Head of Biology

Job Purpose

The Head of Department will carry out all responsibilities expected of a professional teacher at Scarborough College while overseeing and guiding the biology department.

This position requires a high standard of personal conduct and teaching excellence to earn the respect of colleagues, students, and parents.

The individual in this role will ensure the quality of teaching and learning within the department and will actively participate in the broader life of the College through extracurricular and boarding activities.

Professional Duties

General Responsibilities

• Maintain high personal standards in teaching, demeanor, presentation, and punctuality.
• Share in the overall responsibilities of school operations and student supervision by fulfilling duties as outlined in published schedules.
• Act as a Form Tutor when necessary, fulfilling all related responsibilities, including taking attendance as per regulations, contributing to the PHSE program, and addressing pastoral and academic issues for students in the form.
• Be knowledgeable about and adhere to the College’s policies and procedures.
• Uphold the College's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Follow the College’s Health and Safety policy and conduct risk assessments as required.
• Review daily notices, attend staff briefings and meetings, and act on relevant information or arrangements.
• Attend assemblies while on site.
• Participate in Parents' Meetings for applicable year groups.
• Supervise and, where possible, teach students whose regular teacher is unavailable.
• Engage in and collaborate with the school’s professional development initiatives.
• Show a commitment to ongoing professional development and educational advancements.
• Communicate effectively in meetings with colleagues, parents, etc.
• Relay significant information to Form Tutors, Heads of Tier, and/or SMT.
• Contribute to the College’s extracurricular and boarding activities program beyond regular teaching hours and on weekends.

Teaching and Learning

• Deliver scheduled lessons and adhere to structured schemes of work that promote progression from Prep to Senior School.
• Prepare thoroughly for teaching assigned lessons.
• Follow structured schemes of work ensuring continuity and progression within KS3, KS4, and KS5.
• Monitor attendance and follow up as needed.
• Choose suitable materials and teaching methods, including differentiated resources for students with special educational needs and EAL needs, as well as IEPs.
• Foster good relationships with individuals and groups, encouraging active student engagement in their own learning.
• Create a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
• Assign and grade classwork and homework according to College and departmental guidelines.
• Monitor student performance and inform form tutors about those who consistently miss deadlines.
• Prepare classwork for planned absences and, where possible, for unplanned absences, ensuring necessary equipment is available.
• Maintain records of student progress and be ready to discuss individual achievements with relevant staff and parents.
• Write reports on student progress and assign grades in accordance with the College’s Assessment and Feedback Policy by set deadlines.
• Provide comments for references upon request.
• Set and evaluate internal exams, entrance assessments, and scholarship papers, including invigilation as necessary.
• Understand and comply with examination board requirements, conducting or supervising any exams, including Controlled Assessments, as needed.
• Reflect on one’s work both individually and collectively within the school.
• Communicate with the Headmaster/Deputy Head (Academic) regarding curriculum, examinations, budget, resources, classroom management, staffing, performance, and discipline.
• Attend departmental meetings and contribute to

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