Advice needed for science teacher

[itheringblidiot]

I am 10 years into teaching and have been at current school for 3 years. It's become apparent overtime that there are an elite group of teachers in our department who the HOD only trusts with top set classes and A-level. I have taught triple science in previous schools but don't get a look in at this school and all but the bottom set year 11 groups are divided between these 3 elite teachers so they get all the gain time at the end of the year. I've spoken to my HOD informally about being deskilled if I'm not teaching my specialism but this has fallen on deaf ears. The HOD and SID happen to be besties and so have it all wrapped up between them. I'm at a loss at what strategy to take here. Finding another job is an option but having to say I've not been teaching triple, top sets at GCSE or a level would put me at a real disadvantage anyway. Any advise as to what my next move should be to put my case forward?

I'm a science HoD and this would not happen in my department!
I make sure I timetable fairly.
Occasionally, I have been unable to give Y11 to a staff member who is very weak but otherwise, it is shared as far as possible.
I also make sure I take my fair share of lower classes.
This year, I have a very high SEN need Y7 group and two bottom sets Y11s.
I do teach triple Physics as well but always have my fair share of lower sets.

If you are getting no where with HoD you could speak to a member of SLT.

Otherwise, sadly, I'd say move on. It won't affect you application as long as you also reference your experience in other schools. Science recruitment is massively difficult at the moment so an experienced teacher will be snapped up!

Definitely move, you won’t change them and that is shocking behaviour

You're right to question it and it's definitely not ok. I think I'd move on, it won't be a barrier to have not done the top end for a couple of years. Arguably the 44/43 borderline group is more 'important' anyway, if you had a solid track record with them I wouldn't be that bothered if you'd had a top set or not in the fairly short period of time you're talking about.

However, for balance, I have been in situations where we had staff that we were reluctant to give A level or crucial classes to because of genuine, documented issues with their performance or similar. When those issues were worked on and the member of staff was back on track, they were given a wider mix of classes. Timetabling decisions do have to put the best interests of the students first (not saying that's what's happening here of course!).

Thanks for your responses. If I wanted to address it with the HOD what would people advise is the best way to go about it? What sirt of things should I say without peeing anyone off too much?

Would you not consider using this as an opportunity to apply for HoD roles in other schools? Your experience will be snapped up.

It seems like there is a massive clique - I’d want to be getting out to be fair.