Head of Academic PE/Head of Hockey

Downside School is looking to appoint a driven, energetic and inspiring Head of Academic Physical

Education, starting September 2017. There will be the opportunity to combine the role of Head of

Academic PE with that of Head of Hockey Development for the right candidate. However,

applications are encouraged from candidates with expertise in other sports. This post would suit either

an existing Head of Department or a suitably experienced teacher. It is essential that you will be an

effective team member who can help to promote Physical Education and Sport and are willing to seek

opportunities to develop teaching and learning within the subject. It is essential that you will be an

effective team member who can help to promote Physical Education and Sport and are willing to seek

opportunities to develop teaching and learning within the subject. You will be responsible for the

delivery of GCSE PE (AQA), A Level PE (AQA) and Key Stage 3 Core Physical Education.

THE SCHOOL & BACKGROUND

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Downside, as a leading Catholic school,

maintains an ethos that is just as strong

today as it was when the School was

founded in 1606. The core aspects of

Benedictine education are

WELCOME

LISTENING

REVERENCE & HUMILITY TEACHING & LEARNING

PERSONAL DISCIPLINE

CONCERN FOR THE INDIVIDUAL

BUILDING COMMUNION

STEWARDSHIP OF GIFTS

The eight aspects provide a valuable

perspective on the key qualities of a

Benedictine education.

The Benedictine community of St Gregory

the Great was founded at Douai, France, in

1606 by a group of English and Welsh

monks who were in exile because of the

penal laws in England against Catholics. The

community received the protection of the

Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia of Spain and

Portugal, the joint ruler of the Spanish

Netherlands, and they were furnished with

buildings by Philip de Caverel, Abbot of St

Vedast's in Arras. By 1617 English Catholics

were sending their boys across the

Channel to be educated. The School has

been in existence since that time, with the

monks engaged not only in teaching but

also in scholarly work, writing and

lecturing, and in priestly and pastoral work.

Downside became a fully co-educational

school, admitting boys and girls in all years, in 2005. Downside School is housed in

magnificent buildings set in a 500 acre

estate at the foot of the Mendip Hills,

twelve miles south of the city of Bath. The

Old House – formerly known as Mount

Pleasant – dates from the 18th century;

Isabella House was completed in 2007. The

Abbey Church, partly designed by Giles

Gilbert Scott, lies at the heart of the

School.

One of the notable aspects of our school is

its love of scholarship, combined with a

lively sense of tradition. While the school

educates young people to thrive in the 21st

Century, it also values individuality and

character, as young people are guided to live together positively within the school

community while achieving excellence

academically, culturally, in sport and in the

wider curriculum. Downside offers a

Christ-centred education through which

pupils can discover their true selves. As

part of that project, staff act as role-models

to the young people in our community,

doing all they can to embody the values of

the institution, living according to Christian

values and working positively for the

benefit of all. St Benedict refers to ‘ora et

labora’, prayer and work; we aim at

Downside to embody spiritual values in all

that we do.

The School has excellent teaching,

boarding and recreational facilities. There

are purpose-built centres for the Sciences

and Humanities, dedicated Music and Arts

Schools, a 500 seat theatre, a

comprehensive swimming-pool and sports

complex, over 100 acres of playing fields

with all-weather hockey, netball and tennis

courts, six distinctive girls and boys

boarding-houses and extensive buildings

and classrooms set in rolling grounds and

farmland.

As a national boarding-school, Downside takes pupils from far and wide but the boys

and girls come principally from the South

of England, London and the Midlands. Our

classes contain a maximum of twenty

pupils.

The School appointed its first lay Head

Master in 2014.

THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

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The Physical Education Department is part

of the Science Faculty, which also includes

Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The

Physical Education department supports

the work of the Sports Department and

Physical Education lessons complement the

Sports Programme which is undertaken in

Games sessions. Within Games, pupils

partake in the major games (rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis) and other sports

such as cross-country, swimming, athletics,

football and basketball for example.

As an academic subject, Physical Education

helps pupils to experience a range of

different sports and develop aerobic

conditioning and coordination skills, as well

as team work skills and emotional

resilience. The GCSE and A Level courses

are valued as academically rigorous

disciplines, and allow pupils to learn about

exercise physiology and sports psychology,

and the history of sport.

Our latest ISI inspection report states that

‘the quality of pupils’ achievement and

learning is excellent’ and ‘the quality of

teaching is excellent overall’.

Examination Results (2015)

A Level (AQA)

67% A*-B

Curriculum

As an academic subject, pupils in Years 7-9

follow a practical-based programme, which

aims to provide pupils with experience of a

range of different sports, including gymnastics, badminton, basketball,

swimming, dance and strength and

conditioning. The first GCSE PE cohort

started in 2015 and will be examined this

summer. It is already a popular course and

pupils follow the AQA specification.

A Level is more established and pupils

follow the AQA specification and many

pupils who study A Level PE will continue

to study sports-related courses at

university. The vast majority of our pupils

will continue to undergraduate study at

Russell Group universities such as Oxford,

Cambridge, St Andrews, Edinburgh,

Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and

Exeter.

The PE Department

The physical education and sport

programmes at Downside School are

undergoing significant investment and

improvement. The Head of Academic

Physical Education would be responsible

for driving this strategic improvement

project further and consolidating our

reputation for outstanding physical

education and sport in the region and

beyond. They will be instrumental in

strengthening relationships with external

academic organisations.

This ambition and aspiration has seen our

pupils enjoy success at the highest level in

recent times. The philosophy for sport at

Downside, whether in team or individual

sport, is participation and enjoyment. Our

sports teams compete on a regular basis

throughout all three terms. The major

sports for boys are rugby, hockey, cricket

and athletics. For girls they are hockey,

netball, athletics and tennis. Other sports

our pupils participate in include tennis,

cross country, golf, swimming and

basketball. Fixtures are played every

Saturday against other major independent

schools in the South West.

Teams are also entered in regional/national

competitions in rugby, hockey, cricket,

netball, athletics and cross country. There

are three full time members of the Physical

Education department who share the

academic PE teaching between them.

They are supported in this by a number of

post-graduate assistant teachers. All

members of the PE department are

involved in the games programme, running

at least one sport each, and the delivery of

games is supported by members of the

Common Room along with a team of

specialist sports coaches.

Academic Enrichment

At Downside we have a strong tradition of

scholarship, independent learning and

reflection, and we wish to inspire pupils to

love their learning and come to realise the wonder of God in all aspects of academic

life.

Beyond the confines of examination syllabi,

we feel it is important for pupils to develop

an intellectual curiosity about the sciences,

and to enquire, question, research and

probe deeper meanings in their thinking.

Pupils can benefit from a wealth of

academic enrichment activities including

academic societies, trips, competitions and

prize essays, outside speakers, links with

outside agencies and universities, and links

with the Monastic Library.

The vast array of opportunities for young

people to grow into independent,

thoughtful and enquiring learners is

boundless. These opportunities will enable

our pupils to succeed at university and

beyond, and become young people ready

to make a difference in the world when

they leave Downside.

The main Academic Society in the Science

Faculty is the Wallingford Society, and

pupils prepare papers on a topic of their

choice for debate or discussion. In addition,

aspiring medics, vets and dentists areinvited to join the Knowles Society,

which focuses on providing an intellectual

forum to help pupils prepare for

applications to Oxford and Cambridge, and

for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and

Dentistry.

There is a full programme of support and

guidance for medics, including links with

the Old Gregorian Medical Society

(members are former pupils), work

experience opportunities, coaching for

admissions tests (UKCAT and BMAT) and

mock interviews. In 2015 we launched a

mock multiple mini-interview and invited pupils from surrounding schools to take

part.

Additional Support

A rigorous and robust system of additional

support sessions are held throughout the

year in order to ensure that each pupil is

supported in achieving their target grade.

JOB DESCRIPTION – Head of Academic PE

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Specific Duties and responsibilities

Teaching:

be an excellent teacher

be committed to raising academic standards and improving the quality of

teaching and learning within their

subject

plan lessons thoroughly in accordance

with School policy and in line with the

faculty’s schemes of work

ensure that individual lessons are sufficiently challenging and enable all

students to learn at all points in the

lesson

inspire pupils to continue their learning

beyond lessons

engender an atmosphere within lessons, which is conducive to active

learning and encourages pupils to learn

collaboratively

actively promote the subject, for

example by using suitable wall displays

ensure that effective use is made of the

resources available within the

department and that they are well

maintained

actively seek CPD opportunities

Assessment, Recording and Reporting:

set ambitious, yet realistic, targets for pupils and encourage them to fulfil their

academic potential

ensure that appropriate work is set on

a regular basis and is forthcoming from

all pupils

monitor and track the progress of pupils by setting appropriate

assessments in line with faculty policy

ensure that assessed work is marked

on a regular basis in accordance with

School policy and that it is

appropriately annotated to enable

pupils to assess their own learning

implement the faculty’s support strategies for underperforming pupils

assist with the running of additional support sessions and revision lessons

maintain accurate records of all

assessed work

complete all interim, half term and end-of-term reports in a professional

manner

Liaison:

A Teacher is expected to liaise with:

the Head of Department, to make that

person aware of any matters likely to

affect their ability to perform their

teaching and pastoral roles effectively

the Head of Department with regard to all academic matters

the Head of Department, Tutors and

parents with regard to pupils, who are

a cause for concern to a member of the

faculty in terms of underperformance

the Head of Department with regard to matters involving the fabric of faculty

rooms and their upkeep

Professional Standards

support the Catholic and Benedictine

ethos of the school

keep abreast of national educational initiatives

make a significant contribution to co-

curricular activities and the boarding

life of the School

set a good example to students by appropriate dress, conduct and

punctuality

treat all members of the School

community with respect and

consideration

treat all pupils fairly, consistently and without prejudice

take responsibility for personal

professional development within the

School’s CPD programme

attend all faculty and staff meetings as required

promote the School on public

occasions, such as Open Days, Parents’

Conferences and Prize Day

ensure that all deadlines are met as published in the School calendar

take responsibility for matters relating

to health and safety

undertake duties that may be reasonably assigned by the Head

Master (directly or indirectly)

The School is committed to safeguarding

and promoting the welfare of children and

young people and expects all staff and

volunteers to share this commitment. Any

candidates willing to undertake a pastoral

role of responsibility should make this clear

in their application. Accommodation may

be provided.

Responsibilities may be direct, joint or

through devolved structures, but always in

accordance with whole school policies.

These details may be amended at any time

by agreement, but in any case will be

reviewed through the performance

management process.

JOB DESCRIPTION – Head of Hockey Development

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Summary

Hockey is a major sport for girls and boys

at Downside School. Whether it is

nurturing our elite players within the

England Hockey Standard Pathway

structure at Junior Academy Level or

higher, or creating a passion and interest in the game with those joining the school,

hockey has formed an important part of

the sporting landscape at Downside.

The Head of Hockey Development has the

responsibility for leading and managing this

sport towards the fulfilment of the aims

and objections of the Downside School

sport development plan. Our philosophy

for high performance playing and coaching

is based on a positive attitude and

exceptional work ethic. We coach the

whole child to fulfil the core values of

Downside School Sport, which are firmly

founded in the Benedictine tradition –

Discipline, Honesty and Stewardship.

The focus of the school’s hockey

programme is on the development of

players and teams and this is supported by

coaches working within the sports

department as well as by the wider school

staff.

Our sports programmes are undergoing

significant investment and improvement.

Our 1st XI’s play on one of the toughest

schools circuits in the Country. Our

talented hockey players regularly achieve

County, JDC, JAC or JRPC selection. The

Head of Hockey Development would be responsible for driving this strategic

improvement project further and

consolidating our reputation for

outstanding hockey in the region and

beyond. They will be instrumental in

strengthening relationships with external

hockey organisations.

The school has excellent medical and

paramedical support. We have a

professional physiotherapist working at

and with the school on injury prevention

and cure, including sports injury

assessment and treatment

(physiotherapy/match day cover) and

athlete screening. The Head of Hockey Development will be responsible for

planning a Strength & Conditioning

programme with appropriate sessions for

hockey players.

The school has a sand based astroturf pitch

which was re-surfaced in 2013; other

facilities include: sports hall (fitted for

indoor hockey), indoor swimming pool,

fitness suite and weights room. The post

holder will play a significant part in the

anticipated strategic planning for

installation of a second all-weather

astroturf surface at Downside School as

part of our 2020 Development Plan,

subject to funding.

The Head of Hockey Development will

work closely with the Director of Sport,

ensuring the successful delivery of an

extensive programme of hockey coaching

for all age groups across the school. There

will also be an opportunity to mentor

talented individuals/scholars who are part

of our High Performance Programme.

The successful applicant will be expected

to be fully involved in all aspects of life at

Downside School.

Main duties and responsibilities

Coaching

To work with the Director of Sport

to ensure that a coaching

framework is created and managed

with a clear continuum through the

school.

To develop a programme of regular CPD for coaching staff.

To spearhead the coaching of the

sport across all age levels. (This will

normally involve coaching the 1st

XI)

To recruit, line manage and

appraise visiting coaches.

Discuss individual progress/support

with relevant coaching staff, pupils

& parents where appropriate.

To contribute positively to the

coaching or teaching of sports

other than hockey where required,

as directed by the Director of

Sport.

To contribute to the mentoring

scheme for all sports scholars.

Pathways

To maintain effective links with

clubs/academies/NGBs.

To ensure appropriate

opportunities are made available

for individuals to gain

representative honours.

Links with Bath University/Bath

Buccaneers HC are important to

the school. However, it is recognised that pupils may play for

other clubs as well. Downside

School has links with several local

hockey clubs – this is an area for

future development. Strong links

with England Hockey will be equally

important to the school.

Competition

In discussion with the Director of

Sport, to target specific regional &

national competitions and to

ensure appropriate opportunities

are made available to teams and

individuals to succeed at this level.

Following the successful installation of a second astroturf pitch, to plan

the hosting of tournaments and

competitions for Prep/Senior age

groups where appropriate.

Recruitment

To create strong links with prep schools’ Directors of Sport/s.

As directed by Director of

Sport/Director of Admissions,

Head of Hockey Development will

undertake a structured programme

of ‘outreach’ sessions, aimed at

offering additional

coaching/inspiration to targeted

prep schools.

Organise or host hockey camps, festivals or cup matches at

Downside for prep schools.

To identify potential candidates for

13+ and 16+ scholarship

programme.

To participate in selection process for 13+ and 16+ scholarship

programme.

Planning

To continue to develop an

appropriate fixture list which gives

challenging and realistic

competition to all teams.

To plan tours as appropriate within the school touring framework in

liaison with the Director of Sport.

To ensure that appropriate

planning and communication is

maintained with:

Grounds staff

Transport

Catering

Officials

Medical support

Team strips/laundry

Media

To produce regular reports as

appropriate for Downside School

website.

To maintain links with local and

national media as appropriate.

Reporting

To generate reports for end of term assemblies, as well as articles

for publication in the ‘Review’ or

‘Raven’ magazines.

To collate records of achievement and representative honours.

To produce an annual report after

the end of the season.

To nominate individuals within the

school caps & colours structure.

Health and Safety

To ensure that hockey within the

school is played within safe

boundaries in line with EH and

HMC guidelines and to lead the risk

assessment process for hockey.

Financial Planning

To submit an Annual Development Plan and Annual budget submission

for hockey and be responsible for

the running of the allocated budget.

To procure & maintain equipment

as appropriate.

No list of responsibilities can really

encompass all that is asked of the Head of

Hockey Development.

At the heart of the role is an active

enthusiasm for all matters pertaining to

hockey in an educational environment and

an equally active enthusiasm for young

people and aspirational young hockey

players.

This is a truly exciting opportunity for the

post holder to instigate, develop and manage a first class programme for hockey

in one of the leading HMC schools in the

country. There is a real sense of ambition

and aspiration for hockey at Downside

School which we hope will transform our

achievement and reputation.

.

PERSON SPECIFICATION (Combined PE and Hockey)

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Essential

These are qualities without which the applicant could

not be appointed.

Desirable

This information could be used to differentiate

applicants.

Qualifications Honours degree in Physical Education or an appropriate

related discipline from a recognised university

Level 2 Coaching Award

PGCE/GTP/QTS

Level 3 coaching award or any other qualifications

related to education/coaching/working with children

or young people.

University degree in Sports Performance / Sport

Science / Physical Education / Sports Coaching &

Development or any similar.

Experience Teaching to GCSE/IGCSE and A Level, and/or Pre-U and IB

An individual who has themselves played/coached hockey at a

high level.

Experience in coaching any one or more of these sports in

addition to hockey: Rugby, Netball, Cricket, Tennis, Football,

Athletics/Cross Country or Swimming

Excellent track record of examination success for sets

taught

Experience of coordinating field trips

Pastoral experience within a similar setting

Skills Ability to teach at all levels up to and including university

entrance

Able to incorporate ICT into lessons

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to motivate and enthuse pupils, and work

collaboratively with colleagues

Ability to contribute significantly to the school’s co-curricular

programme

Ability to prioritise and be well organised

We are looking for someone who has strong administration,

organisation and ICT skills

ICT proficiency eg interactive lessons, development of

resources for a VLE

Ability to coach sports and a range of other co-

curricular activities eg Duke of Edinburgh, CCF

Excellence in one or more of the areas outlined in the

summary of the role

Knowledge Secure subject knowledge

Awareness of examination specifications and requirements,

and how to use this information to raise academic standards

Awareness of appropriate teaching and learning strategies, and

the importance of self-evaluation

Awareness of safeguarding and pastoral issues

Appreciation of the ethos of a Catholic and Benedictine

boarding school

Application of AfL to the development of teaching and

learning

Willingness to develop own learning of the subject

Personal

competencies

and qualities

A passion for Physical Education and Sport

Commitment to CPD

Calmness under pressure

Resilience, commitment and confidence

Both independent and a team player

Flexible and adaptable

WORKING LIFE AT DOWNSIDE

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We are committed to high academic

standards and constant development of the

quality of teaching and learning. The Senior

Leadership Team has implemented a new

School Development Plan, named

‘Downside 2020’, which is an integrated,

coherent educational strategy with key

performance indicators and a reporting

schedule so that we can track and monitor

progress. We have implemented a Quality

Assurance cycle, which allows us to

monitor the quality of teaching and learning

through lesson observations, learning

walks, work-scrutiny and pupil feedback.

Our tracking and monitoring systems are

rigorous so that all pupils are supported in

their learning, and colleagues are

supported in their teaching.

Working at Downside is a truly

rewarding experience. In keeping with our

Benedictine ethos, Downside is a

welcoming, caring community where each

person is considered to be a valued

member. Pupils are highly motivated, keen

to learn and respectful of staff and their

peers.

Our Induction Programme is

comprehensive and fully supportive of all

new staff, including the provision of

training, where necessary. We are keen to

support ambitious teachers, and CPD

opportunities for individuals are identified

in Faculty Development Plans and

prioritised. Downside is a member of the

Canford Group, which includes most of

the main independent schools in the South

West, and this is an ideal way to establish

links with other schools. We are also

closely linked with the other Benedictine

schools in England and Ireland. We expect

all teachers to engage fully in co-curricular

activities and the boarding life of the

school.

The hours are long but this is

complemented by extended school

holidays, polite and well-educated pupils,

unique surroundings, a generous salary

scale and complimentary daily lunch.

It is difficult to quantify the hours which any

individual Teacher may devote to their

work in order to carry out their

professional duties. However, guidance on

working hours is as follows:

The school timetable includes ten 35

minute periods Monday-Friday, and six 35

minute periods on Saturday followed by

matches and activities in the afternoon.

Some of these periods include games and

activities, tutor periods, and hymn practice.

Most of our lessons are double periods (70

minutes).

Academic timetable allocation:

Full time Teacher 30 periods

Head of Faculty 26 periods

Department meetings can occur at the

discretion of the Head of Faculty.

Pastoral responsibilities; to provide

support and guidance for a tutor group

(typically 10 pupils), including one period

(35 minutes) of SMSC (Spiritual, Moral,

Social and Cultural) Development and

three tutor session. SMSC Development

has a specific programmes and is treated

the same as an academic lesson. Each tutor

is assigned to one of the boarding houses

and will be on duty one evening per

week (7.30-9.30pm) and at weekends on

a rota with the other tutors.

Co-curricular responsibilities:

Full time Teacher has 7 periods (Saturday

afternoon counts as 3). This may include

activities and/or sport, and Teachers may

be asked to support a specialist coach in

games lessons and be responsible for the

team when they play matches.

WHAT OUR STAFF SAY, REMUNERATION & BENEFITS

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“Most of the pupils really appreciate what

teachers do for them and that makes the long

hours and full week which are typical of a

boarding school so worth it. And the long

holidays are great. I have worked in quite a few

schools but nowhere have I felt so quickly ‘at

home’ as at Downside.” D Bryson,

Director of Admissions

“I have such a wide range of activities that I

undertake and the pupils and staff with which

I interact mean that every day is different and

very fulfilling. At Downside I can educate pupils

above and beyond the curriculum in

Geography and share my passion for different

areas of this wide and varied subject. This has

culminated in some exciting fieldtrips including this year’s visit to Iceland. I have also been able

to introduce Ultimate Frisbee to the School,

take pupils out on Cross-Country runs across

the beautiful Mendip Hills, and teach pupil

survival skills in the Combined Cadet Force.

Downside looks a little like J K Rowling’s

‘Hogwarts’, with pupils zooming from stair

case to stair case, but it has a calmness that

belies the hardworking nature of the pupils.”

O Simper, Head of Faculty

‘This is the fourth school I’ve worked in and, by

quite a margin, it has the friendliest, most

welcoming and helpful common room of them

all. Add to that the well-behaved, biddable

pupils, excellent food and glorious buildings,

and you see why Downside is such a fantastic

place to work.’ J McNamara, Director of

Music

Salary: a competitive, above average pay

scale, with additional allowances.

Pension: The school is part of the

Teacher’s Pension Scheme, which our

contribution is 16.38%. Pension

contribution rates vary for the employee

(depending on salary) between 7.4% and

11.6%.

Lunch: We have an excellent catering

facility, which offers all our staff a

complimentary 3 course lunch.

Childcare Vouchers: Benefit from using a

Childcare voucher scheme, available through

our provider, Sodexo and save money (Tax

and NI) through this salary sacrifice scheme.

Health Cash Plan: Access to a cash plan

which allows you to claim money back

towards the cost of check-ups and treatment

for you, your partner and your children who

are under 18.

Recruitment Referral: Introduce a highly

skilled colleague and earn a bonus payment

as a thank you from us.

Employee Assistance Programme: A

free and confidential 24/7 support service,

offering you unlimited access to advice and

information, coaching and counselling where

appropriate.

Cycle Scheme: All permanent staff have

access to a cycle scheme which enables staff

to purchase a bike tax-free through a salary

sacrifice arrangement.

School Fee Remission Scheme: Fee

remission is granted (pro rata for part time

staff) representing exceptional value for a

high quality independent education. This is

also available through a salary sacrifice

arrangement if individuals wish to enjoy

additional savings.

Career Development/ CPD: We are

committed to the continuing professional

development of staff and will support training

as required.

The Weld Café: A great addition to our

catering facility - open to staff and pupils for

hot drinks throughout the day and early

evening.

YOUR APPLICATION – WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

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Closing date: Thursday 16th March 2017, by 9am

Interviews: Thursday 23rd March 2017

To apply, please complete an application form which can be downloaded and submitted through

an applicant tracking system on our ‘Working With Us' page:

http://www.downside.co.uk/working-with-us/

Your letter of application should be addressed to Dr James Whitehead, Head Master.

Please contact the recruitment email address if you require further information after reading the

job pack.

References: Two professional references are required, for all shortlisted applicants ahead of an

interview. Referees should be able to respond within the timescales above. You should ensure

that your application form provides sufficient information to enable us to follow your complete

employment and other history since leaving school.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Downside School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child

protection screening, including checks with past employers and the DBS. We are an equal opportunities

employer. By car, we are within 40 minutes of Bristol, 30 minutes of Bath and 15 minutes of Wells.

Please do not hesitate to contact a member of the HR team should you have any queries.