. The department offers a range of programme and pathways at KS3, 4 and 5. An Introduction from the Principal Dear Candidate, Currently all students at KS3 study all three disciplines, Biology, Chemistry and Physics through General Science. At KS4 the faculty offers a range of programmes. The range of pathways on offer include: GCSE Triple Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) GCSE Core & Additional Science Thank you for your interest in the post of Lead Practitioner – Science. The successful applicant will form a key part of the Learning and Teaching team at the Academies, and he/she will work closely with the Leadership Team and I, on shaping the quality of provision and ultimately student outcomes at The Crest Academies. Our Academies serve the local Neasden and Dollis Hill communities and our mission is to ensure that ‘Every student is ready for university’ and that ‘Every student is a leader’. GCSE Single Science BTEC Science At KS5, the faculty also offers a range of programmes, which are popular and have a large uptake: A Level Biology A Level Chemistry A Level Physics BTEC Medical Science The successful applicant will demonstrate high levels of pride and professionalism, with a strong record of impact. Most importantly he/she will be an outstanding classroom practitioner with a passion for their subject. The successful applicant will also take a whole school lead on a key school priority. If you are a forward thinking and dynamic practitioner looking for an opportunity to lead Learning and Teaching then I look forward to receiving your application. Interested candidates are welcome to contact me at the Academies should they wish to visit prior to making an application. Yours faithfully, Mohsen Ojja Lead Practitioner Science Job Description JOB TITLE: Lead Practitioner Science SALARY: L4 – L8 ACCOUNTABLE TO: Vice Principal – Learning and Teaching and Assistant Vice Principal Learning and Teaching Core Purpose: The core purpose of the Lead Practitioner Science will be to improve the quality of learning and teaching in Science. The Lead Practitioner in Science will support the Assistant Vice Principal (Learning and teaching) and Curriculum Director for Science to develop learning and teaching in Science. They will also form part of a wider team of Lead Practitioners supporting the development of learning and teaching across the Academies and in our feeder primaries. In order to promote and achieve the Academies’ vision and purpose, the Lead Practitioner Science should: Meet all the requirements of an outstanding classroom teacher Maintain expert knowledge of learning and teaching and disseminate this to other teachers Maintain knowledge and understanding of the Academies’ aims, priorities, targets, self-evaluation and action plans Understand and promote the benefits and effective use of ICT Understand and promote links between the subject and the wider curriculum Assist in planning the induction year for all NQT staff. In accordance with the Academies’ policy document and the DFE regulations and the LA programme, arrange regular meetings with them and undertake classroom observation as appropriate Work with the LA Advisory service to support NQTs across the Academies Lead Practitioner Science will support staff teaching in the Academies to consistently and effectively plan lessons and sequences of lessons, to meet students’ individual learning needs by: Disseminating examples of effective planning practice within the Academies Taking steps to ensure that teachers are aware of the inclusion needs of all pupils and groups and make provision for this in their planning Taking steps to ensure that feedback from lesson observation, work scrutiny and analysis of assessment data is appropriately reflected in teachers’ planning Establishing strategic planning, including short, medium and long term plans for the development and resourcing of the subject Lead Practitioner Science will support staff teaching in the Academies to consistently and effectively use a range of appropriate strategies for teaching and classroom management: Taking steps to ensure teachers are clear about the teaching of objectives in lessons, understand the sequence of learning and teaching in the subject area and communicate this to students Observing colleagues’ teaching (through subject monitoring) and providing evaluative feedback on the effectiveness of their teaching strategies to bring about further improvement Identifying and promoting innovative and effective strategies within the Academies to meet the needs of all students Lead Practitioner Science will support staff teaching in the Academies to consistently and effectively use information about prior attainment to set well-grounded expectations for students and monitor progress to give clear and constructive feedback by: Evaluating and interpreting relevant national, local and Academies data, research and inspection evidence to inform policies, expectations and teaching methods Monitoring and evaluating assessment data across the Academies to identify trends in student performance and issues for development Defining intervention strategies to address issues for development that are identified Evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of intervention strategies used to address identified issues Using assessment data to make comparative evaluation of students’ performance in the subject area Lead Practitioner Science will support staff teaching in the Academies such that, as a result of their teaching, their students achieve well in relation to prior attainment, making progress as good as or better than similar students nationally by: Identifying quantifiable and challenging student progress objectives with teachers within their appraisal/ performance management objectives Supporting teachers in planning appropriate strategies to achieve student progress target levels and objectives Taking steps to ensure that agreed student progress target levels within the Academies are achieved or exceeded Encouraging students’ motivation and enthusiasm in the Academies, developing positive responses to challenge and high expectations Monitoring the objectives and targets for students with SEN in Science and promoting the importance of raising their achievement Lead Practitioner Science will take responsibility for their own professional development and use the outcomes to improve their teaching and students learning by: Maintaining ‘leading edge’ knowledge through reading, INSET and research to inform their own practice, demonstrating impact in teaching and on students’ learning Assimilating and implementing new curriculum guidance to lead the process of change within the Academies Prioritising and managing their own time effectively, balancing the demands made by teaching, subject management and involvement in Academies development Achieving their own challenging professional objectives Lead Practitioner Science will contribute to the policies and aspirations of the Academies co-ordinating strategies to achieve relevant Academies improvement priorities that have been identified in the Academies by: Co-ordinating strategies to achieve relevant Academies improvement priorities Evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of practice in the Academies annually, suggesting areas and issues for further improvement Leading and delivering professional development / INSET activities Building effective links with the local business and industry, in order to develop the Academies Building effective links with universities in order to develop the Academies. Lead Practitioner Science will develop effective professionals who challenge and support all students to do their best by: Creating a climate, which enables staff to develop, challenge and support each other, resulting in positive growth Mentoring and coaching staff to develop confidence and maintain positive attitudes Communicating effectively with professional integrity within and beyond the Academies community Taking action to build and maintain effective teamwork with high expectations of outcomes Lead Practitioner Science Person Specification Attitudes: The person appointed should be able to demonstrate Value the education of every student as equally important Be committed to equal opportunities Believe in students’ entitlement to a meaningful education Recognise that it is the responsibility of leadership to prove active support and challenge to colleagues Be committed to high quality in all aspects of their work Understand and practise the principles of changes management Know that reflection is the bridge between ‘doing’ and understanding Have a collaborative approach to partnership working Have understanding and experience of using ICT innovatively for effective learning, data tracking for students and project development, planning & implementation Have a clear and confident understanding of the pedagogy that underpins successful leaning. Skills: The person appointed must be able to: Demonstrate they are an excellent teacher Lead and inspire others Work on their own initiative and be part of a team See tasks, plans and ideas through to completion Think strategically but have an ‘eye for detail’ Undertake complex, problem solving tasks such as data analysis Assimilate information quickly and prepare helpful summaries Research educational literature and present papers Communicate effectively in a wide variety of forms to a range of audiences Use emotional intelligence to manage change effectively Develop community links and access resources Use ICT solutions effectively and with confidence Ability to lead a whole school responsibility Qualities: The person appointed will have: A highly professional approach to their work Great energy, enthusiasm and hope A real drive to make things happen A passionate desire to make a difference The desire for further career progression A ware, open and optimistic disposition Loyalty, determination and persistence Experience and Qualifications: The person appointed will have: Already held a post of responsibility in a comprehensive school A proven track record of successful leadership A good Honours Degree Qualified Teacher Status A Higher Degree Prepared themselves for the post through appropriate professional development Been involved in a networked learning community Played a significant & effective role in leading and managing a successful major innovation or improvement strategy Previous experience with supporting colleagues to improve their practice Essential Desirable