Head of Biology

The current Head of Biology, Andrew Morton, retires at the end of session 2008-2009 after a long, distinguished career in Dollar and on the national and international stages.  He has been Head of Biology here since 1985; he has been Principal Assessor in Higher Human Biology since its inception;  and his work in developing examination systems around the world has been significant.  In addition, he has produced a number of text books on the subject, in use throughout the UK’s schools.

His replacement will (where appropriate) be given every opportunity to develop similar skills and strengths.  Dollar Academy is looking to appoint an excellent biology specialist with clear leadership skills.  The department currently has six full-time and one part-time members of staff, all of whom have been involved in national initiatives.  The technician has likewise been involved in national development. 

As will be clear, Biology and Human Biology are regarded as high profile subjects in Dollar Academy, and the courses are followed by large numbers of pupils.  A significant cohort of those studying the subject goes on to further university study in the subject as well as into the professional disciplines of medicine, dentistry and vet.

The following list gives (in no particular order) an insight into the responsibilities:

Organise all field trips.  (Malaysia, Inchcailloch and Kingsbarns).
Arrange cover for absent staff.
Maintain a list of supply teachers to help cover for absent staff.
Ensure supply staff are looked after properly, and paid on time.
Create through negotiation a timetable which is best for pupils and staff alike, and minimises rooming problems.
Ensure that all work-booklets are printed and available on time.
Edit and update workbooks to improve their quality.
Maintain a supply of homework and end-of-topic test sheets.
Organise the purchase, issue and payment for textbooks.
Ensure all aspects of prelim exams are properly carried out: production of papers, invigilation.
Delegate duties, such as marking prelims, to members of staff.
Monitor progress of NAB Unit tests.
Oversee departmental expenditure. [The day to day running is in the capable hands of the Biology technician].
Ensure that the departmental guide is kept up to date on an annual basis;  information flow to Dollar Academy website to be produced and monitored.
Respond to requests from Academy administration re AAA, prelims, SQA data etc.
Maintain central records of results and exam papers .
Prepare a departmental review each year.
Produce a prize winners’ list for prize giving.
Maintain high standards of behaviour of pupils within the department.
Check that the quality of pupil reports is maintained.
Arrange social events for Biology staff.
Provide support for Biology staff with health/family problems.
Oversee technician’s duties.
Oversee the care of animals and plants in the department.
Ensure staff receive adequate opportunities for CPD.
Encourage staff involvement with, e.g. SQA, SSERC, LTS and HMIe.
Attend HoD meetings and give a written report to staff within 24hrs.
Ensure that relevant issues raised by staff are brought to the attention of the Senior Staff Group.
Respond to requests made by outside agencies.
Maintain a central store of resources of all kinds: e.g. paper/video/practical/DVD.
Chair a departmental meeting once a week.
Ensure departmental activities are well represented in Fortunas, the termly Dollar magazine.
Ensure the school diary and bulletin are kept up-to-date with departmental activities.
Liaise with the Deputy Rector over parents’ nights.
Try to represent the department at as many school functions as possible.
Maintain co-operative and friendly contact with other HoDs.
Ensure that the fabric of the department is maintained and updated as required.
Ensure that the department is a safe place in which to work.
Edit the relevant entries in the school information booklets.
Liaise with Teacher Training colleges to ensure we support the training of students.

The new Head of Department will find an environment well-resourced; the opportunity for further development of the department will be available for the successful candidate.  Biology and its related disciplines develop significantly from year to year.

The member of staff appointed should be registered with GTC, or eligible for registration.  The salary will be at Head of Department level on Scottish national scales with the Dollar enhancement of 10% in addition (currently totalling £44,451).

Applications by letter, with up-to-date CV, should be sent to The Rector, Dollar Academy, Dollar  FK14 7DU by Wednesday 4 February, along with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two referees.

It is envisaged that the interviews will be held in late February.

The Academy
Biology Department
Teaching at Dollar