Head of Geography

Responsibilities

• Exercise general professional duties as directed by the principal or board.
• Plan and prepare courses and lessons.
• Teach pupils according to their educational needs, including marking work.
• Assess, record and report on pupil development, progress and attainment.
• Promote pupil progress and well‑being.
• Provide advice and guidance on education and social matters, future careers and relevant resources.
• Communicate with parents and external bodies.
• Participate in meetings for curriculum, pastoral arrangements and school management.
• Contribute to oral and written assessments and reports, unless doing so compromises teacher’s position.
• Participate in staff development and performance review schemes.
• Review teaching methods and programmes, pursue further training and professional development.
• Collaborate with principal and colleagues to develop courses, teaching materials and assessment strategies.
• Maintain discipline, safeguarding health and safety of pupils.
• Participate in public examination arrangements, assessment and supervision.
• Coordinate or manage work of other teachers, where required.
• Perform administrative tasks: supervise support staff, order and allocate equipment and materials.
• Attend assemblies, register attendance and supervise pupils as required.
• Provide staff cover and teaching for absent teachers within specified limits.

Qualifications and Experience

• Hold a recognised teaching qualification for grant‑aided schools in Northern Ireland.
• Hold a degree or equivalent Level 6 qualification prepared to teach Geography as main subject.
• Minimum 3 years demonstrable experience teaching Geography at Key Stage 4 with positive learning outcomes.
• Registered with the GTCNI before taking up the post.
• Knowledge of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, safeguarding and child protection policy, SEND Code of Practice, and a range of teaching strategies to meet pupil learning needs.
• Knowledge of digital classroom tools, tablets and current assessment methods.
• Effective teaching and classroom management skills, ability to inspire pupils and raise achievement.
• Proven ability to provide a supportive inclusive learning environment.
• Teamwork, collaboration, motivation of self and others.

Hours and Working Conditions

• Full‑time teacher available for 195 days per year, with no more than 190 teaching days.
• Maximum of 25 teaching hours per week in primary or special schools; 23.5 hours per week in secondary schools.
• Teachers may not be required to undertake mid‑day supervision unless employed under a separate contract.
• Break of at least 30 minutes between 12:00–14:00 (nursery/primary 12:00–14:30).

Equal Opportunities

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of gender, race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, family or marital status, or civil partnership status. Post‑holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.