Classics is thriving at Westminster, both in the classroom and via its rich and extensive co-curricular contribution. The Head of Classics thus occupies a pivotal and highly valued place in the intellectual and cultural life of the School. This post presents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and expert Classicist to join and lead the department as the School transitions towards full co-education from 2028.
The department comprises six full-time colleagues in total and has an enthusiastic, dedicated and supportive atmosphere. We have a strong commitment to rigorous and stretching language teaching: at all levels the pupils learn to translate into the target language, and all Upper School pupils study prose composition. Our schemes of work take the pupils far outside and beyond the linguistic and literary prescriptions of the public examinations (OCR), roving across the gamut of the Classical disciplines. Opportunities abound for visits to the world-class museums, universities and theatre on our doorstep in central London, as well as for cross-disciplinary initiatives with other departments and trips further afield and abroad. Our focus on high standards of teaching and learning leads our pupils to exceptional results at GCSE, A level and university entrance.
Currently all pupils study Latin and Greek in Year 9; in subsequent years both subjects are optional. Typically each year about 50 pupils sit GCSE Latin, about 25 GCSE Greek. In the Upper School, about 25 pupils per year group study Latin, about 8 Greek; typically around 10 pupils per year secure places to study Classics at the most prestigious universities.
The successful candidate will lead and inspire the Classics colleagues to maintain and further develop this flourishing programme. They will also collaborate with other Heads of Department on the ongoing curriculum review, which aims to maintain Westminster’s very high academic standards while also continuing to develop and refine curricula and pedagogy in light of the School’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and technological advancement.
The Head of Classics is responsible to the Head Master for:
- the successful teaching of their subject and its contribution to the educational aims of the School in ways that will inspire pupils;
- the provision of leadership to departmental colleagues, playing a significant role in their review and professional development;
- the efficient administration of the department’s resources, facilities and budget;
- the effective representation of the department both within and beyond the School.
Heads of Department also work closely with the Deputy Head (Academic) as their line-manager and can expect their full support.
As senior members of the staff establishment, Heads of Department are expected to be fully conversant with all school policies and to play their part in promoting good conduct among pupils and staff both within departments and throughout the School.