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Role: Geography Teacher

Recruitment Information Pack

‘…a school community where students’ learning and behaviour can flourish!’ - Ofsted 2015

Hermitage Road

Woking

GU21 8TL

01483 476861 www.wcsc.org.uk

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‘Service before Self’

Role: Geography Teacher

Information Pack

Contents:

Letter from the Headteacher

Vision

Why work at Winston

Departmental Information

Job Description

Person Specification

Application Process

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Dear Applicant,

Thank you for taking the time to consider making an application for a post at The Winston

Churchill School. Winston is a very good school that is sustaining its progress towards being

outstanding. Students at Winston are receptive, eager to learn and are willing to engage in

the huge range of educational opportunities offered to them.

The senior leaders and the governors have initiated a five year strategic plan, aimed at

providing a first class education for all of our students and I want you to be instrumental in

shaping and realising the plan. Our results reflect year on year improvements and data is

used effectively to target support and intervention.

As a member of the Winston staff team you can expect a thorough induction process;

support from a mentor, excellent CPD opportunities, to be consulted on school

developments and to be supported to achieve your personal best in your role.

Teaching and learning is at the heart of the school’s development, with the aim of students

making rapid and sustained progress. I want to empower teachers to develop a creative

approach that engages students and ensures that they are able to develop the skills that

they need to continue learning. Members of staff aspire to be invited to join the 2 to 1 Club

(good to outstanding) and are provided with opportunities to contribute not just to their

department but to the whole school, through projects and Inset Days. New opportunities to

work with our partners, including Wellington College and other local schools, ensure that we

are outward looking and that innovation is based on thorough research, regarding the impact

on learners.

This vibrant learning community is seeking to appoint ambitious self-starters, who want the

best for their students and their school, as well as themselves.

If, having read this application pack and researched Winston through the website, you are

ready for the challenge, I look forward to receiving your application.

Yours faithfully

Zoe Johnson-Walker – Headteacher

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Have a look at our performance!

We encourage you to visit the following websites in order that you may compare the performance of

our school with other local comprehensive schools. The data used by these sites does not include this

summer’s results, which were our best ever.

http://dashboard.ofsted.gov.uk/

Here you can type the name or postcode of a school and investigate the data that Ofsted presents about their performance between 2010 and 2013.

http://tinyurl.com/wcscompare

This links to the Guardian website. Enter your postcode in the box next to ‘near’ and click Search. Scroll down and

Our Key Examination Statistics for 2013 14

5 A* to C

including English &

Maths

5 A* to C 5 A* to A EBacc 5 A* - C in

English

5 A* - C

in maths

70% 77% 26% 42% 80% 80%

Value Added = 1017

Approximately ¾ of our students have the qualifications to go on and study at a higher level, with

many aspiring to Russell Group Universities. Students make significantly better progress at

Winston in both English and maths, than students nationally.

Facilities

Our facilities set us apart from other schools and

include: a Radio Station; a new recording studio; new

science labs new social areas

An observatory and sports facilities that include a 3G pitch.

Equality

Active Student Voice through school council, peer mentors and the Anti-Bullying Committee.

Access, to all areas of the school, for physically disabled young people to a high quality education.

Leadership

We have programmes that enable our young people to develop their ability to lead in sports,

maths, art and languages. Through these courses they learn their strengths and build

selfconfidence

Opportunities

Some of the opportunities offered to students this year:

- An expedition to Borneo

- Participation in the Edinburgh Festival

- Visit to Newquay

- A visit to the Battlefields.

- Two week summer school

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Why Work at Winston

“Winston Churchill School offers an incredible level of support, the focus on personal development enables you to become the most effective classroom teacher you can be. This coupled with an excellent group of young people makes working at Winston a valuable and rewarding experience.”- Alex Duell; RE Teacher

• Winston is a forward thinking place which aims to provide its students with an environment in

which they can grow intellectually, creatively and spiritually.

• Come join an enthusiastic, motivated team/school that cares, challenges and inspires our

Secondary students.

• to join friendly, supportive teams within our successful school.

Jessie Vadi – Subject Leader for Technology

“I really enjoy the department. We have an excellent head of department and the support staff are fantastic. The kids are fantastic, always enthusiastic and willing to learn and they really make you want to ensure that you give them the best lesson you can to help them progress.

Finally the staff are lovely, friendly and very supportive and have really made me feel welcome to a

new school.” Will Hough; Science Teacher

“‘At the Winston Churchill School we work as a team which makes working here more rewarding

and enjoyable than in other larger and small companies I have worked in.” Clare Carr; Front Office

“Working at Winston is a rewarding and challenging experience. Every day offers something unique that makes you smile; from teaching and supporting excellent progress, to general conversations with students as well as the support and camaraderie of the staff. If you are looking for opportunities to progress your teaching and skills to Outstanding, this is the place to be.”

John Lawson – Subject Leader for Science

• Get to work with an amazing team of people.

• Many opportunities for CPD.

• Staff involvement in planning and taking responsibility for improvements.

• Good induction programme for new staff

Sophie Harris - Geography

“Winston is a great place to develop as a teacher. It has incredibly supportive staff who are committed to improving the school. And the opportunities are taken of being given recognition of a job well done” - Caroline Martin; Maths Teacher

“Since starting in September, I have found that Winston Churchill has lived up to its positive

reputation and is a fantastic place to teach. The school atmosphere is extremely pleasant and the

students are polite, respectful and have high standards of behaviour. The students have a positive,

hard-working attitude in their approach to their work and studies and are a joy to teach. Colleagues

are professional and have high expectations of each and every student so that they can achieve their

potential both in and out of school. With the variation in the high number of extra-curricular activities

available, there is something for everyone at Winston Churchill Sports College.” Barry Goosen;

History/PE Teacher

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Key Elements of the Five Year Strategic Plan

1. Achievement

• The school will have achieved and sustained a VA score in excess of 1000.

• The school day will support high quality teaching and learning and good

communication.

• The appraisal structure recognises and rewards positive outcomes for all

students.

• A curriculum that maximises the potential for students to be successful and that offers a

range of suitable pathways.

2. Teaching & Learning

• Learning/climate walks take place on a daily basis and data collections support the

development of individuals.

• A strategy that ensures students learn how to learn effectively.

• Differentiation is an integral part of lesson planning with the aim of meeting the needs of

the individual, with full regard to their special needs IEP.

• Students become researchers in the classroom and inform developments with regard to

teaching & learning

• A cohesive transition programme which operates from Year 5 and capitalises on the

strengths of the primary approach to learning.

3. Behaviour and Safety

• Standards of behaviour will have a positive impact on outcomes for students.

• Outstanding BfL in lessons

• Individuals take responsibility for their behaviours.

• Systems are in place to support the development of positive behaviours for learning.

• The Winston Way is embedded to all aspects of the life of the school.

4. Leadership

• Staff are held to account through the line management structure and a rigorous

appraisal system, rewarded through performance related pay.

• Middle Leaders development opportunities are oversubscribed.

• Student Leadership enjoy early training for clearly defined leadership roles that help to

run the school.

• Governors are well trained and knowledgeable about the school. Staff express their

confidence in the governing body

• Members of the SLT engage readily in opportunities to broaden their experience and

deepen their understanding of strategic issues and engage in activities that develop the

leadership skills of others.

5. Resources

• Appropriate facilities to service an alternative curriculum programme.

• Technology for learning used appropriately across the school.

• Teaching spaces fit for purpose.

• Increased community use of the school site, including the sports, alternative curriculum

and recording facilities.

• The school facilities will be fully accessible to those with physical disabilities.

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Geography - Departmental Information

Departmental Staffing

Structure:

Full time members of staff – Miss S Harris: Subject Leader, Miss L Chapman: Deputy Year Leader Mr M Byrne: Year Leader Mrs K Broyd Assistant Head Part time members of staff Ms G Eyre: Deputy Subject Leader Mrs E Craig

Curriculum:

KS4 We follow the WJEC GCSE Specification B Students are taught 5 lessons over the 2 week timetable KS3 4 lessons over the 2 week timetable

2014 Results, KS3 & KS4:

KS4 81% A*-C (FFTD estimate 78%) 31.6% A*/A KS3 Performance in line with FFTD target levels.

2015 KS4 predicted outcomes:

90.7% A*-C target for current cohort

Facilities:

5 class rooms allocated to the department Departmental office

Resources, including IT:

All classrooms have a Smart IWB, staff computer and a set of atlases. Classrooms do have sets of textbooks – New Wider World, Geog 1 and KS3 Waugh books but we only really use these for cover lessons. Staff collaboration is actively encouraged and all lessons are on our shared Dept Drive. Department office has networked PC and printer Fieldwork equipment – e.g. ranging poles, tape measures, thermometers, anemometers, clinometers

Key areas for development:

KS3 Integrate new KS3 PoS Develop assessment criteria in line with GCSE descriptors Integrate more fieldwork opportunities into the curriculum KS4 Select an appropriate specification to take account of the GCSE reforms

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Teacher of Geography Job purpose: To teach Geography across the key stage 3 and 4 curriculum To support the school in the implementation of its key priorities as detailed in the Departmentand School Development Plans Post holder: Pay scale: Teacher Main Scale Responsible to: Subject Leader for Geography Accountable for: The provision of a full learning experience and support for students across the curriculum Key accountabilities: You are required to:

Carry out duties of the School Teacher as set out in the current School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document

Teach Geography within the age range 11 – 16 and, if necessary, other subjects commensurate with your expertise

Act as a member of the school’s student support and guidance organisation as directed by the Headteacher

Contribute towards raising standards and achievement

Share with and support the school in providing opportunities for personal and academic growth

Key tasks: To undertake the effective management of the following tasks: Teaching

Use appropriate teaching and learning strategies to ensure and enable students of all abilities and backgrounds to make optimum progress

Secure a good standard of student behaviour in the classroom by establishing high expectations in the context of the school’s Behaviour Policy

Keep appropriate records of students’ current and predicted attainment in classwork, internal tests, homework and formally assessed pieces of work

Set challenging targets for students based on all relevant available data and follow up appropriately

Set and mark homework according to school and department policies and follow up appropriately

Write reports as directed on students’ progress and attainment

Use of Frog VLE for planning, resourcing and setting homework for students

Use of Frog VLE notice boards and email system to communicate with students and parents

Ensure that resources are organised and available to promote a purposeful environment for teaching and learning to take place

Ensure that the classroom presents a stimulating environment through the display of student’s work and other exemplar materials

Where applicable, deploy other adults effectively in the classroom, involving them, where appropriate, in the planning and management of students’ learning

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Support students with Special Educational Needs by providing appropriate work and guidance and where applicable, contribute to the preparation, implementation, monitoring and review of Individual Educational Plans

Be actively involved in the monitoring and evaluation of aspects of the school as detailed within the calendar

Form tutor (in a supervisory capacity as required)

Monitor the progress and well-being of all members of the tutor group and follow up appropriately

Attend year group meetings as directed

Maintain an accurate register of student attendance, including lateness, in accordance with school guidance and follow up appropriately

Register students, accompany them to assemblies, encourage their full attendance at school and their participation in other aspects of school life

Retain absence letter and telephone messages for school records

Monitor students’ achievement and behaviour on SIMS

Ensure effective communication to parents and students through distribution of written material and collection of acknowledgements where appropriate

Respond to initial parent / guardian enquiries within 48 hours of receipt

Liaise with the Year team and Pastoral Support team

Contribute to the PSHE, Citizenship and Enterprise programme according to school policy

Support Year events

Professional responsibilities

Implement school policies

Meet deadlines

Personally keep up to date with developments and new ideas related to the subject and share this information with department colleagues.

Contribute towards the updating of schemes of work at key stage 3 and key stage 4.

Support the department in any after school activities that are organised

Attend scheduled department and school staff meetings and take part in Open Evenings.

Attend parents’ consultation meetings as directed.

Participate in the Appraisal process ensuring that the Appraisal Review Cycle is completed annually by set deadline.

Take responsibility for own professional development, setting objectives for improvements.

Participate in the In Service Training programmes organised by the school and other relevant bodies.

Maintain a professional development portfolio of evidence to support the Appraisal process.

Participate in activities to promote liaison with other schools and agencies. Other specific duties

Play a full part in the life of the school community at The Winston Churchill School, support our vision and values and encourage staff and students to follow this example

Undertake any other duty as specified by the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document not mentioned above

Carry out health and safety audit of the working environment and working practice regularly

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment

This job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to amendment or modification at any time after consultation with the post holder. It is not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks but sets out the main expectations of the School in relation to the post holder’s professional responsibilities and duties.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title: Teacher of Geography Responsible for: Teaching of geography at Key Stage 3 and 4 This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Criteria Essential Desirable

Applicant should be able to show evidence of …… (Qualifications and experience)

Graduate with qualified teacher status for geography Successfully teaching geography at both key stages

Knowledge of the WJEC B specification

Applicant should be able to show evidence of …… (Knowledge and understanding)

The National Curriculum

Teaching of geography at KS3 and KS4

An awareness of current issues and developments in geography teaching Good ICT skills Good working knowledge of Smartboard and be willing to using new technologies to promote teaching and learning

Knowledge of Frog VLE

Applicant should be able to show evidence of …… (Personal and professional attributes)

Good organisational and personal management skills Effective planning and teaching An ability to create new teaching resources Effective behaviour management

An ability to demand high standards

Working independently and being a team player Being adaptable and amenable with respect to working practices

An ability to develop good working relationships with students and staff A sense of humour

A willingness to share new resources with the department

Applicant should be able to show evidence of ……

The ability to meet deadlines Using initiative Effective time-management An understanding of health and safety issues and good practice

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The Application Process

Welcome to The Winston Churchill School, our application process is outlined below. It is

designed to support you with information regarding the post for which you are applying and

knowledge of The Winston Churchill School during this important stage of furthering your

career.

The application pack comprises of the vacancy advert,; a letter from the Headteacher- Mrs

Zoe Johnson-Walker; our vision, why you should work at Winston; departmental information;

a job description – this details the main duties of the post and the purpose of the

role/responsibilities of the job; person specification – which describes the skills, expertise

and aptitudes required for the post and an application form. Please also visit our website

www.wcsc.org.uk for all up to date school information.

Stage 1:

Download the application pack and application form from www.wcsc.org.uk

Stage 2:

Please complete the application form – this is a key part in our decision making process and

it is important that all sections are completed accurately, but the statement may be submitted

as a separate document.

Stage 3:

Please submit the completed application form along with a statement (see Stage 2) detailing

your suitability for the role. This should relate to the job description and person specification

and be no longer than two sides of A4, font size 11.

Stage 4:

Please email the completed form to office@wcsc.org.uk or post to The Winston Churchill

School, Hermitage Road, St Johns, Woking, Surrey, GU21 8TL for the attention of Mrs Pat

Taylor – PA to the Headteacher.

All applications will be acknowledged upon receipt. Short listing will take place following the

noon deadline. Successful candidates will be contacted with the interview date and timings.

Unsuccessful candidates will also be notified.

The school ensures that the recruitment and selection of all who work within the school is

conducted in a manner that is systematic, efficient, effective and promotes equality. We are

also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and

expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.