Head of Physics Department (Job Reference: 26002376)Primary Location : Antrim-Belfast-Bloomfield Collegiate SchoolContract Type : PermanentDuration of Contract/Contract End Date : N/AStatus : Full-TimeHours per Week : Full timeWorking Pattern : Monday - FridayGrade/Scale : Teacher | Main Pay Scale, M2 - UPS 3 | £32,916 - £50,876 per annumAllowance(s) : Teaching Allowance 2 as per the DE Teachers' Pay and Allowances circularAnticipated Interview Date(s) : TBCAdditional Information: Successful candidate should be available for staff training from 18th August 2026.The Head of Physics will initially work alongside the previous Head of Department whose is relinquishing the role to devote more time to her role as Senior Leader. Heads of subjects provide professional leadership and management of their subject area to secure high quality teaching, effective use of resources and ongoing development of learning and achievement for all pupils.As part of the school’s middle management, they play a key role in the school’s strategic planning. Each Head of Department is supported by a member of Senior Leadership Team who acts as an immediate Line Manager and Mentor. The following are key areas of responsibility:Strategic Direction and Development of the SubjectTo support efficient and effective teaching and learning as a whole school strategy in order to contribute to whole school improvementTo contribute to the self evaluative school model including completing a departmental self evaluation on a yearly basis as required by the PrincipalTo be responsible for devising, monitoring and evaluating appropriate action plans to support the School Development Plan in achieving whole school improvementTo analyse internal and external examination results, identify areas for development and report these annually to the Principal and Vice Principal and recommend to the department and Senior Team strategies for dealing with any weaknesses and for promoting further the strengths of the departmentTo contribute to the target setting process by establishing agreed, appropriate, targets for pupils and staff both within the department and by regular discussion with the Senior Teacher (SIS & Data) and Vice PrincipalTo keep the Departmental Handbook under review and ensure that an up to date copy is available for all staff in the department as well as for senior staff at the start of each academic yearTo communicate and cooperate with other departments, including sharing good practiceTo establish, with colleagues, agreed aims and objectives for the department which must be consistent with the aims and objectives of the schoolTo establish departmental policies in line with School PoliciesTo monitor the implementation of all departmental policies and review them regularlyTo monitor and review the appropriateness of the curriculum for each pupil and to ensure that there are strategies in place to provide additional support for pupils with special educational needsTo ensure that a range of courses, suited to the needs of the pupils is offered.To draw up, with colleagues, schemes of work which make clear the content of the courses, the learning objectives and the assessment procedures to be followedTo ensure that relevant schemes of work are reviewed annually, followed by all members of the department and made available to the Vice PrincipalTo ensure that there is consistency and internal standardisation within the departmentTo prepare and circulate agendas for department meetingsTo chair regular department meetings and to act as a channel of communication and consultation on department and curricular matters between the Principal and Leadership Team and other members of the departmentTo ensure that department meetings are accurately minuted and the Vice Principal is provided with minutesTo represent the department at Subject Leaders meetings and to provide feedback to department colleaguesTo play a full part in decision making relating to whole school issuesTo keep abreast of current developments in the curriculum and in examination specifications by attendance at relevant in-service courses, encouraging departmental colleagues to do likewise and to ensure that there is an efficient and agreed system of reporting backTo liaise and develop creative links and constructive working relationships with other subject departments and with other schools and external agencies as appropriateTo inform the school’s Examinations Officer of all entries (and any changes) for the public examinations in the subject(s)To be a member of relevant ad hoc working parties in which whole school policy is developed, monitored and reviewed and guidelines for good practice are establishedTo develop effective links and constructive working relationships with the Pastoral team which includes the Senior Leader (Pastoral), LSCO and the Heads of YearTo ensure that relevant subject material is made available on the school’s websiteTeaching and LearningTo lead colleagues in the process of regular evaluation of the work of the department in terms of teaching, learning and standards of achievement and thus identifying areas for improvementTo monitor teaching standards and teaching methods within the departmentTo ensure that appropriate teaching and learning strategies are employed at all levels of the school to challenge all pupils to achieve as highly as possibleTo ensure and monitor in the department, effective development of pupils’ individual and collaborative skills to enable them to become independent, creative and critical thinkersTo ensure that subject specific support is available for any pupils requiring additional assistance and liaise when appropriate with LSCO or other key personnelTo advise pupils at certain times of option choices and at any other times when help is needed for university applications and/or careers guidanceTo develop and integrate the use of Information and Communications Technology, Communication and Using Mathematics within the teaching of the subject at all levels of the schoolTo promote the skills of literacy and numeracy within the department in line with the whole school approachTo set standards and act as a role model for pupils and other staff in the teaching and learning of the subjectTo ensure that assessment of pupils’ work (classwork, homework, coursework, tests, examinations) is undertaken regularly, that the assessment is valid, moderated and used to inform, develop and enhance teaching and learning in line with school policiesTo be responsible for the oversight of setting, marking, assessing and moderating the department’s internal assessments and any elements of external examinations as may be necessaryTo ensure that learning in the subject is enhanced where possible by development of extra curricular activities, special events or projects connected with the work of the departmentTo monitor pupil attainment and to liaise with pupils/parents as appropriateLeading and managing staffTo promote the professional development of staff within the departmentTo support effectively all those on Initial Teacher Training, working as a Beginning Teacher or at the Early Professional Development Stage of their careerTo assume responsibility for the induction, supervision and support of non-teaching staff where this is appropriateTo encourage innovative and imaginative curriculum work within the departmentTo oversee the writing of reports and other communications within the department, as appropriate and as requiredTo arrange the department contribution to any prospective pupil occasions eg Open Night and contributions required for any school literature eg curriculum booklets and prospectusTo show support and concern for the welfare and wellbeing of staff in the departmentTo build and further develop the team of subject teachersTo observe, on a regular basis, members of the department at work in the classroom, to provide relevant feedback on effective practice and to take action to improve further the quality of teachingTo support members of the department with disciplinary problems eg general behavioural problems, work, homework, courseworkTo arrange for devolved responsibilities and delegated tasks as appropriate to members of the departmentTo monitor and evaluate devolved responsibilities and delegated tasksTo participate in, according to the guidelines approved by the Board of Governors, the agreed Professional Review and Staff Development process, PRSD, including acting as a Reviewer, for members of the departmentTo encourage appropriate access for members of the department to in-service training opportunities both within school and outside school that will enhance teaching and learning and allow development of an increasing awareness of whole school issues and to ensure that all members of the department receive appropriate feedback from colleagues who have attended INSETTo liaise with Senior Team Link as appropriateEfficient and effective deployment of staff and resources- To advise the Principal on human resource needs in the department - To assist the Board of Governors in the selection of new members of staff for the department as requiredTo identify timetable and staffing requirements in consultation with the Vice Principal, to liaise with the Vice-Principal and Principal to deploy staff to ensure the best use of subject expertise and to support the professional development of colleaguesTo conduct an audit of resource needs within the context of the overall School Budget and the department’s Development Plan and present to the Principal/Vice Principal annually an analysis of departmental needs in the form of a bid for departmental fundingTo cooperate and liaise with the Vice Principal in the administration of departmental spendingTo provide relevant information for the Principal or Vice Principal at any time, if required, regarding departmental priorities, needs and fundingTo ensure that rooms, furniture, equipment, wall displays etc are maintained to a high standard in order to create an effective and stimulating environment for the teaching and learning of the subjectTo keep an inventory of equipment which should be updated annuallyTo ensure that resources are stored securelyTo ensure that the work of the department is effectively displayed in appropriate public areas of the schoolTo aim to ensure a respect for the working environmentTo oversee the issue and return of books etc to/from pupils and to ensure loss or damage is charged to the individualTo liaise with the Librarian over library requirements for the subjectTo develop/implement a department Health and Safety policy consistent with the school Health and Safety policy which is kept under constant review- To aim to ensure that there is a safe working and learning environment in which risks are properly assessed through an annual Risk Assessment - To provide careful stewardship of accommodation and equipment used by the department by ensuring prudent management and expenditure of resources at all timesJOB DESCRIPTIONJOB TITLE: Teacher - Post-PrimaryREPORTS TO: PrincipalPROFESSIONAL DUTIES OF A TEACHERTEACHERS’ (TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT) REGULATIONS(NORTHERN IRELAND) 1987Schedule 3Regulation 51) Exercise of general professional dutiesA teacher who is not a principal shall carry out the professional duties of a teacher as circumstances may require:-(a) if he/she is employed as a teacher in a school under the reasonable direction of the principal of that school;(b) if he/she is employed by a board on terms under which he is not assigned to any one school, under the reasonable direction of that board and of the principal of any school in which he/she may for the time being be required to work as a teacher.2) Exercise of particular duties(a) A teacher employed as a teacher (other than a principal) in a school shall perform, in accordance with any directions which may be reasonably given to him/her by the principal from time to time, such particular duties as may reasonably be assigned to him/her.(b) A teacher to whom paragraph 1(b) refers shall perform, in accordance with any direction which may reasonably be given to him/her from time to time by the board or by the principal of any school in which he/she may for the time being be required to work as a teacher, such particular duties as may reasonably be assigned to him/her.1. Planning1.1 Planning and preparing courses and lessons;1.2 Teaching, according to their educational needs, the pupils assigned to him/her, including the setting and marking of work to be carried out by the pupils in school and elsewhere;1.3 Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils.2. General2.1 Promoting the general progress and well-being of individual pupils and of any class or group of pupils assigned to him/her;2.2 Providing advice and guidance to pupils on educational and social matters and on their further education and future careers including information about sources of more expert advice on specific questions, making relevant records and reports;2.3 Making records of and reports on the personal and social needs of pupils except in instances where to do so might be regarded as compromising a teacher’s own position;2.4 Communicating and consulting with the parents of pupils;2.5 Communicating and co-operating with such persons or bodies outside the school as may be approved by the employing authority and the Board of Governors;2.6 Participating in meetings arranged for any of the purposes described above.3. Assessment/ReportingProviding or contributing to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual pupils and groups of pupils except in instances where to do so might be regarded as compromising a teacher’s own position.4. Staff Development/Professional Development4.1 Participating, if required, in any scheme of staff development and performance review;4.2a) Reviewing from time to time his/her methods of teaching and programmes of work;b) Participating in arrangements for his/her further training and professional development as a teacher.4.3 Advising and co-operating with the Principal and other teachers (or any one or more of them) on the preparation and development of courses of study, teaching materials, teaching programmes, methods of teaching and assessment and pastoral arrangements.5. Discipline/Health and Safety5.1 Maintaining good order and discipline among pupils in accordance with the policies of the employing authority and safeguarding their health and safety both when they are authorised to be on the school premises and when they are engaged in authorised school activities elsewhere.5.2 Participating in meetings at the school which relate to the curriculum for the school or the administration or organisation of the school, including pastoral arrangements.6. Public ExaminationsParticipating in arrangements for preparing pupils for public examinations and in assessing pupils for the purposes of such examinations; recording and reporting such assessments; and participating in arrangements for pupils’ presentation for and supervision during such examination.7. Review and Development of Management Activities/Administration7.1a) Contributing to the selection for appointment and professional development of other teachers, including the induction and assessment of probationary teachers;b) Co-ordinating or managing the work of other teachers;c) Taking such part as may be required of him/her in the review, development and management of activities relating to the curriculum, organisation and pastoral functions of the school.7.2a) Participating in administrative and organisational tasks related to such duties as described above, including the management or supervision of persons providing support for the teachers in the school and the ordering and allocation of equipment and materials.b) Subject to the provisions of Article 22 of the Order, attending assemblies;c) Registering the attendance of pupils and supervising pupils, whether these duties are to be performed before, during or after school sessions.8. Number of days/Hours of work8.1a) A full-time teacher, other than a teacher employed in a residential establishment, shall be available for work on 195 days in any year of which not more than 190 days should involve teaching children in a classroom situation;b) A teacher, other than a teacher employed in a residential establishment, shall be available to perform such duties at such times and such places as may reasonably be specified by the Principal, or where he/she is employed by a Board on terms under which he/she is not assigned to any one school by the Board or the Principal of any school in which he/she may for the time being be required to work as a teacher, for 1,265 hours in any year exclusive of time spent off school premises in preparing and marking lessons and time spent travelling to and from the place of work;c) A teacher may not be required to teach as distinct from supervise children in a classroom situation for more than 25 hours in any week in a primary or special school and 23.5 hours in any week in a secondary school;d) Unless employed under a separate contract as a mid-day supervisor, a teacher shall not be required to undertake mid-day supervision;e) Subject to paragraph (f) all teachers shall be required to have a break of at least 30 minutes between the hours of 12 noon and 2.00 pm;f) Teachers in nursery schools and nursery units in primary schools shall be required to have a break of at least 30 minutes between the hours of 12 noon and 2.30 pm;g) For the purposes of this paragraph, a ‘year’ means a period of 12 months commencing on 31st July and a ‘week’ means a period of 7 days commencing on a Sunday.9. Staff cover9.1 Supervising and teaching any pupils whose teacher is not available provided that:a) In schools with an average daily enrolment of 222 or less, in primary 1 and primary 2 classes in schools with an average daily enrolment greater than 222 pupils and in nursery classes in primary schools a teacher other than a supply teacher shall not be required to provide such cover:b) In schools with an average daily enrolment greater than 222 pupils a teacher other than a supply teacher shall not be required to provide such cover after the second day on which a teacher, other than a teacher of primary 1 or primary 2 class or of a nursery class in a primary school, is absent or otherwise not available, or from the first day if the fact that the teacher would be absent or otherwise not available for a period exceeding 2 days was known to and agreed by the employing authority in advance.This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.PERSON SPECIFICATIONNOTES TO JOB APPLICANTSYou must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet any desirable criteria.SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIAThe following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.FactorEssential CriteriaMethod of AssessmentQualifications/ Professional MembershipQualifications must be obtained at the closing date for completed applicationHold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant-aided schools in Northern IrelandHold a degree or equivalent Level 6 qualification which has prepared the applicant to teach Physics as his/her main subjectShortlisting by Application FormExperienceMinimum of 5 years’ (within the last 10 years) demonstrable experience of teaching Physics to GCSE level to achieve positive learning outcomesMinimum of 3 years’ (within the last 8 years) demonstrable experience of teaching Physics to A level to achieve positive learning outcomesDemonstrable experience of using data/self-evaluation strategies to plan and deliver improvementDemonstrable evidence of successfully contributing to a team in a school settingDemonstrable evidence of using self-evaluation to effect improvement in an area of school lifeShortlisting by Application FormOtherBe registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) before taking up postPre-employment CheckSECTION 2 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIAThe following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage.FactorEssential CriteriaMethod of AssessmentKnowledgeKnowledge of the GCSE and A Level Physics syllabiKnowledge of Northern Ireland CurriculumKnowledge and understanding of Safeguarding and Child Protection policy/practiceKnowledge of the SEND Code of PracticeKnowledge of a range of teaching strategies to suit pupils with different abilitiesKnowledge of Information Technology systems such as digital classroom tools/media and the use of tablets/mobile technologiesKnowledge of current assessment methods to inform teachingInterviewSkills / AbilitiesEffective teaching and classroom management skills to inspire and challenge pupils to raise achievementProven ability to provide a supportive, inclusive learning environmentAbility to work collaboratively to promote positive relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents and the wider communityAbility to work as an effective member of a team, and to motivate self and othersInterviewValues Orientation / Identification with School EthosEvidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect the School’s Values/ethos. You will find information about our Values/ethos on the school's website https://bloomfieldcollegiate.org.uk/InterviewSECTION 3 - DESIRABLE CRITERIASome or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.FactorDesirable CriteriaMethod of AssessmentQualifications and ExperienceDemonstrable experience of managing people and/or co-ordinating an area of the curriculum in a school settingAbility and willingness to contribute to the extra-curricular life of the school (provide details of experience, qualifications etc.)Shortlisting by Application FormDISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUNDThe Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
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