SECOND IN
SCIENCE
SCALE MPS/UPS + TLR2(A)
Application Pack
Lowfield Road, Tetbury, Glos GL8 8AE
Tel: 01666 502378 Fax: 01666 505864
Email: admin@swr.gloucs.sch.uk
Second in Science
Application Pack
Table of Contents
Letter from Steven Mackay, Headteacher
2
General Information about the School
3
Core Values
5
About the Department
6
Line Management Structure
Teaching and Learning
7
Support Staff
8
Job Description
9
May 2014
Head/Personnel/jac
Dear Colleague,
Thank you for your interest in the post of Second in Science at Sir William Romney’s
School.
This pack includes the following:
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background information about the School and the Learning Area
job description
application form
The latest Ofsted Report (February 2014) and the School Prospectus can be found on
the School website. The application documents can also be found on our website
www.swr.gloucs.sch.uk and applications by email are welcome. The closing date for this
post is Wednesday 14th May 2014 at noon and interviews will take place on Monday 19th
May 2014.
Applications should include the completed application form and a covering letter in which
you should outline the relevant skills and personal qualities you would bring to the post.
This post will be subject to vetting procedures in line with the DfE guidance on
‘Safeguarding Children’, this will include an Enhanced DBS clearance.
Should you have any queries about the post please feel free to contact Jacqui Green,
Personnel Manager at the school.
I look forward to receiving your application.
Steven Mackay
Headteacher
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location and Nature of the School
Sir William Romney’s School is a small 11-16 comprehensive with 420 students
located in the South Cotswold market town of Tetbury. The school has had a very
long association with the town and celebrated the 400 th anniversary of its foundation
in 2010. Originally situation in the town centre the school moved to its present site
as a purpose-built comprehensive in 1969. The Cotswolds is an area of outstanding
natural beauty and is characterised by rolling hills and its many charming and
unspoilt towns and villages. Transport links are good in the area and the area is well
served with good primary schools.
The school has seen GCSE results rise from 40% 5+A*-C (including English and
mathematics) in 2010 to 60% in 2013. The school usually has an ability profile which
is below average on entry, yet recent examinations results are in line with or above
national figures for the school as a whole and in the great majority of subject areas.
In the most recent Ofsted Report (2012) the school was judged as a satisfactory but
improving school with Leadership judged as being Good. The school is expecting an
Ofsted inspection this year and we are confident of a ‘Good’ judgement as we
progress on our journey towards becoming an outstanding school.
Sir William Romney’s is a school where staff development is an essential feature.
The teaching and support staff at the school are an excellent team who work well
together to provide opportunities for students to reach or exceed their potential. Our
focus is on effective learning and teaching and staff work collaboratively to share
good practice. Recent significant improvements at GCSE and in judgements on the
quality of teaching indicate the impact of our work. We have a commitment to
sharing good practice in developing leaders, teachers and support staff.
Sir William Romney’s serves a very large rural area, with 11-16 year old students
joining us from not only Tetbury itself, but also Nailsworth, Minchinhampton,
Avening, Horsley and many other villages as well as from Stroud. The school is very
much a community school and for many students we provide the focal point of their
working week and to this end, seek to provide a range of opportunities both in and
outside the classroom to nurture and stimulate the individuals in our care. The
school places significant emphasis on its inclusive nature.
There are a large number of post 16 providers in the local area and almost all of our
students continue their education after leaving the school. The majority progress to
Stroud College and Cirencester College but other post 16 destinations include
Westonbirt School, Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School, Marling and Stroud High Sixth
Form and Archway School.
Curriculum
The curriculum for Key Stage 3 follows the National Curriculum. In Year 7 all
students follow a ‘Skills’ curriculum for 8 lessons in a cycle instead of the humanities
(geography, history and RE) for the first two terms, although the content of this
curriculum is based on that of the humanities subjects. All students study two
languages (French and German) throughout Key Stage 3. A wide range of courses
additional to the core subjects are offered at Key Stage 4. Students are encouraged
to study humanities or language and the great majority do so. Where possible,
students are taught in ability sets in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Almost all Key
Stage 4 examination entries are in GCSEs although there are a small number of
students studying vocational subjects. Year 10 and 11 students usually study up to
10 GCSEs.
Pastoral Care
Students remain in the same tutor group throughout their school career. There are
three Learning Managers (Year 7, Years 8/9 and Years 10/11) who are responsible
for pastoral care and guidance. They are supported by a Behaviour Officer in the
managing of day to day incidents and issues. Each Learning Manager is supported
and line managed by an Assistant Headteacher.
Resources and Accommodation
The provision of high quality resources is a priority for the school. There are
specialist teaching rooms for all subjects and each teacher has their own teaching
room. ICT facilities are very good with teaching rooms being equipped with
interactive white boards and there are three ICT suites. The school is committed to
ongoing improvements in ICT, including a learning platform. The Support for
Learning Department is very well resourced with spacious and flexible
accommodation based near the school library. The school is very well maintained
and learning spaces are of a high standard.
Sir William Romney’s is a delightful place in which to work. Students are keen and
helpful and staff are enthusiastic and dedicated to bringing about the highest quality
learning outcomes for our students. I look forward to your application for this post.
Steven Mackay
Headteacher
CORE VALUES
Core values arise out of what we believe to be important about people,
about society and about learning and knowledge. Our values inform and
shape the school vision; how the school is organised; how people relate
to each other in school and the content and processes of teaching and
learning.
At Sir William Romney’s School we believe that:
 Every individual is equally important; students of all abilities and
backgrounds are provided with the opportunity to develop the skills,
experiences and knowledge to achieve their potential and to prepare
for their future lives.
 This is a school where learning is experienced at a personal level
because we know and understand all of our students. Students are
encouraged in their learning to enquire, challenge and be creative in
order that they can ‘be the best that they can be’.
 The school provides a safe, caring and enriching environment where
all members of our community know and respect each other. Our
students believe in themselves and contribute to the development of
others, both in school and beyond.
SIR WILLIAM ROMNEY'S SCHOOL
SCIENCE
About the Department
The Science department is a supportive, innovative department. We are keen to
provide students with the opportunity to study a stimulating, challenging curriculum
and to encourage them to continue to study Science post-16.
Accommodation
The Science department is situated within the main school building. We have five
fully equipped teaching labs situated close to each other and to our two prep rooms.
Each Science teacher has their own teaching base in which most of their lessons will
be timetabled. We are supported by two term-time technicians, one full time, one
part-time. All labs have a large interactive whiteboard and one lab has a fume
cupboard. We have access to 3 full-sized ICT suites.
Staff
The Science department currently comprises:
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Mr David Barker – Head of Science
Miss Sarah Dowling – Second in Science
Mrs Julia Gibson – T&L Coordinator (part-time)
Dr Catherine Pullin – Teacher of Science (part-time)
Mrs Colleen Smith – KS4 Learning Manager
Mr Dale Curtis – Assistant Headteacher
Mrs Carol Cox – Senior Technician
Mrs Elaine Bolitho – Technician (part-time)
Timetable
The school operates on a two week timetable. KS3 classes have Science 7 times
each cycle, usually split between two teachers. The KS3 curriculum is based on the
Exploring Science scheme. KS4 students have Science 10 times per cycle, split
between two teachers. Students study AQA Core Science in year 10 and AQA
Additional Science in year 11. Triple Award Science is offered as an option. We
also offer Early Years Childcare as an option in KS4.
Support
In addition to the support mechanisms in place across the school the Science
department offers support for classroom management and behavioural problems.
We meet once each term to discuss issues directly affecting the Science department
and staff are usually available for discussion on an informal basis. We firmly believe
in working as a team and will support each other wherever possible.
SIR WILLIAM ROMNEY’S SCHOOL
LINE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
TEACHING AND LEARNING
September 2014
Headteacher
KEY
LM - Learning Manager
SSCO - Sports Coordinator
Maths
ICT
Assistant Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher
Assistant Headteacher
DC
ND
KH
Y10/11LM
Science
English
Hum
Techs
Lib
Geog
PE
MFL
ssco
Assist
RE/ Skills
History
Drama
PD
Y7 LM
Y8/9 LM
SENCO
Creatives
TAs
Music
DT
Art
Tech
SIR WILLIAM ROMNEY’S SCHOOL
LINE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
SUPPORT STAFF
September 2014
Headteacher
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Headteacher
Headteacher
Headteacher
DC
KH
ND
Personnel Manager / PA
Office
Network Manager
Support for
Data Manager
Admin
Admin
Learning
Admin
Careers / WRL
Lunchtime Supervisors
TAs
Beh
Phx
Incl
Finance Manager
Finance
Cover Supervisors
Examinations Officer
Assistant
Exam Officer
Assistant
Premises Manager
Inv
Attend
HK
KEY
Attend - Attendance Officer
Beh - Behaviour Officer
Phx - Phoenix Room
Inclusion - Inclusion worker
HK - Housekeepers/cleaners
Inv - Exam Invigilators
Publicity
Catering
SIR WILLIAM ROMNEY’S SCHOOL
Job Description
POST: Second in Department
Job Purpose:
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To raise standards of student attainment and achievement within the curriculum area and to monitor
and support student progress.
To lead, manage and develop a Key Stage in the curriculum area.
To be accountable for student achievement within a Key Stage in the curriculum area.
To develop and monitor the teaching practice of staff within the curriculum area.
To ensure provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for
students studying in the curriculum area, in accordance with the aims of the school a nd school
policies.
To deputise for the head of department when required.
Responsible to: the Headteacher, through the school’s line management structure.
Responsible for: Teaching staff and relevant support staff within the department
Duties and Responsibilities
All Heads of Department are also required to carry out the duties outlined in the MPS/UPS Teacher job
description.
Leadership and Management
To work with the Head of Department in:
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Developing, monitoring and reviewing the provision in the relevant Key Stage curriculum area in terms
of:
 student progress through the analysis of performance data, ensuring the use of this information for
planning and target setting across the department;
 identifying appropriate attainment and progress year group targets;
 the quality of learning and teaching and responsibility for improved student outcomes;
 the development of appropriate programmes of study, resources, policies and assessment and
learning strategies within the department;
 lesson observations, work scrutiny, performance data analysis and the subject SEF.
Securing and embedding the pastoral and behavioural support systems present in the school in your
curriculum area.
Learning
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Lead and develop the Key Stage throughout the department and co-ordinate the formulation of written
guidelines, resources and the information for staff and parents to develop best practice.
Monitor, review and evaluate your Key Stage curriculum to ensure that it is being effectively delivered.
Monitor and respond to relevant curriculum developments and initiatives at national and local levels.
To oversee the application of ICT in the Key Stage within the subject including the development of the
Learning Platform and VLE.
Staff Development
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Act as a performance management reviewer for identified staff.
Work with the head of department to Identify, lead and organise training opportunities as appropriate for
your department.
To participate in the interview and selection process for new staff.
Act as a mentor or consultant to colleagues and encourage collaboration, cooperation and teamwork.
To participate in the ITT programme.
Keep abreast of current developments in the Key Stage curriculum area and disseminate information as
appropriate.
Other specific duties
To support the head of department in:
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Liaison with partner schools, examination boards and other relevant external bodies.
Promoting the department at marketing and liaison events such as Open Evening and Options
Evening.
Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each
individual task undertaken may not be identified. If a teacher is leading in more than one curriculum
area the above applies to each area of leadership responsibility.
Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work
of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
This post is subject to the current conditions of employment for Class Teachers contained in the School
Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document, the 1998 School Standards and Framework Act, the required
standards for Qualified Teacher Status and Class Teachers and other current legislation.
This job description is not your contract of employment nor any part of it. It has been prepar ed only for
the purpose of school organisation and may change either as your contract changes or as the
organisation of the school is changed. Nothing will be changed without consultation.