Head of Religious Studies

We are seeking an inspirational leader to head up our Religious Studies department. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate outstanding subject knowledge, believe in pursuing high academic standards and an ability to enthuse pupils of all ages. Activities designed to challenge pupil thinking and develop learning habits such as independent study skills are central to teaching at Bancroft's. You will be required to hold regular departmental meetings, help in the development of the rest of the team, encourage external CPD and sharing best practice. This position reports to the Deputy Head (Academic)., evidence-based approach to teaching, with the aim of facilitating the best possible educational outcomes for all pupils. The department consists of four experienced specialist Religious Studies teachers including the Head of Department., Responsibilities of a Head of Department:

• Coordinating and monitoring teaching, marking, assessment and grading within the
department, always setting the highest standards of personal organisation and administration
• Producing a departmental handbook, which is regularly reviewed and updated. Consideration
should be given to departmental policy, any changes of syllabus and schemes of work and the management and improvement of the department's resources
• Holding regular meetings of the department, both formal and informal, to discuss teaching and
learning and the sharing of common problems and concerns. Ensuring that minutes are kept of formal meetings and shared with the Deputy Head Academic
• Monitoring colleagues, ensuring that departmental policies are adhered to and that members
of the department keep to School deadlines and policy, insofar as it applies to the department
• Participating in the recruitment of new staff and ensuring that new staff are properly inducted
into the department
• Allocating teaching within the department and delegating responsibilities to teachers within
the department
• Holding an annual review with each member of the department and feeding into the school
review process
• Encouraging and make provision for the professional development of staff
Responsibilities in relation to the pupils and to what is taught:
• Keeping abreast of developments in the subject, maintaining contacts with professional
associations
• Participating in discussion, within the department, on the development of appropriate
syllabuses and schemes of work at all levels
• Developing new teaching and learning resources and sharing them with pupils and colleagues
• Ensuring pupils are properly prepared for exams and entered for exams
• Participating in the setting and marking of internal exams and determining appropriate grade
boundaries thereafter
• Planning and leading academically enriching trips and other co-curricular activities in relation
to the department
• Giving appropriate guidance to pupils who wish to study the subject at further levels
• Maintaining the image of the subject as an interesting and valuable one. Keeping learning
environments stimulating and interesting,
• Carrying out School policy, including the School safety policy, in the context of the
department
• Contributing to the co-curricular life of the school
• Communicating departmental matters to the Head of Department, discussing examination
results and raising issues of concern
• Setting and marking entrance exams and interviewing where necessary
• Supporting the increasing use of ICT within the department
• Presenting the department at Open Days etc. as the need arises and in prospectuses
• Ensuring that the facilities used by the department, including equipment and teaching areas,
are maintained in an appropriate condition All teachers are expected to contribute to our pupils' holistic development and the co-curricular life of the school, outside their timetabled day and beyond their curriculum subject. This may include events, training or rehearsals, for example, after school and at weekends, and running or staffing residential trips, as well as a standard expectation of regular clubs for both curriculum extension and the co-curriculum.

Education Have a good honours degree in a QTS/PGCE relevant subject Experience of teaching Religious Experience of teaching high Experience Studies and/or Philosophy, at all keyability students stages Line Management experience The ability to develop and maintain good relationships with students and colleagues and lead by example The ability to use IT appropriately to support teaching and learning Have a good understanding and Skills awareness of safeguarding procedures Commitment to ongoing professional development Be willing to contribute to the cocurricular and pastoral life of the school Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work with good humour Be enthusiastic, with a positive approach Personal Be confident Qualities Be diligent Be creative

Located on the border between North-East London and Essex and backing on to Epping Forest, Bancroft's is a co-educational independent day school for around 1200 pupils from 7 to 18. Our pupils achieve outstanding academic outcomes. In 2024, 75% of all entries were awarded A
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A at A Level and 77% were awarded the top grades of 9 or 8 at GCSE with 49% at 9. And yet, we strive to achieve so much more than just results. 'Being Bancroft's' is the name which we give to our holistic approach to developing our pupils. This is a rounded educational framework running through the school which guides pupils to take full advantage of the huge range of different opportunities on offer at the school; whether immersed in academic research, being out on the sports fields, taking part in charitable activities, acting on the stage, playing music or attending some of our numerous clubs and societies, we want our pupils to challenge themselves and learn by taking part wholeheartedly in school life. All teachers are expected to contribute to the co-curricular life of the school beyond their subject specialism. Bancroft's is a warm, forward-looking, modern school; a centre of excellence for the twenty-first century. We have a very diverse intake of pupils, valuing inclusivity of pupils and staff of different ethnicities, religions, sexualities, genders, learning needs and strengths. We value inclusion for all it can bring to each of us at Bancroft's as well as the school as a whole. Professional development and training is a fundamental part of working at Bancroft's. Our staff are supported and encouraged to continually reflect on their practice; together we want to ensure that each member of staff feels that they are being developed and able to help provide the very best educational and transformative experience for all our pupils., At Key Stage 3, all students follow a course that covers the six major world faiths in a variety of ways as well as a range of philosophical and ethical questions. The AQA Religious Studies GCSE is optional, but attracts high numbers of students, who achieve consistently excellent results. In 2024, 100% pupils scored 9-7 Grades at GCSE, with 80% at Grade 8 and 9. GCSE students study Specification A, with Christianity and Islam as the two religions chosen for teaching. We teach the OCR A Level course, delivering Philosophy, Ethics and Developments in Christian Thought. The department works closely together, exchanging resources, experience and knowledge. The use of 1:1 devices across all of our Key Stages at Bancroft's reflects our forward-thinking and

We aim to provide a transformative experience for every child. The School's Values Our education is based on six core values: Curiosity, Kindness, Integrity, Courage, Balance and Excellence. We think these values are essential to the wellbeing of every child. Curiosity We want our pupils to take delight in the possibilities that the world has to offer and to develop an abiding curiosity about the world; to explore their imaginative and creative potential and to take pleasure in self-expression. Kindness We want Bancroft's pupils to be kind, to have integrity and the courage to pursue and protect what is good; to make wise decisions, based on compassion and empathy. Integrity We want our pupils to learn to understand themselves and others and develop a clear moral grounding for their lives . Courage We want our pupils to show courage and a spirit of adventure in all aspects of their learning; to confront challenges and try to overcome them. Balance We want our pupils to learn how to live balanced, healthy, productive and well-regulated lives and to learn to understand the different aspects that combine to create a secure framework for flourishing. Excellence We want our pupils to aspire to be the best they might be and to make the most of their talents and abilities; we want our pupils to form realistic and ambitious ideals for the future., This job description reflects the major aspects of the role. The successful candidate may be expected to assume some additional responsibilities as reasonably requested by the Head and to demonstrate a commitment to improving and developing the organisation's processes and facilities. The organisation reserves the right to alter the content of this job description after consultation to reflect changes to the job or services provided, without altering the general character or level of responsibility. In the event of a major incident or disaster, you may be required to provide assistance, in whatever capacity necessary and participate in any training to ensure the School is fully prepared for such events. Working at Bancroft's An attractive salary package is offered, according to experience and expertise. Bancroft's offers a generous benefits package to all staff, including:
• Competitive salaries
• Pension scheme options - TPS or our Defined Contribution Scheme
• Income Protection Insurance
• Death in Service Insurance
• Fee remission
• Optional subsidised private health care
• Commitment to supporting ongoing professional development
• Outstanding support for ECTs
• Generous holiday allowance
• Friendly and welcoming common room, which organises regular social events
• Use of school gym and swimming pool
• Access to school counsellors
• Complimentary lunches
At Bancroft's, we believe that Diverse teams are stronger teams and that the more inclusive we are, the more our staff and students will feel a sense of belonging. To enable us to make reasonable adjustments, please let us know of any physical or learning differences (including neuro-divergence) when you submit your application.