Head of Computing

Are you a passionate computer scientist looking to lead a department at a successful academy? We are looking for a qualified, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic teacher to join Harris Academy St John's Wood as Head of Computing.

We would be interested in hearing from Computer Science teachers wanting to become middle leaders, or those who are currently HODs and are looking for their next step forwards. Both would be well supported inside and outside of the department.

The Head of Computing will lead a supportive and well-resourced department of 4, that together teach all year groups (Years 7 through to 13). At KS3, Computing is mandatory and all pupils study it for one hour a week. At KS4, starting in Year 10, the Department of Computing offers OCR GCSE Computer Science and OCR Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia, with a growing and enthusiastic uptake. At KS5 we offer OCR A Level Computer Science and OCR Cambridge Technicals IT, with one class for each qualification. To teach these groups, the department benefits from 3 full size dedicated computer suites with new computers which were installed in late 2022.

Our main programming language is Python, although specialism in another language is not a barrier to application. We would be especially interested in hearing from those with A Level teaching experience or those with the knowledge or commitment to teach some of the A Level lessons.

If you would like to ask any questions, or to arrange a phone call or a visit, we would be pleased to hear from you. Our email address is info@harrisstjohnswood.org.ukand our phone number is 020 7722 8141.

About Us

In September 2017, we joined the Harris Federation, which runs 54 successful primary and secondary schools in and around London. Every Harris academy inspected by Ofsted is rated ‘good' or ‘outstanding', with the majority rated ‘outstanding'.

The core values and vision for the academy will be centred on dedication, determination and destiny. When students are dedicated to their studies and determined to succeed, all will achieve their destiny.

Main Areas of Responsibility

The purpose of your role will be:

• To be accountable for leading, managing and developing the subject area.
• To raise standards of student attainment and achievement within the whole subject/curriculum area and to monitor and support student progress.
• To ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students studying in the department, in accordance with the aims of the academy and the curricular policies determined by the Governing Body and Principal.
• To teach the relevant subject across the age and ability range.
• To facilitate and encourage a learning experience which provides students with the opportunity to achieve their individual potential.
• To effectively manage and deploy staff, financial and physical resources within the department.
• To share and support the school's responsibility to provide and monitor opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Your main areas of responsibility will fall under the areas of:

• Operational and strategic planning (including formulating the subject and faculty improvement plans, and leading the development of appropriate syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, marking policies, assessment and teaching strategies)
• Ensuring the delivery of an appropriate, comprehensive, high quality and cost effective curriculum and leading development of the subject and its delivery
• Staff development (including recruiting, building and managing an effective team of motivated staff)
• Student outcomes (including ensuring the effective operation of target setting, monitoring and evaluation systems and the input and maintenance of accurate student data)
• Pastoral system (including being a form tutor to a selected group of students)
• Teaching, including acting as an outstanding role model

Qualifications & Experience

We would like to hear from you if you:

• Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree, and, ideally, management training
• Demonstrate successful teaching of GCSE at good or better level
• Have experience of initiation and effective management of change
• Show evidence of raising achievement in present post and showing good value added for groups
• Have knowledge of current curriculum developments in subject and their implications
• Have good knowledge and understanding of current educational thinking
• Show good understanding of how children learn and how to raise standards of achievement
• Have good communication skills in speech and writing
• Display excellent organisational skills
• Are able to build and sustain professional standards and relationships with students
• Are able to contribute towards creating a safe and protective environment

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, electric car scheme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.