The Role
The Head of Science will report to the Assistant Principal (academic).
The post-holder will lead a team of specialist subject teachers, which is expected to
grow in size considerably as student numbers increase. He/she will be responsible for
the development of that subject at all levels throughout the School. He/she needs to
possess good organisational skills and also be an enthusiastic, energetic and
innovative teacher who can lead by example, who is committed to flexible and varied
styles of teaching and is in sympathy with the aims and objectives of the School.
Main duties and responsibilities to include:
Academic management
• Co-ordinate the STEM middle school Science project
• reviewing curriculum needs and, in consultation with other staff and the Senior
Management, choose courses that are appropriate to the needs of our students in
both Compulsory Chinese and International Curriculum areas;
• initiating, overseeing and regularly updating the development of agreed schemes of
work for all courses;
• liaising with the Timetabler and Operations team to ensure appropriate rooming and
allocation of lessons which may require occasional availability to communicate in
holiday times;
• developing and managing coursework and practical assessments in line with exam
board specifications, including preparation of such and supervision of students
during such assessments;
• leading regular subject meetings of Science staff at which curriculum planning,
student progress, and teaching and learning needs should be discussed and good
practice can be shared;
• managing science resources effectively and advising the Assistant Principal
(academic) on budget planning;
• line managing subject teachers including conducting professional review interviews
and regular lesson observations as agreed within the department and in
consultation with the Assistant Principal (academic);
• line managing the science technicians and conducting appraisals
• ensuring appropriate health & safety training is completed and procedures adhered
to by all science staff
• disseminating information regarding new resources and professional development
courses to staff;
• managing and implementing the department’s Health and Safety policy, including
the development and updating of all relevant risk assessments;
• contributing to the selection for appointment of new members of the department,
including the induction and assessment of probationary teachers when appropriate;
• establishing and monitoring departmental targets and producing a self-assessment
report each year;
• working with other subject leaders to develop departmental policies and to ensure
that existing policies are implemented effectively;
• liaising with the Assistant Principal (academic) and Senior Management, as
appropriate, to ensure that departmental documentation is up-to-date and fit for
purpose (for instance, subject descriptions for the IGCSE and A-level booklets);
• ensuring that students hoping to study a science-related course at university are
well-advised and have a strong portfolio prepared for university interview;
• ensuring that able students are entered for external subject-related competitions as
appropriate to the subject;
• enriching the curriculum in the subject – this might mean inviting speakers to the
college or taking students to relevant external events;
• liaising with the Assistant Principal (academic) and Senior Management as
appropriate, over issues of mutual interest.
• support the school's internal after-class services in the science subjects. Stay
informed by the subject teachers about the progress of the students, and be in an
advisory role for the content of subjects and practicals.
Teaching
• thorough planning, preparation and clear presentation of lessons;
• initiating, facilitating and moderating classroom discussions;
• evaluating and grading students’ work, giving appropriate feedback and maintaining
records of students’ progress and development;
• researching new topic areas, maintaining up-to-date subject knowledge, and
devising, writing and sharing new curriculum materials;
• selecting and using a range of different learning resources and equipment;
• preparing students for qualifications, including external examinations and as
required;
• managing student behaviour in the classroom and on college premises;
• participating in regular departmental meetings, INSET, school training events,
observation and professional review in order to maximise the quality of teaching;
• acting as tutor to a group of students as directed by the Assistant Principal
(academic) and Senior Management
• responsibility for developing the use of the SchoolPal MIS within the Science
Department;
• writing regular, informative and individual reports on students;
• promoting the general well-being of students and communicating with heads of
grade and/or tutor responsible;
• initiating, participating in and organising extracurricular activities as appropriate and
as required by the Senior Management;
• complying with policies and procedures, including those relating to Safeguarding
and Child Protection, Health and Safety, Welfare, Smoking in the Workplace,
Security, Confidentiality and Data Protection, and reporting any concerns.
This list is not intended to be exhaustive. The nature of teaching and of education is
that change is likely, either externally prompted (for instance a government or exam
board reform) or as a result of our School-based initiatives. The Head of Science
should therefore expect to undertake any other reasonable duties for the further
development of the subject within the School and of the School’s academic ethos in
general.
Qualifications
• a high quality degree with Science as the sole or significant focus;
• a formal teaching qualification may be an advantage;
• an interest in further training and development.
Skills and Experience:
• the capability of teaching Science expertly and confidently to all age groups 11-18
(Chinese Grades 6 to 12), being up-to-date in his/her subject;
• a willingness to accommodate the needs of students whose first language is not
English is essential;
• confidence in ICT and good ICT skills, being able to pick up new procedures and
routines quickly; particularly in respect of the SchoolPal system, also used as our
VLE;
• effective and efficient administrative skills;
• the ability to contribute to the extra-curricular life of the School is highly desirable;
• a willingness to support the Admissions and Marketing teams is essential;
• relevant experience in teaching, examining or in the commercial sector will be taken
into account.
Personal Attributes:
• The successful applicant should:
• be a passionate advocate of his/her subject;
• have good interpersonal skills and have the ability to work as part of a team and
lead a team of teachers;
• be generous in spirit – the role is likely to require hard work and a professional
attitude to the commitment required in a developing school;
• be able to communicate fluently and accurately in spoken and written English;
• demonstrate foresight and good judgement in the execution of managerial tasks;
• be confident in handling students at both ends of Shanghai Concord academic
spectrum;
• communicate diplomatically with Shanghai Concord’s demanding and involved
parents
• be flexible in outlook and amenable to change.
Hours of Work
Teachers are expected to work the hours necessary to fulfil their role to the highest
possible professional standards, and be available for all scheduled lessons, duties,
meetings and other associated activities. Academic staff are also expected to actively
support college events as far as possible, and contribute to the broader life of the
college.
Remuneration and Benefits
Details of remuneration and benefits are given in formal offer letters and contracts of
employment.
Salary will be in accordance with the Shanghai Concord Teachers’ Pay Scale, which is
above Main UK Scale. Successful candidates are offered a point on the salary scale
which is appropriate to their qualifications and experience. Housing allowance, return
flights, relocation allowance and full personal insurance are included in the package.
The Head of Science can expect a timetable reduction, in recognition of the additional
workload associated with the post.