Description:
The Politics Department is a small, highly collaborative team of two teachers, both of whom also teach History across KS3, KS4 and KS5. We have an excellent academic record, with 64% of all students achieving A* in 2026, and 82% A*-A. In 2025, A*-A was 92% (38% A*). Numbers range from 12-18 a year opting to study Politics A level, with over half the cohort choosing to go on to study a Politics-related degree at university, including at Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh and King’s College, London.
Politics has a particularly strong co-curricular profile. The Department runs the highly successful Model United Nations (MUN) Club, giving students the opportunity to debate international issues, develop their public speaking and negotiation skills, and engage with politics beyond the classroom. Sixth Form students also benefit from running Politics Club for younger pupils, and mock elections and debates in line with the political calendar. A programme of guest speakers brings politicians, journalists, academics and other practitioners into the School to share their expertise and challenge students’ thinking. Together, these opportunities create a vibrant political culture within the School, offering students across the school the chance to develop confidence, intellectual curiosity and a genuine enthusiasm for Politics.
What You Will Do
- Lead the Politics Department, driving excellence in teaching, learning and pupil outcomes.
- Deliver outstanding Politics lessons at A Level and teach History across the School.
- Develop and implement a clear strategic vision for the department.
- Monitor and evaluate teaching and learning through lesson observations, work scrutiny and pupil feedback.
- Coach, support and develop departmental colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Track and monitor pupil progress, implementing effective interventions where required.
- Lead curriculum development and ensure schemes of work remain innovative, relevant and engaging.
- Promote the effective use of digital learning technologies to enhance pupil achievement.
- Oversee departmental assessment, reporting and examination outcomes.
- Lead and further develop the department's extensive co-curricular programme, including Model United Nations, debates, guest speakers, Politics Club and mock elections.
- Contribute to the wider pastoral and academic life of the School, including Form Tutor responsibilities where required.
- Manage departmental resources and contribute to strategic planning and staffing discussions.
What We Are Looking For
- An inspiring and knowledgeable Politics specialist with a passion for the subject.
- A successful classroom practitioner with a proven track record of delivering excellent outcomes.
- The ability and enthusiasm to teach History alongside Politics.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate, support and develop colleagues.
- Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
- A strategic thinker who is committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
- A collaborative and reflective approach to leadership.
- High expectations for pupil achievement, conduct and personal development.
- The ability to build positive and professional relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.
- A commitment to the values, ethos and ambitions of Surbiton High School.