Head of Chemistry Recruitment Pack
February 2025
Together, stronger
• Letter from the Executive Principal
• About us
• Letter from our CEO • Our sponsors • Role Description • Person Specification page • Why Haberdashers? • Recruitment process • Contact details
Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 8-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-16 Page 17 Page 18
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Contents
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Letter from D
r T esca
Bennett, Executive Principal Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the post of Head of Chemistry. This is an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the Academy’s continued success of an excellent Science department.
You will be passionate about Chemistry and have a resolve to make a real difference to our pupils through your leadership of the curriculum, teaching and professional development of colleagues in Science. You will set a level of challenge for all abilities across all key stages within lessons and the thriving extracurricular activities already on offer will be of importance to you. A keen interest/experience in Gifted & Talented, SEN and Assessment for Learning initiatives is essential.
Haberdashers’ Knights Academy is a vibrant, diverse 11–18 school community with a relentless focus on high expectations and aspirations. We are committed to our vision of ensuring that our children get the best start in life ‘to achieve their full potential personally, academically and socially’. We achieve this vision through our shared ‘ASPIRE’ values of Accountability, Self Discipline, Partnership, Integrity, Respect and Excellence, helping pupils to turn their ambitions, into success. We have high expectations of our pupils, celebrating the success of the collective and each child as an individual, in equal measure. This means as well as maturing into well-rounded, healthy young people, our pupils develop their confidence, passion for learning and curiosity for life.
We are part of the Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, which has been educating children in South East London since 1876. In January 2023, Ofsted judged that we continue to be a ‘Good ‘school, enabling pupils’ to succeed through an engaging and stretching curriculum, high-quality teaching, and a vast range of extracurricular and culturally rich opportunities.
The scale of expertise and leadership across our Trust gives us enormous capacity. It is this capacity that has resulted in the success of the Trust and allows us to mount new ventures and allows our staff to take on new opportunities and rapid development trajectories.
Our school and our Trust are uniquely exciting places to be and I hope that you decide to join us in our current phase of rapid development and growth. I look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you into our Knights Academy school community.
Dr Tesca Bennett Executive Principal Haberdashers’ Knights Academy
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Trust-wide vision
We are a multi-academy trust consisting of four secondary schools and five primary schools and have been educating children and young people since 1876.
Our moral imperative at that time was to ensure that every child in our care received the best possible education in order to make the best start in life. That moral imperative remains today, underpinned by ethos of working together and our values of being ambitious, always growing and contributing to the world as global citizens.
In a complex world, we need our children and young people to be as well equipped for their future as possible so that they can flourish. We will support them to become compelling individuals so that by the time they leave us they will have experienced a range of opportunities that not only build their mind but also build their character.
We are proud to be a diverse community and take seriously the need to ensure that every child, young person and adult connected with our schools feels included, welcomed and listened to. This is an important part of who we are and our commitment to equality and fairness. This commitment remains at the forefront of our work.
To find out more about Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, please visit: www.habstrustsouth.org.uk
VISION 2026 Every School an Excellent School It is the Trust’s vision for all of our schools to be excellent schools. Our mission is to ensure that every one of our children and young people flourishes at school so that they can be successful in their lives.
Our three main objectives are:
• Excellent outcomes for all children and young people so that they can be successful in their next steps and future lives;
• To be regarded as a great employer, attracting, retaining and developing the best staff;
• To be the Trust of choice and a welcome presence in our communities.
To find out more about our Vision and Strategy, please visit: https://www.habstrustsouth.org. uk/Our-Vision-and-Strategy
About Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the post of Head of Chemistry
We are a Trust of nine schools, all based in South East London. Whilst each of our schools maintains its individuality, we share a common mission: to ensure that every single child and young person in our care is successful at school so that they can flourish and be successful in their lives. We are committed to ensuring this success from 3 to Forever, under our mantra of ‘once a Haberdasher, always a Haberdasher’.
Our People Strategy is key to our success and integral to this is our commitment to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion . Bringing this to life is the responsibility of every member of staff. We take seriously any behaviour which undermines it. Anyone applying to work with us, should share this commitment.
Please take a look on our website for more information. We want the best people to join our Haberdashers’ community and are committed to a diverse and inclusive student and staff body.
If you are passionate about making a difference and feel that you have the right experience and expertise, I encourage you to apply to join us on our journey.
For a confidential discussion regarding this post, please contact the HR department at knightshr@habstrustsouth.org.uk
I look forward to hearing from you.
Jan Shadick Chief Executive Officer Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South
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Our Sponsors
Our sponsors are a huge part of the culture within our schools. The links with our sponsors are a unique and special part of what our Trust and schools what they are today.
The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers
Our main sponsor is the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London. Education is hugely important to the Haberdashers’ Company and today there are more than 12,000 children and young people in its’ family of 21 schools. The Haberdashers’ network of maintained and independent schools stretch across the country, covering north London, Shropshire and Monmouth and our own Trust, in south London and Kent. We have regular opportunities to collaborate with the wider network of Haberdashers’ schools on a number of initiatives and events.
The Haberdashers’ Company supports our pupils in many ways. There are a number of educational and careers initiatives that are organised by the Company, such as the Livery Academy Awards, Monmouth - City of London Work Experience, Haberdashers’ Musician of the Year, an annual Year 7 visit to the prestigious Haberdashers’ Hall, cross school sporting competitions, mentoring, trips and much more. Each year, a number of Year 13 pupils receive scholarships that will support them financially through university and the Company fund a number of projects throughout the school year. The relationship with the Haberdashers Company is central to the success of the Haberdashers’ Advantage enrichment programme, and pupils, parents and staff are proud of this relationship.
Being part of the Haberdashers’ community is very important to us as a school. The Haberdashers’ come and visit us each year to hear from the children, to see what has been happening in our school and to celebrate our achievements. The Haberdashers’ Company supports pupils, past and present, as they progress through their educational and professional journey, which offers our pupils something truly unique.
Find out more: www.haberdashers.co.uk
Temple Grove Schools Trust
Temple Grove Schools Trust is a charitable trust dedicated to raising standards for primary education. The Trust was founded some 50 years ago and springs from one of the country’s oldest prep schools, Temple Grove founded in 1810. The Trust seeks to provide all children with a breadth and depth of learning opportunities in order to realise individual aspirations and potential.
Our primary schools are extremely fortunate to have a partnership with the Temple Grove Schools Trust. Schools benefit from bursaries that allow us the opportunity to give our children learning experiences they may not get at other schools; including music lessons, professional coaches and multiple trips.
Find out more: www.templegrove.org.uk
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“Being a member of the team at Knights makes you feel a part of something that will actually change the lives of our young people.
Every single person is determined to make a difference and that’s what makes us special”
Executive Assistant to the Executive Principal Haberdashers’ Knights Academy
Role Description
About the role We are seeking to appoint an inspiring and committed chemistry teacher to join our strong science department as Head of chemistry. You will be joining a highly skilled team where teachers are committed to ensuring that students are successful and achieve their full potential.
The core purpose of this post is to contribute to the continuing development of the chemistry curriculum and to the overall development of the department. This role will involve the teaching of all age groups. It is expected that the successful candidate will strategically plan and implement the delivery of the Chemistry curriculum.
We are seeking a strong, well-qualified practitioner with a relevant degree and a teaching qualification, who is keen to develop their own practice to the highest level and take advantage of our excellent professional learning. The successful candidate is a reflective practitioner, who consistently seeks to improve their professional performance. The candidate must also be a compelling communicator with an ability to champion the subject to pupils with a fully comprehensive range of abilities. The post holder will bring real energy and dynamism to the role, alongside genuine enthusiasm and passion for chemistry .
Key Responsibilities The Head of Chemistry will:
• To establish and implement a variety of systems and processes which provide good information gathering about students’ prior learning, their progress and achievements and the quality of teaching and learning in the subject as directed by the Head of Science;
• Providing an effective induction programme for new members of the department; • Arranging for the observation of teaching as a matter of good practice and to
provide constructive feedback to staff concerned; • Ensuring that rewards and sanctions are effectively used by staff; • Providing support to members of the department in any matters involving behaviour in
the classroom; • Delegating appropriate tasks to create a sense of teamwork within the department and
aid professional development;
Head of Chemistry Permanent MPS/UPS+ILW+TLR Haberdashers’ Knights Academy Launcelot Road, Bromley BR1 5EB Head of Science
Job Title: Contract type: Salary: School/ Service: Location: Accountable to:
Role description continued
• Ensuring that staff are aware of students with learning, medical, social or other difficulties and providing appropriate support;
• Annual appraisal of members of the Department as directed by Head of Science; with the Head of Science monitoring overall workloads of members of the department;
• Monitoring and quality assuring the writing of academic reports on students by staff in the department
Other responsibilities
• To be responsible for running the Chemistry department within Haberdashers’ Knights Academy
• Provide leadership and direction to all members of the department at all times. • Play the key role in appraisal of staff allocated by the Head of Science within the
department. • Arrange cover, as per the cover timetable, and ensure suitable work is provided. • Be a model practitioner to others within the department on exemplary practice of
our professional and quality standards. • Prepare and submit a Departmental Development Plan to the Head of Science.
General Responsibilities • Lead, manage and supervise the teaching of KS3 to KS5 Chemistry ensuring that
students are taught in appropriate groups according to the policies of the Academy; • Fostering high standards of student work; and advising students with options
choices relevant to the subject and with university applications. • Ensuring the department marking and feedback policy is being followed, and
students are using the marking for their next steps in the learning. • Holding and recording the minutes of regular department meetings to exchange
ideas and inform and develop good practice; • Producing an annual report for Leadership and Head of the Science detailing
an analysis of public examination results; • To develop plans for the subject which identify clear targets, times-scales and
success criteria for its development and/or maintenance in line with the SDP • Promote equal opportunities in the academy. • Actively promote the aims and ethos of the Trust and the academy. • Support the academy’s commitment to the continued professional development of all
staff. • Provide a role model for high quality teaching and learning in the subject, in line
with the SDP.
Role description continued
• To develop and implement policies and practices which reflect the school’s commitment to high achievement through effective teaching and learning;
• To engage all subject staff in the creation, consistent implementation and improvement of the schemes of work;
• Establishing and reviewing schemes of work and monitoring their use by staff; • Selecting the examination syllabus offered at the Academy in the subject and liaising
with the examination board about syllabuses, examinations and results; • Ensuring full compliance within the department in the conduct of qualifications in the
subject; • Establishing effective methods of assessment of students’ work and analysing the
results; • Fostering, by example, a spirit of academic enquiry within the department. • Undertake any additional duties as may reasonably required by the CEO or Principal.
The job description may be subject to review, modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the postholder.
Role description continued
Staff Development
Our staff are important to us. We know that without great staff, our children will not be as successful. Therefore, Professional Learning is key to our success. As a new employee within the Trust, you will be supported by the Senior Directors of People and Professional Learning, alongside your line manager to realise your full potential.
'Our People Strategy is key to our success and integral to this is our commitment to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion . Bringing this to life is the responsibility of every member of staff. We take seriously any behaviour which undermines it. Anyone applying to work with us, should share this commitment.’
London Living Wage
We are proud to be a London Living Wage employer.
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Federation-wide vision
Essential Criteria Desirable Criteria
Method of Assessment: Application (A) Interview (I) Assessment (AS) References ( R)
Education & Qualifications
• Good honours degree in a relevant discipline with relevant teaching qualification.
• Higher qualification in education and/or management
A, I, AS
Knowledge & Experience
• Experience and ability to teach Chemistry at KS3, KS4 and KS5
• Demonstrable commitment to students continuing to study Chemistry beyond Key Stage 4
• Can motivate students at all levels of ability, thus ensuring that all students fully access the Chemistry curriculum
• Will be an outstanding classroom practitioner with an excellent track record of progress and results
• Proven track record of securing excellence within an educational establishment
• Ability to delegate responsibility with accountability • Mentoring training or newly-qualified teachers • Will have knowledge of the National Curriculum,
GCSE and A-Level developments • Proven track record of raising educational standards • Will demonstrate high level communication and
literacy skills • Has keen organisational skills and the ability to
multitask and delegate • Use of performance data to track student progress
and monitor achievement. Has strategies for raising achievement
• Ability to establish clear management and accountability systems and articulate expectations
• Understanding how to analyse and use data effectively
• Experience working across a partnership of schools or across schools within a Multi-Academy Trust setting.
• Have curriculum and/or pastoral experience
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
Person specificationPerson specification
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Federation-wide vision
Personal qualities
• Is committed to individual learning pathways and assessment for learning
• A team player who will contribute to the wider development of the Academy
• Is a ‘can do’ person who works positively and collaboratively and will be able to demonstrate professionalism of the highest order
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, making a positive contribution to the ethos of the school
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
A, I, AS, R
Person specificationPerson specification
Staff Benefits
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W hy H
aberdashers? At Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South, we believe that investing in our staff is crucial for our success. That’s why we offer a range of benefits that cater to your professional growth, well-being, and financial security.
Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you join us:
Perkbox: Our cutting-edge reward and benefits platform empowers you to acknowledge your colleagues’ accomplishments through its celebration tool. You can gain flexi and reward points, which can be redeemed at various high street and online retailers for treats and every day essentials. Additionally, you have the option to make charitable donations.
Pension Scheme: (eligible and enrolled participants): From 1 April 1 2024, for teachers, the Trust will contribute 28.68% to your pension fund. Support Staff will receive a 19.80% contribution to their pension pot from the same date.
Professional Learning: Our dedicated team at Habs Institute for Professional Learning is devoted to nurturing your professional growth. We offer excellent training opportunities for all staff throughout the year and provide partial funding for qualification pursuits.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Our EAP encompasses a 24-hour, free, and confidential counselling service. It includes access to online cognitive- behavioural therapy and management consultations to support Line Managers.
Well-being: Enjoy complimentary access to the award-winning Headspace app, along with free mindfulness courses to enhance your overall well-being.
Staff Development: Explore secondment opportunities within the Trust or external organisations, providing valuable experiences for your professional development.
Ride to Work and Cycle to Work Schemes: Take advantage of substantial discounts through tax allowances for either purchasing a bike or opting for bike hire, promoting a healthier and more sustainable commute.
Season Ticket Loans: Enjoy discounted annual travel fares through our salary-deductible Season Ticket Loan and save on your travel overall.
We are committed to helping you thrive in your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the benefits of working with a supportive and forward- thinking organisation.
Staff Incentives
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W hy H
aberdashers? We know that staff are our greatest asset in achieving our vision for every school to be an excellent school and for our children and young people to flourish and succeed.
To incentivise like-minded and talented people who care about the work we do at the Trust, to join us and stay with us, we have recently introduced :
Talent Connect Bonus
Refer a friend or connection to apply for a role at the Trust and receive a £300* bonus when they successfully complete their probation period.
Welcome Reward
Those employed in ‘hard to fill’ roles to receive a Welcome Reward of £500* after successfully completing their probation period.
Milestone Appreciation Award
Long-serving members of staff to receive a £500*** reward and congratulatory letter from the CEO for reaching 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25-year anniversaries with the Trust. .
* subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, and other terms and conditions. Some senior leaders will be exempt from receiving the Talent Connect Bonus.
“When you join as a member of staff at Knights, you become a part of the 'Knights family'. The welcome and support I received upon joining, from every corner of the academy, helped me to settle in quickly and feel successful straightaway. Our students are curious and ambitious, and they help make the school a great place to work.”
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Teacher of English Haberdashers’ Knights Academy
Recruitment process and additional recruitment information Closing date: Monday 24th February 2025 Interview date: Wednesday 26th February 2025 Start date: April/ September 2025
Recruitment Process: Once you have submitted your application, it will be assessed against the criteria in the person specification. If you score well against this criteria, you will then be invited to attend an interview. Details will be made available when selected, but the interview is likely to include:
• A written task • Classroom visit with staff and students • Panel interviews
Special Requirements: If you require reasonable adjustments prior to your interview, these can be arranged by emailing knightshr@habstrustsouth.org.uk
Equality and Diversity: We recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce. We are committed to eradicating discrimination in the workplace, becoming an employer of choice, for all staff to believe that they have a voice and be empowered to make a difference
References: We will obtain references from your referees if you are successful at interview. In order to prevent any delays, please ensure that the reference section of the application form is accurate and completed in full.
Right to work in the UK: Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 2006 makes it a criminal offence for an employer to take on a new employee whose immigration status prevents him/her from taking up employment. If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be asked to produce original and up to date documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK.
Data Protection: Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application in the selection process. By signing and submitting your application form, you are giving consent to the processing of your data.
Criminal Convictions: All education establishments in the UK are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. In practice, this means that all shortlisted applicants must inform on all spent and unspent convictions on their application form and when completing a Disclosure and Barring form. Failure to provide this information may result in dismissal. List 99 is also obtained on anyone who will be working or coming into contact with children; and must be received by the School before employment can commence. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. This post falls within the scope of regulated activity. Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS with list checks (and other relevant checks.) It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children.
For a confidential discussion about this post or to arrange a visit to our school, please
contact the office on 020 8461 9240 or email knightshr@habstrustsouth.org.uk
Thank you for your interest in Haberdashers’ Knights Academy. We look forward to receiving your
application.
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Haberdashers’ Knights Academy Launcelot Road, Bromley BR1 5EB
www.habsknights.org.uk
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- Staff Benefits
- Staff Incentives
- “When you join as a member of staff at Knights, you become a part of the 'Knights family'. The welcome and support I received upon joining, from every corner of the academy, helped me to settle in quickly and feel successful straightaway. Our students are curious and ambitious, and they help make the school a great place to work.”
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