Head of Computer Science

Dollar Academy, set in a stunning 70-acre campus at the foot of the Ochil Hills, has been a co-educational day and boarding school since its foundation in 1818. Today, it provides an exceptional all-round education to over 1,300 pupils aged 5-18. Our focus is on encouraging the individual talents and ambitions of every young person, in a positive and supportive environment that fosters the development of transferable skills, self confidence and strong personal values.

We are looking to recruit a highly capable and visionary Head of Computer Science to run a successful department, which has the aim of using a using a hands-on approach to learning to ensure our pupils can harness the potential of computing science and be a force for good in the world.

The courses currently offered by the Computing department are as follows:

Primary 6: An 8-period modular course that introduces the pupils to the programming language Scratch. The pupils also practise audio and graphics editing, and learn how to create simple web pages.

Primary 7: An 8-period modular course where the pupils expand their programming skills. They learn how to create and manipulate simple databases and are introduced to the concept of data encryption. The pupils also develop computational thinking skills to help them solve problems logically and efficiently

S1: An 11-period largely practical course that carousels with the Form I Business Education course. It provides pupils with a taster in computing topics and lays the foundations for practical coding and multimedia technology skills.

S2: A weekly period that builds on the knowledge and skills introduced earlier. A popular element of this course is the annual Form II programming competition where pupils work in groups to develop an animation or interactive game.

S3/S4: In 2021/2022 there are two National 5 Computing Science classes in both S3 and S4.

S5/S6: This session there is one Higher Computing Science class and one Advanced Higher class. A number of modules are offered to S6 pupils.

The successful candidate will be expected to lead by example and be able to teach the full range of courses offered with confidence and authority. They will ensure they and their department immerse themselves fully in the delivery of these courses and are diligent and conscientious in the preparation of pupils for internal and external examinations. The attainment levels of our pupils are high, with SQA results consistently of an excellent standard.

A genuine love of their subject, enthusiasm for teaching it and an imaginative, creative and energetic approach to helping pupils to share this enjoyment is essential. The successful candidate will also require the organisational and communication skills that are essential to the smooth running and successful leadership of the department.

The Academy has a rich co-curricular programme in which all members of staff are expected to participate.

The salary for the post will be SNCT Principal Teacher Scale Point 1 with the Dollar enhancement of 10% in addition.

Candidates should either be registered with the GTCS, or eligible for registration.

Letters of application, accompanied by a completed application form (available on the school website www.dollaracademy.org.uk) should be sent to The Human Resources Manager, Dollar Academy, Dollar FK14 7DU (or by e-mail to recruitment@dollaracademy.org.uk) by noon on Friday 28^th January 2022

All appointments are subject to receipt of a satisfactory PVG Scheme Record or Scheme

Record Update from Disclosure Scotland.

The Governors of Dollar Academy Trust is a charity registered in Scotland SC009888