Head of Cognitive Science and Digital Literacy

Salary: QE Teacher Pay Scale + TLR1a

Introduction:

Queen Ethelburga’s is set in more than 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, on the Thorpe Underwood Estate. Staff work as one team – whether they are directly teaching or supporting students as part of the school and pastoral teams, or as part of our estates team making sure that the campus works as it should – to create a vibrant learning and living environment in which every student can thrive. We aspire to excellence, have high expectations of ourselves and others, and take pride in everything we do. We aim to nurture resilient, confident, and independent lifelong learners. The Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Standard is ‘To be the best that I can with the gifts that I have’.

Job purpose

We are thrilled to announce the creation of a new position as the Head ofCognitive Science and Digital Literacy at our innovative and high-achieving independent school. This role is designed to spearhead the integration of digital skills, artificial intelligence, and human intelligence, paving the way for a future-ready generation. As a key member of our Head of Department team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape by overseeing the development of innovative programs that bridge the gap between technology and human capabilities. This job description is written at a specific time and is subject to change as the demands of the Collegiate and the role develops. The role requires flexibility and adaptability and the employees of the Collegiate need to be aware that they may be asked to perform tasks and be given responsibilities not detailed in this job description.

Main Responsibilities:

Managing Staff

• Oversee the work of curriculum leaders within the department to ensure alignment with the school's academic goals.

• Monitor and enhance teacher performance through continuous professional development.

• Support the Super curricular coordinator in advancing opportunities for student stretch and challenge, emphasizing the importance of key subjects.

Student Experience

• Monitor and promote student welfare and wellbeing, fostering an environment conducive to happy and healthy students and a positive approach to learning.

Whole School Responsibility

• Champion Digital Literacy across all years, developing and reviewing a comprehensive programme to ensure students are equipped with essential 21st-century skills.

• Develop student understanding of artificial intelligence, emphasizing responsible use and applications in future careers.

• Explore and develop the link between human and artificial intelligence, emphasizing ethical considerations.

• Promote and help students to develop essential human skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and empathy, ensuring a balanced education, as part of the Thrive at QE programme.

Curriculum

• Oversee the provision and delivery of courses and qualifications related to digital skills and Cognitive Science currently including Computer Science and Psychology

• Explore and develop new curriculum opportunities linked to digital and human skills, fostering a dynamic and forward-thinking academic environment.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with the teaching and learning team to promote metacognition and in supporting the integration of digital technology and AI in teaching.

• Partner with the Head of Careers and Employability Skills to help deliver essential skills needed for future success.

• Build links with other academic departments to establish cross-curricular links with related curriculum areas.

Person Specification:

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Cognitive Science, Digital Education, or a related field.

• Proven experience in academic leadership, preferably in a similar role.

• In-depth knowledge of digital skills, Cognitive Science, and artificial intelligence.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and management skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Innovative and forward-thinking approach to education.

• Ability to inspire and motivate both students and staff.

• Understanding of ethical considerations related to artificial intelligence.

Personal Qualities

• Passion for education and a commitment to student success.

• Adaptability and openness to embrace change.

• Visionary thinking with the ability to turn ideas into actionable plans.

• A collaborative and team-oriented mindset.

Other Requirements

• Enhanced DBS check.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

If you are a dynamic and forward-thinking educational leader, eager to shape the future of education, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join us on this transformative journey to prepare students for success in the digital age while fostering essential human skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries, with a range of flexible hours to suit
• 10% discount on Kindergarten fees (aged 3 months to 3 years
• 25% discount on all summer / holiday courses.
• Significant discount on school fees from age 3 to 18.
• Free private staff gym, separate to the students with state of the art equipment.
• Free, secure onsite parking and electrical vehicle charging points on site for staff
• Free flu jabs offered through our medical centre
• Staff community social events including bonfire and fireworks, Christmas ball, summer family fun day etc.
• 24/7 Employee Assistant Programme
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Increased holiday entitlement for staff with long service
• Long service awards
• Discount on King’s Theatre productions – external events
• Enhanced paternity / maternity pay, including new baby book
• Refer a friend scheme - We believe that staff are our greatest and most valuable asset, and this scheme involves and financially rewards our staff for referring like-minded candidates who join our school community.

Applying:

QE is committed to ensuring a safe environment for its pupils and staff. Applicants will be required to provide proof of identity and undergo the relevant DBS checks for their role.

Any personal information you share with us on your application form will be used solely for recruitment purposes. Your details will be held for up to 6 months and destroyed after this time.

Any questions on individual roles or the recruitment process can be sent to the HR department on recruitment@qe.org

We receive high volumes of applications, due to this if you have not heard from us within two weeks of your application, unfortunately on this occasion your application will not have been successful.