Job Description
Job Title
Head of Biology
Department
Academic
Reporting To
Head of Science
Supervisory Responsibilities
Line management of all teachers of Biology and the Biology
technicians
Summary of Job Role and Expectation
The Head of Biology should be an outstanding practitioner who is prepared to lead by example, thus
inspiring and enthusing colleagues in the Biology department and all pupils in Senior School. S/he should
also have oversight of the development of Biology as part of the departmental and whole school academic
vision, as directed by the Head of Science and Deputy Head (Academic).
Main Duties
1
Promote excellent teaching and learning of Biology
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Ensure that all Schemes of Work differentiate successfully and incorporate a useful bank of resources,
including ICT and iPad technology.
Ensure that all pupil assessments are appropriate.
Ensure that all pupils in years 7-11 are placed in appropriate teaching sets.
Encourage regular shared best practice via department meetings.
Discuss and employ strategies to engage all pupils in their learning.
Lead by example at all levels including the teaching of all areas of A-level Biology and Oxbridge
preparation.
Ensure that all pupils in year 11, lower sixth and upper sixth are prepared accordingly for the relevant
external examinations.
Agree an annual department Teaching and Learning target, which is referred to throughout the year.
Have a good working knowledge of performance data mechanisms (MidYIS, YELLIS, ALIS) in order to
carry out effective pupil tracking and retrospective examination performance.
Encourage excellence ‘beyond the classroom’ for colleagues and pupils.
Appreciate the Methodist ethos of Ashville College and promote its values through the work of the
Biology department.
2
Accountability within the department
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Appraise each colleague annually, to include at least one formal lesson observation per colleague.
Drop-in to colleagues’ lessons on a regular basis and carry out work scrutiny and pupil interviews, as
directed by the Deputy Head (Academic).
Ensure that all colleagues are setting appropriate differentiated homework tasks, and that high quality
feedback is given in line with the department marking policy.
Offer support for any colleague who is underperforming or who is struggling with any aspect of their
teaching role.
Liaise with parents as appropriate.
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Administration
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Produce and update an annual Department Handbook (electronic and hard copy) which contains
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All Schemes of Work.
An updated annual Department Development Plan.
An external examination analysis of the previous year’s examination results.
All lesson observations and appraisals.
All department policies, e.g. assessment, differentiation.
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Adhere to any other internal deadlines imposed by the Deputy Head (Academic), e.g. examination
entry returns, updates of target grades.
Manage the Biology teaching and professional development budgets.
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4
Recruitment and professional development
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5
In conjunction with the Deputy Head (Academic), be responsible for all logistics of appointing new
colleagues.
Delegate appropriately within the department to afford other colleagues good internal professional
development opportunities.
Ensure that all colleagues are appropriately trained in Biology-related ICT tools.
Encourage self and other involvement in whole school projects and working groups.
Be proactive in further subject specific personal professional development.
Meetings
Attend and chair appropriate College/Senior School meetings which include:
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Half-termly Academic Committee (Head of Department) meetings.
Half-termly Science or Biology Teaching and Learning meetings – to chair as appropriate.
Regular Science or Biology department meetings – to chair as appropriate.
Occasional meetings with the Headmaster, Deputy Head (Academic) or with Governors – as required.
Skills and Qualifications Required
Excellent organisational and communication skills are needed for this post. The ability to work
with a number of colleagues who possess a variety of capacities and skill sets is also required, as
are the qualities of patience, attention to detail, resilience, commitment as a team player and a
sense of humour. The Head of Biology must also engage fully with the strategic vision for Senior
School and the College as directed by the Headmaster and the Deputy Head (Academic).
Specialist Training Required
None, though attendance at the external HMC North East Head of Department training as
directed by the Deputy Head (Academic) will be expected .
Prepared By
Deputy Head (Academic)
April 2015
Date
Authorised By
Headmaster
Reviewed On
April 2018