Head of Hockey & Teacher of Physical Education

Westonbirt School is looking for an engaging and talented hockey specialist who has the relevant skills and experience to take on the role of Head of Hockey and Teacher of Physical Education . We are
looking for a candidate who has the skills and ability to coach Hockey to National Level as well as teaching Physical Education up to GCSE and BTEC. The successful candidate will be passionate about their subject, dedicated to providing exceptional learning experiences within and beyond the classroom, and keen to contribute to wider aspects of
School life. This role will include Saturdays as well as National (and potentially International) travel with the Hockey Teams.

The Sports Department:
Major sports at Westonbirt School includes Lacrosse, Netball, Rugby, Hockey and Cricket. Football is an emerging and popular addition to the programme, while Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Athletics, Basketball, Equestrianism and Polo also play an important part in the overall offering. Westonbirt is a medium-sized school with a track record of punching above its weight and an ambition to develop further. The school benefits from excellent sports facilities which include acres of
playing fields, indoor Sports Centre, full size Astroturf pitch, 25m Swimming Pool, a 9-hole Golf Course and arguably one of the most picturesque cricket squares in the country.

This is a Full time, term time position, starting in January 2027.
Salary: An attractive salary & benefits package will be provided.

Benefits:

• Defined pension contribution 12%
• Means tested staff discount
• Complementary lunch
• Access to the group's counselling scheme
• Personal accident cover at work
• On site parking
• Pre-paid shopping discount card
• Cycle to work scheme

Hockey Programme Leadership

• To be the Head of Hockey for the School, developing the ability and attainment of the school locally, national and internationally for both girls and boys.
• To manage the promotional and competitive Hockey fixtures against schools both at home and away.
• To liaise with internal providers who support the PE and Hockey curriculum including Westonbirt Leisure, Transport, Grounds and Catering departments.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the Westonbirt Hockey Development Plan.
  Establish annual objectives and monitor progress.
• Build a culture of excellence, learning and continuous improvement.

Player Development & Pathways

• Develop the player pathway from participation to performance.
• Identify and support talented players.
• Develop links with England Hockey, clubs, academies and representative pathways.
• Develop the profile of Westonbirt Hockey locally, nationally and internationally.
• Develop external partnerships.
• Lead communications and promotion of hockey successes.

Coaching Leadership

• Lead, coordinate and develop the hockey coaching team.
• Establish consistent coaching standards and philosophy.
• Recruit and mentor specialist coaches where required.

Performance & Competition

• Develop appropriate pre-season, in-season and development programmes.
• Coordinate fixtures, tournaments and national competitions.
  Monitor team and individual performance.

Teaching and Learning

• Planning and preparing lessons that are engaging and suitably adapted to the needs of the learners in the class
• Marking and moderating of work according to school guidelines
• Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils
• Organising and participating in extracurricular activities
• Contributing to the development of the department's provision in and beyond the classroom.

Key Events and Academic Calendar

• To attend parents’ evenings, open mornings and where appropriate to the role, or delegated by the DHA, information
  evenings and other events as required.
• Support relevant outreach events with feeder schools.
• Support other key school events, such a performances, extracurricular trips and activities week trips.
• Attend all calendared INSET days.

Continuing Professional Development

• Commitment to maintaining excellent subject knowledge and staying abreast of curriculum and pedagogical developments
  within the subjects they are employed to teach.
• Support department members and others with professional learning whenever possible.

Parents

• Ensure good and timely communication is maintained with parents of pupils, this should encompass areas such as progress, attitude, behaviour and expectations as well as trips and organisational matters.
• Report home as part of the school reporting
  cycle about the progress, effort and
  attainment of pupils.

General Duties

• Act as a form tutor for a group of students, monitor their individual wellbeing and academic progress and maintain strong
  relationships with them and their parents/guardians.
• Ensure the safe and appropriate behaviour of students outside of lessons.
• Lead extra curricular activities and show a commitment to the development of the whole child.
• Uphold school values and promote the school on a local, national and international level as appropriate.
• Be aware of and comply with health and safety policies, legislation and best practice.
• To work within the school procedures and codes of practice.
• To undertake such other duties as required by the Senior Leadership Team.

Personal Specification 

The successful candidate will have the following skills, experience and qualities:

Skills:

• Committed to deliver outstanding teaching based on exceptional subject and pedagogical knowledge.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.
• Excellent planning, administration and time management skills.
• The ability to work to deadlines.

Experience:

• Educated to degree level with Qualified Teacher Status or keen to achieve QTS.
• A track record of excellent pupil progress and attainment.
• Evidence of a commitment to continuing professional development.

Personal Qualities:

• A ‘can do’ attitude and the willingness to work hard to get things done.
• Ambition, energy, enthusiasm and commitment.
• Interest in, and a keenness to be involved with, the extra-curricular life of the school.
• A confident, caring and compassionate approach that ensures positive relationships with colleagues, parents & guardians and pupils.
• Excellent verbal and written English skills, an eye for detail.