Head of Economics

Economics is a notably successful and popular subject in our Sixth Form, with the highest uptake at A Level except for Maths. The Economics and Business Department is thriving, with an excellent team of subject specialists and A Levels in Economics and Business offered, as well as the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Business.

There are currently 56 students in five sets studying the Edexcel Economics A specification in the Upper Sixth and 54 students across 4 sets in the Lower Sixth. In recent years, results have been strong with well over 76% of all candidates gaining an A* or A grade and 99% achieving the A*-B standard; value added results are very high. Additional staffing is required to meet increased numbers of pupils opting for Economics and Business.

9 teachers provide the full complement of staff within the Economics and Business Department. The success of the Department is built upon the collective strengths of forward-thinking and collaborative professionals who have a real passion for teaching and learning.

Departmental Principles and Aims

• To ensure high quality teaching and learning that motivates and enthuses students, generates academic confidence, and develops independent thought;
• To provide a wide range of co-curricular opportunities for students including, but not limited to, the CISI qualification, Investment Club and the Young Enterprise Scheme.
• To cater for the academic needs and interests of individual students by developing their competence in a wide range of core academic skills such as logical thought, effective communication and quantitative techniques;
• To produce consistently strong public examination results in, above average expectations derived from prior academic attainment.

Characteristics of the Department

• A proud record of outstanding value added and the ability to teach successfully across the full ability range.
• The teaching team is committed to exploring new ways of delivering the subject material, working efficiently and sharing resources.
• High quality accommodation, including modern spacious classrooms.
• The teaching team contains a considerable breadth of experience from both within and outside of the profession.

Strategic Direction and Development  

• To prepare, in consultation with colleagues, an Economics Department development plan which supports the vision and furthers the College Development Plan; in addition, to monitor and review the implementation of the departmental development plan.
• To oversee the department, setting and monitoring targets for departmental development in close liaison with the Deputy Head (Academic), and to prepare for and respond effectively to the recommendations of Departmental Internal Reviews (MOTs).
• To embed College and departmental aims and policies in departmental schemes of work.
• To maintain and develop links with professional groups and exam boards, in order to keep up to date with educational and subject-related best practice and ensure and promote the excellence of departmental provision. 

 Leadership, Management and Organisation 

• To lead and manage the Economics Department in order that high performance standards are achieved, recruiting, inducting, developing, deploying, motivating and appraising members of the department; to establish clear expectations of teachers and offer appropriate development opportunities. 
• To manage efficiently vital routine administration (examinations, cover, etc.).  
• To identify, in liaison with the Assistant Head: Professional Development, the training needs required for departmental development and to promote the professional development of teachers in line with departmental and College aims.  
• To make effective use of departmental meetings to improve teaching and learning and to ensure that actions are recorded and implemented. 
• To create departmental documentation of high quality (Departmental Handbook, Schemes of Work, Subject Information, etc.).
• To prepare and monitor a budget which promotes the cost-effective management of resources to support high quality teaching and learning. 
• To ensure that the department is a safe, well ordered and stimulating environment in which to teach and learn.

Teaching and Learning

• Promote and inspire excellence in teaching and learning to ensure all pupils develop their potential in the subject – including the most able and those with learning needs.
• Exemplify in own practice the skills of teaching and learning typified by lead professionals.
• Identify, analyse and challenge underperformance in teaching and learning making effective use of raw and value added data in collaboration with HMMs, HOYs and SLT.
• Develop, review and implement schemes of work which support high standards of teaching and learning.
• Ensure that individual pupil progress is regularly assessed, recorded and reported and used to inform future teaching and promote further progress.
• Develop imaginative provision of co-curricular opportunities in order to promote pupils’ enjoyment and understanding of the subject – and their broader personal development – and to collaborate with other colleagues in supporting cross-curricular initiatives.
• Support the work of the Careers Department in preparing pupils for the world of work and in preparation for UCAS applications and to give specific support to those pupils applying for the most demanding and selective courses – Oxbridge, Medical Schools, etc.

As a teacher

• Teach a reduced timetable allocation (currently 17 lessons of 50 minutes over a six-day timetable);
• Contribute to the successful teaching of the subject in years 7 to 13, adapting and reassessing lesson plans to meet specific student needs, liaising with the Academic Support Department as necessary;
• Be responsible for the processes of assessment, recording and reporting for the pupils in their charge;
• Assess pupils’ work frequently in line with departmental and school policy and use the results to inform future planning, teaching and curricular development;
• Be familiar with school assessment and reporting procedures and prepare and present informative, helpful and accurate reports to parents both in writing and at parent consultation evenings;
• Enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the department and wider College through sharing resources and good practice, lesson observation, collaborative teaching, mentoring and active participation in continuing professional development;
• Consolidate and extend learning, encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own learning;
• Set high expectations for all pupils to deepen their knowledge and understanding and to maximise their achievement;
• Use positive management of behaviour in an environment of mutual respect that allows pupils to feel safe and secure and promotes their self-esteem;
• Play an active role in the co-curricular life of the department, including contributing to support sessions, extension programmes, competitions, trips, open days, prep school events;
• Contribute to the school wide co-curricular programme as requested by the Assistant Head: Total Curriculum. This may include coaching sport at the appropriate level or delivering activity programmes over the six day working week;
• Work as a tutor in either the Lower School, or in a day or boarding house as requested by the Second Master;
• Adhere to, and promote, all College policies and procedures;
• Undertake any other reasonable task as directed by the Headmaster, Deputy Head Academic or Head of Department.

This job description is indicative of the expected duties and responsibilities of a teacher and HoD at Epsom College.  Given the dynamic and evolving nature of teaching and learning this job description is fluid and would expect to alter as the College’s teaching and learning strategy and academic developments evolve.

Epsom College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Essential

• Possess an excellent degree in Economics or a related subject;
• Demonstrate the ability to teach A Level Economics;
• Demonstrate an innovative and imaginative approach to teaching and learning, showing the capability to deliver inspirational and informative lessons to a variety of age ranges and abilities;
• Hold an impressive track record of A Level results and display an appetite for using data to drive up academic standards;
• Demonstrate a capacity to lead and develop colleagues;
• Demonstrate a willingness to take the lead in developing the department’s co-curricular activities and raising the profile of the department in College life;
• Be able to demonstrate a positive and authoritative rapport with all pupils, showing excellent and effective classroom management skills;
• Present excellent communication skills to enable effective dialogue with pupils, parents, staff and visitors;
• Be organised and self-motivated, with a proven record for meeting targets and deadlines;
• Possess a sharp and progressive vision of the subject and of teaching and learning in a successful and dynamic school;
• Display an ability to perform well and remain professional whilst under pressure, be tactful and discreet, whilst mindful of observing Safeguarding and professional standards;
• Be committed to boarding school life and willing to engage in a range of co-curricular activities;
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to personal continuous professional development;
• Display a smart and professional appearance, representing the College in a positive manner.

Desirable

• Experience of leading and managing initiatives;
• Experience of leading and managing colleagues;
• Experience of preparing pupils for Oxbridge entrance. 

In order to arrive at a decision, the selection panel may enhance any or all of the desirable criteria and we reserve the right to appoint at any time during the recruitment process.

The College has its own salary scale, and offers a generous fee remission for the sons and daughters of staff along with numerous other benefits including private health care and accommodation may be available.

The offer of the role would be made subject to receipt of references, proof of relevant qualifications, Teaching Regulation Agency and other relevant checks for teaching positions in the UK, obtaining a letter of professional standing from the professional regulating authority for teachers who have worked outside the UK where appropriate, a check of online search engines and websites of publicly available information that does not identify the candidate as potentially unsuitable to work within a school setting, sighting of birth certificate, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check at management level, an overseas check, if appropriate, and pre-placement medical assessment that are all satisfactory to Epsom College.  Proof of entitlement to work within the United Kingdom will be required. Prior to interview, an online search of internet search engines, websites and other publicly available and publicly accessible platforms to ascertain applicant’s suitability to work within a school environment will be undertaken on applicants that have been shortlisted.

All employees are required to ensure that all duties and responsibilities are discharged in accordance with the College’s Health and Safety Policy.  They should take reasonable care for their own Health and Safety and that of others who may be affected by what they do or do not do.  Staff should correctly use work items provided by the College, including personal protective equipment in accordance with training and instruction.

• Significant discount on school fees
• Free meals and refreshments during working day
• Competitive salary – we offer a 22-point salary scale, above the national scale. The basic salary ranges from £35,302-£67,808 pa across the 22 point salary scale for teaching staff
• A generous pension
• Staff are also paid emoluments for taking on additional responsibilities (from minor roles such as running a minor sport, to major responsibilities such as Head of Department or House). The maximum salary available to a non-SLT member of Common Room is £82,775.
• Staff accommodation may be available – 60% of staff currently live onsite

Anyone wishing to discuss these details further may contact Mrs Becky Brown, Deputy Head Academic rebecca.brown@epsomcollege.org.uk

Candidates are required to complete an Application Form available from our website www.epsomcollege.org.uk or ‘quick apply TES’ along with a letter of application and submit these as soon as possible.  Applications will be assessed in order of receipt and interviews and subsequent offer may occur at any stage after applications are received. We therefore invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Please contact Vikki Stroud, Recruitment and HR Manager, with any queries regarding the application process vikki.stroud@epsomcollege.org.uk