W I T H I N G T O N G I R L S ’ S C H O O L R E C R U I T M E N T P A C K : P A R T T I M E B I O L O G Y T E C H N I C I A N ABOUT WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL Withington Girls’ School was founded in 1890 by a small group of eminent and far-sighted Manchester families who wanted the same educational opportunities to be available for their daughters as were already available to their sons. In keeping with the Founders’ wishes, the School has remained relatively small, with 756 pupils in total with 163 in the Junior School (Years 3 - 6), 429 in the Senior School (Years 7 - 11) and 164 in the Sixth Form. The Head of Withington Girls’ School is a member of both the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) and HMC (The Heads’ Conference). Pupils come from a wide geographical area around Greater Manchester and Cheshire, and from many different social, cultural and religious backgrounds, creating a diversity in which the School rejoices. The School is non-denominational and girls of all faiths, or none, are equally welcome. Through the Withington Girls’ School Trust, around 100 means-tested bursaries are offered each year according to need. The Governing Body is strategically focused and highly supportive of all areas of the School. A FOCUS ON EXCELLENT TEACHING AND PASTORAL CARE The School’s A Level and GCSE results are outstanding, with Withington ranked consistently in national league tables as the top independent school in the North West of England. The Sunday Times’ prestigious schools guide, Parent Power, named Withington the North West Independent Secondary School of the Year 2020, 2022 and 2023 and North West Independent Secondary School of the Decade in 2021. Withington has been listed in the annual Tatler Schools Guide to the UK’s top independent schools since 2012. Girls who gain a place as a result of the entrance examination normally take GCSE/IGCSE examinations in 9/10 subjects, followed by 3 or 4 A Levels. An exciting and varied Enrichment programme offers Sixth Formers core elements such as PSHCE, financial literacy and professional skills plus a range of choices from computer coding and languages, to mosaics, mindfulness and cooking and preparing healthy meals. In addition to the Enrichment Programme, which all Sixth Formers follow, many also complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Studies are directed towards encouraging a love of learning for its own sake, frequently going beyond the confines of the examined curriculum, as well as towards the ultimate goal of University entrance, including Oxford and Cambridge. The excellent quality of teaching and pastoral care is a major factor in the exceptional level of achievement secured by pupils, both within and outside the classroom. Staff are eager to share their passion and enthusiasm for their subjects and give willingly of their time to assist individual pupils outside lesson times; the relationship between pupils and staff is a particular strength of the School. The School runs on ‘the 3 Rs’ of Respect for self, Respect for others, and Responsibility for personal actions and its pupils thrive within the warm, friendly and supportive environment. Preparation for life after school starts early and involves a programme of careers advice, work experience and UCAS application guidance. Older pupils work with younger pupils in numerous ways, through the House system, extra-curricular activities, peer support and mentoring. A BREADTH OF ACTIVITIES Academic excellence is secured alongside an extensive range of extra- curricular opportunities, including Music, Drama, Sport, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Young Enterprise Scheme, Model United Nations, Debating and Robotics Clubs, to name but a few. Sixth Formers volunteer as assistants in local primary schools, residential homes, hospices and hospitals. All pupils, throughout the School, engage in charity fundraising, collectively raising around £30,000 each year. There are special links with local charities, Wood Street Mission and The Booth Centre, The Christie hospital, two schools and a hospital in Kenya and a school in Uganda. Groups of Upper Sixth Formers engage in voluntary projects in The Gambia and pupils take part in World Challenge, or similar, expeditions. Academic departments offer subject-related trips and activities in addition to cultural trips at home and overseas. WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINE ABOUT WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL AN INVESTMENT IN FACILITIES The School enjoys excellent facilities and has an ongoing programme of major developments. Recent projects have included a purpose-built Junior School building, a central, enclosed ‘Hub’ area at the heart of the school and an expanded and refurbished suite of university-standard Chemistry laboratories, all of which were completed in 2015. During 2018 a significant new sports facilities development was completed, reflecting the school’s ongoing commitment to the promotion of physical activity for girls, one of the school’s founding principles. In 2019 the outdoor netball courts and all-weather pitch were resurfaced to a high specification, bringing Withington’s sports facilities to an excellent standard across all areas. Outdoor fitness equipment - also installed in 2019 - has provided an innovative facility that benefits fitness, wellbeing and social interaction for senior pupils. In 2022 the school opened refurbished and extended dining facilities, a new conference suite, Learning Support area and accompanying offices. This reflects our commitment to providing the best facilities we can for our pupils, staff and all in the Withington community. A WELCOMING COMMUNITY The Development Office has strong links with alumnae as well as former and current parents and staff and has been successful in raising substantial amounts for the Bursary Appeal, for the new Chemistry laboratories, Sports facilities and for an Annual Fund which enables enrichment activities for current pupils. Withington Onwards (the past pupils’ association) and the Parent Teacher Association are active in, and committed to, supporting the School socially and financially. There are also close links with the local community including, for example, a range of Saturday morning lessons run by the School for gifted and talented boys and girls from local primary schools under the SHiNE Together programme and an annual event involving a number of primary schools across Greater Manchester known as Manchester Sings. Visitors often comment on the special atmosphere they find at Withington. We are extremely proud of our consistently outstanding record in public examinations and places gained at the most selective universities but also of the happily informal atmosphere, thriving co-curricular programme, community spirit, alumnae network - and engagement with education in its broadest sense which characterise this unique environment. True to the vision of our Founders, our pupils aim high, have boundless opportunities to discover their talents and develop a strong sense of responsibility. We value individuality, celebrate diversity, encourage our pupils to think for themselves and to understand the importance of tolerance an d teamwork. It is our aim that our pupils leave school at ease with themselves, socially aware and ready to face with confidence the challenges of life beyond. WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINE SCHOOL ETHOS At Withington we aim to create an environment in which all pupils are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential, academically, socially and personally. True to our founding principles, we are a school where the pleasure of learning is its own reward. The Withington ethos recognises that understanding the value of learning and knowing how to learn sustains and enriches us throughout our lives. AIMS OF THE SCHOOL The golden rule of respect for self, respect for others and personal responsibility underpins our school community where diversity is celebrated, teamwork valued and every pupil is encouraged to play their part, older pupils and alumnae providing inspirational role models. Combining a wealth of extra-curricular activities with an exceptional academic experience, each girl has the opportunity to develop her talents, skills, interests and character, as well as a strong sense of responsibility which extends beyond the classroom and into the wider world. TO INSPIRE PUPILS WITH AN OUTSTANDING EDUCATION… TO CULTIVATE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, WELLBEING AND A SENSE OF SAFETY... ... through a strong, regularly reviewed curriculum, evidence-based teaching strategies, and transformative technology, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, engagement, and enhanced pupil outcomes ... by fostering an inclusive school environment, holistic pastoral care and enshrining strong values that shape the school’s culture and community relationships TO CHAMPION OUR COMMUNITY… TO EMPOWER FUTURE GENERATIONS… ... by ensuring the quality, motivation, and wellbeing of its staff, fostering meaningful relationships with parents, alumnae, and local stakeholders, and strengthening the school’s influence through robust community engagement ... by further securing long-term financial health, maintaining a strong and stable pupil body, developing additional income streams for the school, and implementing a well-defined marketing strategy to remain competitive and attractive to all WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINE JOB DESCRIPTION The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. JOB TITLE: Part Time Biology Technician REPORTING TO: Head of Biology DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW: ROLE OVERVIEW: CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING: The Biology Department currently consists of five members of staff, including the Head of Department. Teaching staff are supported by a Biology Technician. The successful candidate will join this dynamic team working in a suite of three Laboratories and will support the teaching of Biology to girls from Key Stage 3 to A-level. The results in Biology at both GCSE and A level are consistently excellent with the majority of girls gaining top grades. Uptake of Biology in the Sixth Form is always amongst the highest in the School and many of the girls leave to study Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science or Biological Sciences at University. The Department is extremely well equipped. Each of the two Biology Laboratories and the Junior Science Laboratory has an overhead projector and computer facilities. A library of videos and textbooks support the teaching. The laboratories are linked by a large central Prep Room and a well-resourced Departmental Office. The role of the Biology Technician is to co-ordinate the use of practical resources and facilities and provide assistance in meeting the practical needs of the Biology curriculum. This includes liaising with teaching staff, trailing practical experiments according to any changes in the specifications, modifying practical’s if necessary and providing advice to teaching staff on their conclusions. The role of Part Time Biology Technician is a part of a job share arrangement. Our existing Biology Technician currently works four days a week. The vacant role is to work one day a week, term time only, 08:30am-4:30pm. Your working day will be discussed and agreed during the recruitment process. Please note this day may change year on year to meet curriculum requirements. This job description is written at a specific time and is subject to change as the demands of the School and the role develops. The role requires flexibility and adaptability and the employees of the School need to be aware that they may be asked to perform tasks and be given responsibilities not detailed in this job description. Withington Girls’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. The School will carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media accounts, as part of their application. It is the post holder’s responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of children. You will comply with the Withington Girls’ School Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy, and the requirement to report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead any concerns relating to the safety or welfare of children. WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINE JOB DESCRIPTION The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. 2. To prepare solutions, materials, cultures for living organisms for practical lessons that meets both ‘Health & Safety’ standards and the requirements of the classes involved To carry out risk assessments, to consult model risk assessments that are available and to obtain special risk assessments where no model ones are available. 3. To provide ‘HAZCARDS’ and ‘Risk Assessments’ as required by COSHH Regulations 4. To keep records of all the chemicals stored in the Biology Preparatory room. To keep records of their date of purchase and ensure proper storage. To ensure all containers bear the ‘full name’ of the substance it contains, it’s concentration and any hazards that may be involved. 5. To control the distribution and storage of chemicals in all school laboratories 6. To assemble apparatus- construct, test and modify to avoid any accidents. To ensure all equipment is safely delivered to 7. the laboratories. To ensure that ‘Manual Handling’ risk assessments are carried out when required To take care of laboratory equipment and apparatus, to organise their proper storage to avoid deterioration and hence save any repair costs. To check, clean, maintain, test and repair equipment to the required standard. To obtain any estimates and arrange for any equipment to be sent away for repairs when required. 8. To carry out ‘Visual Inspections’ of portable electrical appliances to check for damage, wear & integrity of mains cable; 9. report damage. Ensure ‘Portable Appliance Test’ is done on regular basis. To ensure stock levels are maintained and future requirements are identified. To compile orders and liaise with suppliers and the finance department as required. 10. To examine regularly all chemicals, and to ‘Dispose’ by the recognised method any chemicals which show signs of deterioration. Examine regularly the bacterial cultures and dispose of them if contaminated. Also to dispose of the inoculated agar plates by an approved method or take them to Withington Hospital (Public Health Labs) to be disposed of safely 11. To check that ‘GAS’ supply is ‘ON’ every morning. In case of ‘FIRE’ (emergency evacuation), turn ‘OFF’ the main switch. To check supply and ensure proper storage of ‘Fire Fighting Equipment’. To ensure sufficient ‘Personal Protective Equipment’ is available in laboratories and is in working order 12. To be responsible to maintain and ensure proper storage of ‘FIRST AID’ box in preparatory room. To ensure ‘EYE WASH EQUIPMENT’ in laboratories is in working order. To keep enough supply of ice in the fridge for FIRST AID use. To make records of any accidents that may occur in the department, and record the incident in an accident book (on School base) for future reference WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINE PERSON SPECIFICATION MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 13. To keep a record of all ‘Biology Textbooks’ and ensure each book is labelled, numbered and stamped. To maintain their safe storage and keep a check on stock levels 14. To take good care of the ‘Plants and Animals’ in the department 15. To take responsibility for supervising students carrying out ‘LUNCH TIME’ activities in the laboratories only on the request of, and on behalf of, a teaching staff member. 16. To provide assistance to Biology staff in ensuring the effective running of the department, on tasks including (but not limited to): Photocopying, laminating, collating and binding; setting up audio visual aids for teaching; assisting with field trips; assisting with displays on open evening; assisting other science staff & technicians when required 17. To ensure all work is carried out in readiness for your job share partner and an appropriate written handover is completed for the other Biology Technician 18. Attend staff meetings, including acting as the Health and Safety representative for the Biology Department, whenever appropriate As a member of staff at Withington you are expected: 1. To maintain good order among the pupils and safeguard their health, safety and welfare in accordance with school policy, on the school premises and on school activities elsewhere 2. To become familiar with, and follow, all school policies 3. To ensure awareness of what is happening in and around the school 4. To attend training and CPD courses as required 5. To undertake any other duties that might be reasonably requested by your line manager, the Headmistress, Deputy Heads, or any other member of SLT. BENEFITS: In addition to providing a warm and inclusive working environment, Withington Girls’ School also offers a comprehensive package to its teaching staff. This package includes: 1. A competitive Withington Pay Scale 2. Workplace pension with 3 x death in service benefit and a 10.6% employer contribution 3. Free School lunches 4. Fully Funded Healthcare Plan through Simply Health 5. Following induction, free use of the fitness suite WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINE PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE METHOD OF ASSESSMENT QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE • Some experience of working with a school or a relevant scientific environment • Experience in use, handling, storage and basic maintenance of specialist biology equipment e.g. microscopes, colorimeters, quadrates’ etc • Working as part of a team SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE • Experience of the correct handling of chemicals • Knowledge of common laboratory hazards, including storage, use and disposal of hazardous chemicals and microbiological material • Knowledge of administration procedures e.g. placing orders, filing and stock control • Excellent subject knowledge • Organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines • Command of English both spoken and written • Interpersonal skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Recognised Health and Safety at Work qualification • Contents of application form • Production of the Applicant’s • A qualification in a scientific original certificates discipline at A-Level or equivalent • Evidence of contributing to extra-curricular work of the department • Teaching experience beyond PGCE • Experience of teaching high ability pupils up to and including A-level • IT skills including Excel • Contents of application form • Evidence of results achieved • Interview • Professional references • Contents of application form • Interview • Professional references WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINE • Contents of application form • Interview • Professional references PERSON SPECIFICATION PERSONAL COMPETENCIES & QUALITIES • Professionalism and outstanding role model for young people and colleagues • Passion for helping children and young people learn • Ability to form and maintain positive and appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people • Willingness to contribute to the extra curricular work of the department • Ability to engender confidence in young people • Commitment to ongoing professional development • Commitment to diversity and inclusion • Trustworthiness and integrity • Tact and diplomacy in dealing with others • Self-awareness; ability to seek and take advice • A warm, friendly and patient manner • Discipline and time management skills • A sense of humour • An outstanding ambassador for Withington Girls’ School, its ethos and values WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE GIRLS SHINE THE SUNDAY TIMES SCHOOLS GUIDE In December 2024, Withington was named Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the North West in the prestigious Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025. This marked the sixth consecutive year the school has received an award from The Sunday Times, including being named as North West Independent Secondary School of the Decade in the 2021 edition of the Schools Guide. TATLER SCHOOLS GUIDE 2025 “ In 1890 a liberal group, supported by the editor of the Manchester Guardian, founded WGS with the admirable aspiration to inspire and empower young women, and to equip them for the future. They’d surely be proud of their legacy.” “ The children here place great store on engaging with and giving back to their wider community, and last year spent approximately 17,730 hours on outreach activities.” “ The academic results are brilliant - 95 per cent of A-levels are A*-B - and the per¬forming arts flourish, with major productions involving the whole school... and if their tastes are a bit niche, the school has an impressive collection of harps to choose from.” GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE REVIEWS Junior School: “ Withington Girls’ Junior School ticks an awful lot of boxes. Pupils have to be bright and able to work at a fast pace, but if this is your daughter then the teaching, environment, extracurricular opportunities and sheer exuberance and chutzpah of this place will open doors and opportunities. What’s not to like?” Senior School: “ Withington’s motto is ‘Ad lucem’ (towards the light), a most fitting way of encapsulating the standard of education at this remarkable school. It’s an inspiring place where very able girls who thrive on being fully engaged in a broad and stimulating curriculum will shine brightly.” Withington Girls’ School, Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL Registered Charity No. 1158226 Tel: 0161 224 1077 Email: office@wgs.org