Key Stage Coordinator - Geography

KEY STAGE COORDINATOR - Geography

ILPS +TLR 2A

Required for April 2025 or earlier if possible

Thank you for your inquiry about the post of Key Stage Coordinator - Geography at Dunraven School. This vacancy has arisen as a result of reorganisation and the existing postholder’s promotion. The school’s aim is “Excellence for All” and the governors wish to appoint a candidate of significant ability and enthusiasm, aware of and stimulated by the challenges and potential of a successful multi-ethnic co-educational school and keen to share in the leadership of our All Through Provision.

DUNRAVEN EDUCATIONAL TRUST OVERVIEW

Dunraven Educational Trust was established in 2016. DET is a trust committed to one overarching aim: excellence for and from everyone. This is an expectation for both the children and adults in a school community. It is achieved in a variety of ways according to the context of each school but within the clear framework established by the Trust.

We want an educational experience which provides excellence for - and expects it from - everyone. We know that this is best achieved in a school where:

• the offer is broad, balanced, inclusive, enriching and effective in meeting the needs of young people;
• staff and students are supported and challenged to be the best versions of themselves;
• relationships are positive, well established and healthy;
• practice is based on evidence and underpinned by the notion that ‘we can always do better’.
• We are clear that this supports the development of children and young people (and adults) who are: resilient, courteous, optimistic, hardworking, self-disciplined, enthusiastic and creative.

DUNRAVEN SCHOOL OVERVIEW

Dunraven School’s results are strong, remaining well above national averages and representing positive ‘value-added’. Recognition of its marked progress has been significant and its journey as a school is important to us. For example:

• In 2016 we were designated as a National Teaching School and an Academy Sponsor. The Dunraven Educational Trust was established.
• In 2018 the Dunraven Educational Trust began working in partnership with two primary schools. Van Gogh Primary joined the Trust on 1 September 2018 and was followed by Goldfinch in January 2019.
• In 2021, Rosendale Primary School and The Elmgreen School joined the Trust.
• In April 2023 we were judged as Good with Outstanding Features (Sixth Form and Personal Development) by Ofsted.

If you are successful in your application, you will share in the leadership and management of a staff who are hard-working, committed, positive in outlook and dedicated to the achievement of our students. We offer:

• a high standard of professional practice, with bespoke in-house CPD provision, and affiliation to nationally recognised courses and providers;
• clear pathways for career development and progression with a proven track-record of success in developing leaders;
• a supportive and collegiate environment, with regular staff social and sporting activities (such as yoga, football and House events);
• excellent opportunities for leading work with external partners (National Support School, National Teaching School);
• a culture of high trust and accountability that values creativity and innovation, leading practice locally and nationally in a range of fields.
• a range of wellbeing benefits including a choice of two bicycle schemes and 24/7 employee assistance.

Dunraven School is committed to the safety and protection of its students. A satisfactory enhanced DBS check is a condition of employment for all employees.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 13 December

Interviews will be scheduled thereafter. We look forward to receiving your application.

GEOGRAPHY AT DUNRAVEN

The Geography department at Dunraven has an exciting and vibrant approach to teaching and learning across all Key Stages, with strong outcomes at Key Stage 4 and at Key Stage 5.

The Geography team work closely together in preparation and planning, in particular taking care to ensure our lessons reflect the diversity and variety of experiences in our south London community. Teaching takes place in dedicated classrooms, utilising an excellent range of digital and physical resources including interactive whiteboards in all classrooms. Staff are encouraged and supported to bring their own geographical interests and expertise into their teaching practice. Currently the department is keen to further develop its extracurricular offer, including fieldwork beyond the popular and successful compulsory elements.

The Department has developed an engaging scheme of work for Key Stage 3 Geography, grounding students in the important concepts of both human and physical geography. The team consistently delivers very strong lessons which are relevant and inspiring, reflecting ongoing developments in geographical pedagogy and ensuring a modern, diverse and knowledge-rich curriculum for all students. This programme of study enables students to make well-informed choices for GCSE, whereby students follow the Edexcel B GCSE course. Students have the opportunity of further study at KS5, where the full Edexcel A Level specification is followed over two years. In recent years, we have seen increasing uptake at KS4, and at KS5 several students from each cohort have been inspired to take their study of Geography to undergraduate level, including application to Oxbridge.

It is an exciting time to be part of a strong and dynamic team as we strive to achieve the very best for all students. We welcome your application.

The school is keen to support all aspects of staff development, personal and professional, and has a strong CPD policy.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be expected to have the following skills and knowledge:

• An experience and understanding of the philosophy and pedagogy underpinning the delivery of Geography
• A thorough knowledge of their subject area, particularly in relation to the National Curriculum, GCSE, and 16-19 developments.
• An understanding of what constitutes best practice in Geography across Key Stages
• The appropriate skills required to be an efficient and effective teacher, and interest in developing this practice further.
• The ability to plan, organise, assess, monitor and evaluate effectively, and to maintain a stimulating learning environment.
• Effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• The skills required to be an effective form tutor.
• The ability to devise strategies for implementing policies leading to equality of opportunity.
• An understanding of and commitment to whole-school issues in a diverse school and the willingness to be involved in all aspects of the work of the department and to contribute to the wider life of the school.
• To promote the enjoyment of geography beyond the classroom, such as through extracurricular societies and groups.
• The potential to develop management and leadership qualities.

S/he will be required to carry out the duties of a school teacher according to the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document, and in the light of the school's changing needs. Job descriptions are reviewed regularly and may be subject to modification or amendment after consultation.