Head of Geography

Due to expansion of the school, we are seeking a committed, passionate and talented Head of Geography to join the Maida Vale School community. You will be eager and able to lead, develop and manage an outstanding department, overseeing and contributing to the delivery of a modern, exciting and challenging curriculum. This role is suitable for a first time Head of Department or an experienced Head of Department excited about the unusual opportunity to put their mark on this new role.

We value creativity, problem-solving, and curiosity in both the classroom and beyond. We strive for innovation and promote warmth and friendliness while encouraging high aspirations: our pupils aim high and achieve well. Maida Vale School, in its fifth year, is growing and continues to establish its reputation as a positive, progressive, kind, and tolerant academically selective school.

Reporting to a member of SLT, our new Head of Geography will have responsibility for the day-to-day running of the department and will lead on a full range of operational and strategic matters, including the Geography curriculum and co-curriculum; the Sixth Form Geography experience including Year 11 retention; furthering the promotion of the department in the school and beyond.

We are looking for a Head of Department who is an excellent teacher, whose fantastic communication and organisational skills will enable all members of the department to progress and all pupils to achieve outstanding results. You will have a desire to lead within and beyond the school community and will be prepared to think differently, both independently and collaboratively, with an overarching ambition for the school. 

The Geography Department

This successful department has modern, light, spacious dedicated teaching spaces, all equipped with the latest technology. All staff are issued with individual laptops which can be used at school and at home for school purposes. All pupils bring their own devices to lessons.

At GCSE, pupils follow the Edexcel IGCSE specification. At A Level, pupils follow Edexcel.

The successful candidate will teach KS3, KS4 and KS5. 

Essential for Head of Geography

• A good degree in Geography or an appropriate subject and a recognised teaching qualification with QTS.
• Experience of teaching KS3 and KS5
• Excellent subject knowledge and a passion for instilling in pupils a love of human and physical geography
• Excellent classroom practitioner with exceptional classroom management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills and the flexibility to take on new challenges
• The ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Commitment to, and experience of, using a range of teaching styles and methods including ICT

Desirable for Head of Geography 

• Experience of exam board GCSE and/or A Level Marking
• Experience of teaching A Level Physical geography

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Work with curious and engaging pupils
• Lead and innovate in a department with extensive resources
• Teach in an inspiring workspace
• Contribute to the strategic and operational development of the school
• Take part in, lead, organise extra-curricular activities and trips

Role of a Head of Department at Maida Vale School:

• To plan and teach effective lessons.
• To maintain high expectations which inspire, motivate, and challenge pupils.
• To use data to inform teaching and learning.
• To use the school’s behaviour policy to manage behaviour effectively to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
• To fulfil wider professional responsibilities, including being a Personal Tutor or co-PT, carrying out supervision duties, and attending staff meetings and school evening events.
• To actively seek to extend professional development.
• To perform any other reasonable duties and responsibilities which may be requested by the Headmaster.

This position is a permanent, full-time role and will suit a practitioner who is organised, dynamic, efficient with time and meeting deadlines. The school operates its own pay scales and will offer a salary commensurate with experience and the nature of this role. 

Facilities

The school, having been refurbished to an exceptional standard, is equipped with light, airy teaching spaces, a Sixth Form Independent Learning Centre; ample outside space including a MUGA and practice basketball court, a theatre, a Parent Café. The contemporary, cutting-edge facilities include awe-inspiring department areas in the creative and performing arts faculties, and include: two art & textiles studios, a Design & Technology workshop and adjoining CAD CAM, computing, and dance.

Staff Development

The school is committed to staff development and the position will provide a good springboard for further promotion within the school and beyond. Weekly whole-school staff CPD takes places throughout the year, all members of staff are part of a Teaching & Learning Triad which meets several times throughout the year, all staff are encouraged to attend CPD courses. In addition, the school’s INSET days focus on Teaching & Learning, both the expertise within the staff body and from external providers.

Appointments

All appointments are made in accordance with our equal opportunities policy and applicants should let us know of any special needs they may have. Maida Vale School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful candidates must be willing to undergo full screening in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils will be explored at interview.

Applications

Applications must be made on the school’s application form, which may be obtained via the school website: https://www.maidavaleschool.com/about-us/join-our-team

Please submit a completed application form together with a supporting letter of application and details of two referees. One referee should be able to comment on your teaching skills, and one should be from your current or most recent employer. References will be taken prior to interview. You must provide original documents as proof of identity at interview.

Completed applications should be emailed to recruitment@maidavaleschool.com or posted to Mr Magnus Bashaarat, Headmaster, Maida Vale School, 18 Saltram Crescent, London, W9 3HR.

Closing date: 9am on Thursday 17th October 2024.

Interviews are likely to be held on Monday 21st or Tuesday 22nd October 2024.

However, interviews may take place as and when suitable applications are received, so early applications are strongly encouraged.