The Wallace High School

HEAD OF BIOLOGY (Teaching Allowance 3) The Head of Department is accountable to the Principal through the Vice Principal (Curriculum) for the effective leadership and management of the Department. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Wallace High School is a co-educational, voluntary grammar school founded in 1880. The annual intake of pupils into Year 8 is 170 and there are some 300 pupils in the Sixth Form. The school draws its pupils from Lisburn and the surrounding area. The Biology Department consists of six full time specialists and a Biology Technician. The Biology Department at The Wallace High School delivers the following curriculum subjects: Key Stage 3 Biology GCSE Biology A-level Biology RESPONSIBILITY Under the direction of the Principal and Vice Principal (Curriculum), the Head of Biology is responsible for the leadership, organisation and efficient running of the Department in accordance with school policies and practice, and in pursuit of high standards of pupil achievement. PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION The school seeks to appoint a successful and effective teacher who shows energy, enthusiasm, commitment and adaptability to change. The newly appointed Head of Department will have expertise in the teaching of Biology and be able to demonstrate the following skills essential to the role: The ability to lead, manage and motivate people to work towards common goals The ability to solve problems and make decisions, seeking advice as appropriate The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing The ability to plan time effectively and organise oneself well The main duties and responsibilities of the post are: TEACHING AND LEARNING 1 To be responsible for the effective management of teaching and learning of Biology throughout the school, Key Stage 3 through to A-level. 2 To keep teaching methods and syllabuses under constant review, and to produce and submit annual schemes of work to the Vice Principal. 3 To evolve and administer appropriate systems to monitor the progress of pupils: (a) through supervising the departmental homework timetable (b) through a programme of on-going assessment (c) to ensure that pupils are prepared and entered for external examinations at the appropriate level 4 To set, monitor and evaluate expectations and targets for improvement in keeping with the school development plan. 5 To monitor, evaluate and report departmental examination results using school data as it is made available by the Principal. 6 To encourage and monitor the appropriate use of ICT in teaching and learning. LEADING AND MANAGING STAFF 7 To actively promote staff development through: (a) setting high individual standards and encouraging others to do the same by discussion of good practice both at Departmental meetings and with individuals as the occasion demands (b) allocation of classes which takes account of each teacher's experience and responsibilities and the needs of the Department (c) involving staff in decision-making within the Department (d) sending representatives to suitable courses (e) dissemination of information from courses attended 8 To develop constructive working relationships, teamwork and mutual support amongst colleagues within the Department. 9 By means of regular meetings to supervise closely the work of inexperienced and, in particular beginning teachers, and to report their progress to the appropriate member of the Leadership Team. 10 To review staff performance as required by school policy, and recommend and arrange staff development as appropriate. 11 To advise the Principal on the appointment of staff for the Department 12 To liaise with Heads of Year, the Learning Support Teachers and Careers Staff as necessary. EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE DEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES 13 To manage the resources allocated to the Department in an efficient and effective manner. 14 To ensure that the rooms and facilities used by the Department are kept in good condition, reporting any maintenance issues to the Head of Premises. 15 To ensure the implementation of health and safety regulations as appropriate. 16 To use the Department's accommodation to create an effective and stimulating environment. DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF BIOLOGY 17 To attend the meetings of Heads of Department. 18 To take part in curriculum development and review as required. 19 To hold regular Departmental meetings with agenda and recorded minutes which should be submitted to the Principal and Vice Principal. 20 To work with the ICT-Coordinator in supporting whole school ICT initiatives and projects. 21 In keeping with the ethos and aims of the school, to be responsible for the delivery and promotion of Biology and other related areas through the school's website and social media presence. NOTES: 1 The above responsibilities are subject to the general duties and responsibilities contained in the statement of conditions of employment. 2 This job definition is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. It will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after due consideration. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: Applicants must (as of 1 September 2026) have a good honours degree (2:1 minimum) in which Biology is a major component. be a qualified teacher recognised by the Department of Education have three years' teaching experience of Biology to A2 Level. be able to demonstrate a breadth of experience across the discipline. demonstrate enthusiasm, energy and imagination along with good organisational and interpersonal skills. demonstrate the ability to lead a department. DESIRABLE CRITERIA: Preference may be given to applicants who (as of 1 September 2026) have experience of leading a department or managing staff show willingness to contribute to the extra-curricular life of the school show evidence of management development and training The Board of Governors reserves the right to enhance the above criteria at shortlisting. APPLICATIONS It is preferred that application forms are emailed in Word format to the Principal's Personal Assistant, Mrs McDowell at . An acknowledgement will be sent by return of email. Applicants should ensure that they indicate clearly on their application form how they meet the criteria. The closing date for receipt of application forms is Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 12 midday. In order to comply with DE guidelines on Child Protection, shortlisted applicants should bring an original birth certificate and/or marriage certificate (if appropriate) plus photographic ID to their interview. NB: It is an offence for an individual who is on either of the Department's Lists (UP List and/or List 99), or who is the subject of a disqualification order from the courts, to apply for, or offer to do any work, paid or unpaid, in a regulated position.

TEMPORARY TEACHER OF MUSIC TO A-LEVEL AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES TO GCSE This post is available from 9th March 2026 General Information The Wallace High School is a co-educational, voluntary grammar school founded in 1880. The Music Department The Music Department consists of the Head of Department, a specialist Music teacher and 13 peripatetic specialist tutors. The Department is housed in purpose-built accommodation. This position is advertised to cover the temporary leave of the specialist Music teacher who also teaches Religious Studies. The Religious Studies Department The Department consists of the Head of Department, a specialist teacher of Religious Studies and one other member of staff who also teaches Music. Main Responsibilities To be responsible to the Principal through the Head of Music and Head of Religious Studies for the effective teaching and learning of Music and Religious Studies throughout the school. To teach Music and Religious Studies in accordance with school policies and practice, and in pursuit of high standards of pupil achievement. To be actively involved in extra-curricular music in accordance with school policies and practice. This will include taking the lead in organising and directing the school orchestra. To act as Class Tutor to an assigned group and carry out duties in accordance with school policies and practice. Extra Curricular Music The school has a thriving, successful choral and orchestral/instrumental tradition. The successful candidate will be expected to assist and develop these further as required by the Head of Department. The successful candidate will be required to lead and manage the orchestra. The above responsibilities are subject to the general duties and responsibilities contained in the statement of conditions of appointment. This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. It will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after due consideration. Qualifications and Experience Essential Criteria Applicants must (as at 1 January 2026) have a good honours degree (2:1 minimum) in which Music is a major component. be a qualified teacher recognised by the Department of Education and GTCNI. show ability to train school choral and instrumental ensembles. show commitment to making significant contribution to extra-curricular music activities. have experience in piano accompaniment inside or outside school. Desirable Criteria Preference may be given to applicants who (as at 1 January 2026) have experience of teaching Music to GCSE. have experience of teaching Music to A Level have experience of teaching Religious Studies to Key Stage 3 or GCSE or A Level have experience of training school choral and instrumental ensembles. experience is only considered post teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent), i.e. does not include teaching practice. The Board of Governors reserves the right to enhance the above criteria at shortlisting. Applications It is preferred that application forms are emailed in Word version to the Principal's Personal Assistant, Mrs C McDowell at . An acknowledgement will be sent by return of email. Applicants should ensure that they indicate clearly on their application form how they meet the criteria. The closing date for receipt of application forms is Thursday, 22 January 2026 at 12 midday. In order to comply with DE guidelines on Child Protection shortlisted applicants should bring an original birth certificate and/or marriage certificate (if appropriate) plus photographic ID to their interview. NB: It is an offence for an individual who is on either of the Department's Lists (UP List and/or List 99), or who is the subject of a disqualification order from the courts, to apply for, or offer to do any work, paid or unpaid, in a regulated position. Extra-Curricular Activities A broad education, we believe, values the academic progress of each individual but aims to complement it with an extensive range of extra-curricular activities. There is an impressive variety of flourishing clubs and societies which provide scope for personal development. They build in our young people a sense of responsibility, confidence and self-discipline. Sports Athletics (boys and girls) Netball Badminton (boys and girls) Rugby Cricket (boys and girls) Show-jumping (boys and girls) Cross-country (boys and girls) Squash (boys and girls) Golf (boys and girls) Swimming (boys and girls) Hockey (boys and girls) Tennis (boys and girls) Clubs and Societies Art Club Bar Mock Trial Biology Dissection Workshops (KS3) Book Club Capella Cookery Skills Club Creative Writing Critical Thinking Current Affairs Debating Drama Club Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme Eco Club First Lego League First Tech Challenge Guitar Club Honours Choir Jazz Ensemble Junior Film Club Junior Languages Club KS3 Linguistics Club Maths Challenge and Competitions Mathematics Problem Solving Club Public Speaking QUB IT Subject Ambassadors Programme Rotary Interact School Orchestra Scripture Union (Junior and Senior) Song Writer Club Warhammer and Dungeons and Dragons Club WHS Junior Choir