Head of Politics
Park High School is a fantastic place to work and develop as a teacher. We’d love you to come and join us!
We are now seeking to appoint a colleague who shares our passion for learning and our determination to change lives through the education we provide.
If you are a genuinely passionate and committed teacher who wants to work in a school where teaching is a pleasure, and in a school that puts learning at the heart of all it does, then we look forward to receiving your application.
Appointment for as soon as available
Permanent, Full Time - Outer London pay scale
Closing date: Monday 15th April 2024 at 9am
Details and an application form may be downloaded from the school's website. Please also submit a Supporting Statement of no more than 2 sides of A4. Applications should be returned to HR, hr@parkhighstanmore.org.uk.
An early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.
1. Introduction
We are looking for a well-qualified and inspirational Head of Politics who wants to lead a newly established department, creating and embedding a purposeful and powerful curriculum across Key Stage 5. A Level Politics was introduced in 2022-2023 and due to the popularity of the subject, we are ready to recruit an enthusiastic and innovative subject leader. The successful applicant will be responsible for the Politics curriculum and strategic direction of the department, the development of learning and teaching in the subject, planning lessons and marking and reporting. The ability to teach KS3 or KS4 History would be a requirement of this post. This post is suitable for an experienced teacher who is eager to take on a leadership role in this curriculum area or a practitioner looking to progress to the next stage of their career. This post offers real opportunities for professional and career development.
Park High is an 11-18 mixed multi-ethnic comprehensive school of almost 1550 students, situated in the London Borough of Harrow. There are very high achievement levels and excellent facilities.
We can offer:
- An exciting learning environment where challenging, innovative and engaging learning is at the core of all we do.
- An award-winning vibrant school which continues to achieve extremely high standards, both in Harrow and beyond.
- A genuine and active pursuit of well-being for all members of our community.
- We have a history of outstanding outcomes with a significantly positive Progress 8 score.
- Students who exhibit excellent behaviour for learning and a desire to acquire knowledge and improve themselves.
- A supportive, enthusiastic and inspiring team within which to grow and develop.
- An opportunity to develop your craft of teaching across three Key Stages.
2. Curriculum, staffing and resources
A Level Politics was introduced in 2023 and is currently staffed by members of the History Department. It is a popular subject in the school with large classes in both Year 12 and Year 13. Student uptake is growing year on year. We currently teach the AQA specification, and the curriculum is enhanced with visits to Parliament and the USA (New York and Washington DC).
3. Staff development
Park High School recognises that its staff are our greatest resource and so we invest time and effort into everyone’s professional development. We offer an extensive programme of professional development, which offers a whole range of opportunities for colleagues to develop their potential within and beyond Park High School. Professional development underpins all our work.
Staff development is highly regarded and we have strong partnerships with universities and other higher education institutions and we actively support our staff in pursuing Master’s and other higher qualifications.
"Quality assurance, continuing professional development and performance development all work together well. Training is high quality and often personalised. There is an impressive suite of in-house training resources and these match school values and priorities." Challenge Partners 2024
4. Pastoral role
We are committed to the delivery of Personal Social Health Citizenship & Economic Education (PSHCEe) which all teachers as tutors are expected to teach. As part of a whole-school approach, PSHCEe develops the qualities and attributes students need to thrive both as individuals and members of society. We have a high quality provision of PSHCEe at Park which has been recognised nationally.
Extensive support and CPD is provided for practitioners of the subject. Teaching this subject provides an invaluable opportunity to further develop your pastoral provision as a tutor, in addition to growing professionally by participating in the delivery of our outstanding provision.