History at Channing

Due to the internal appointment of the current Head of History to the role of Acting Director of Sixth Form for the 2025-26 academic year, we seek a well qualified and experienced Head of History to lead this successful department for one year.

The History department enjoys a high profile at Channing, has very high academic standards and is highly motivated. A number of our pupils each year move on to read History at leading universities. The History Department currently comprises five history teachers. All staff work closely together in an atmosphere of mutual support and teamwork. The department prides itself on being rigorous and pedagogically strong.

Dynamic, engaging and intellectually rigorous lessons are standard. The Head of History would lead the Pursuit of History Programme for those aspiring to the top universities from GCSE onwards and support extra-curricular clubs within the History department.

Job Description - Head of History

Heads of Department are appointed by and are directly accountable to the Headmistress for their departments. They play crucial roles in leading the members of their departments, setting high professional standards in all aspects of work. The Head of Department should aim to create a department in which all members of staff feel valued and encouraged to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. Whilst ultimate responsibility for decision making on departmental matters lies with the Head of Department, it should be recognised that good practice requires consultation with staff about all matters which influence how they work or what they do.

Heads of Department are expected to keep abreast of developments in their subjects, teaching methods, etc. and attend meetings and training courses by arrangement with the Head and Deputy Head (Academic). The Heads of Department are a collaborative team who work together to share good practice and develop curricular and cocurricular opportunities for students.

General Responsibilities include:

1. Curriculum

• Determine the aims of the Department; plan and submit a scheme of work for the
• Department (reviewing and updating it as necessary by agreement with the Headmistress and deputy Head (Academic)) within the School's Curriculum Policy.
• Co-ordinate and ensure the delivery of stimulating and well planned lessons throughout the school, helping to fulfil the potential of each student whatever their ability.
• To be familiar with the subject requirements for Public Examinations and to ensure proper preparation for these.
• To co-ordinate and moderate public examination coursework.
• Liaise with the Deputy Head (Academic), the Examinations Officer and Heads of Year in arrangements for Public and School Examinations respectively.
• Be accountable for the department's teaching and learning and its examination results.
• To organise trips and fieldwork as appropriate.
• To liaise with the subject co-ordinator at Channing Junior School.
• To keep up to date with national developments in pedagogy.

2. Staff

• Advise the Head on the appointment of new members to the department.
• Provide for induction and guidance of new staff in syllabus, resources, procedures for marking, reports, etc. Supervise probationer teachers within the department.
• Supervise the work of ancillary and technical staff within the department where relevant.
• Consult with members of the department in all matters of teaching, policy, planning and organisation.
• Lead and manage all teaching staff within the History department.
• Encourage the professional development of all members of the department through in-service training, professional organisations and active involvement in wider school activities.
• To foster good working relationships within the department by providing professional support.
• Liaise with the Deputy Head and Deputy Head (Academic) over the annual staffing allocation and matters of staff welfare and development.
• If necessary, set work for pupils if a member of the department is absent.
• Undertake appraisal of departmental staff as required and ensure staff continue to be effective.
• To contribute to regular meetings where departmental issues are discussed and minutes are taken.
• Communicate any department concerns or issues to senior management.

3. Resources

• Prepare departmental budget estimates at appropriate time annually and control the budget to ensure funds are allocated in accordance with the department's development plan.
• Order books and other materials within budget provisions of the History department and keep account of department expenditure.
• To plan for the effective use of IT in the department for administrative and teaching
• purposes.
• Check on stock and resources annually and take steps to ensure against unreasonable loss, wear and tear.

4. Pupils

• Encourage interest in the subject and participation in fieldwork or other appropriate extra-curricular activities.
• Encourage high standards of work and draw attention to achievement through classroom displays, exhibitions for open days, public performances, etc.
• Assist with the admission and induction of pupils of any age into the school.
• Ensure all department members keep regular records of pupil progress and fulfil the requirements of the school's arrangements for reporting to parents.
• Attend Parents' Evenings, Open Days and show support for pupils by attending on occasion school plays, concerts, etc.

5. General

• Invite practitioners and lecturers into school where necessary to ensure breadth of learning.
• Have a working knowledge of Child Protection issues in the workplace.
• Work closely with Form Tutors and Heads of Year.

Applications

Applications are to be made via TES.com in the first instance. A CV will not be accepted in place of the completed application form.

Incomplete application forms will be returned to the applicant where the deadline for completed application forms has not passed. If you are unable to submit your application via TES please contact the HR department at recruitment@channing.co.uk.

Please note that once you submit an application via TES the system will automatically retain your details for a period of six months.

Deadline for applications: 23 April 2025

Interviews: 29 April 2025

There are a number of internal roles and responsibilities that would be available for the successful candidate to apply for in addition to the role of Head of History, including Young Enterprise and Oxbridge Coordinator posts. The successful candidate can express an interest in these responsibilities at the interview stage.