TEACHER OF CHEMISTRY JOB DESCRIPTION The Science department is made up of a team of four full-time and two part-time teachers with the support of a full-time and a part-time technician. The team deliver the subject across the school from First Form to Upper Sixth and girls are taught by subject specialists in Physics, Chemistry and Biology from the start of First Form onwards. The department staff work as a cohesive team to provide a supportive environment where pupils develop the core skills associated with the modern Science curriculum and a knowledge and understanding of principles underlying everyday experiences; teaching is flexible and differentiated to match the range of abilities and learning styles of the girls. To aid interactive teaching and learning, the department makes extensive use of practical and project work and there is a wide range of ICT and other resources available for use in lessons and online via the school VLE. Staff also offer an extensive range of drop-in workshop support at lunchtime and after school so girls can seek help outside of lessons where necessary. The department is in a central position in the school on two floors of a spacious building which has been in use since February 2017. There are eight state of the art laboratories, a departmental office and two prep rooms, one of which has a large staff work area. Girls are placed in sets after the first term in First Form and although we follow a common scheme of work, there is differentiation according to ability. Prior’s Field follows the Exploring Science curriculum for Science for Key Stage 3. GCSE work is introduced from the beginning of the Third Form. There is also the option for more able girls to take separate GCSEs in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. At A Level, we currently follow the revised OCR A specifications for Chemistry. Chemistry is a popular A Level choice and over half of the current Lower Sixth study at least one Science A Level. Girls studying Science A Levels have progressed on to an impressive range of University courses at top institutions in recent years, including pure science, medicine, veterinary science and engineering. In addition to the mainstream curriculum, pupils are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of Science-related activities and visits while at school. A Fun Experiments Club is offered to Lower School girls as well as curriculum-based visits to broaden knowledge and experience beyond the classroom. Recent trips have included the Science Museum, Marwell Zoo, Intech in Winchester and talks for A Level and GCSE at the Institute for Education and the Royal Institution in London. The department also offers several opportunities to stretch and challenge our more able girls. These include participation in external events such as the Surrey Schools Problem Solving Challenge, Salters Festival of Chemistry and Top of the Bench competitions and the school has run a number of high-profile STEM events in recent years. This role reports to the Head of Chemistry and Biology Responsibilities of this post: • Teaching Chemistry up to and including KS5. • Looking for opportunities to promote Chemistry outside of the curriculum. • Running at least one Chemistry workshop per week. Additional responsibilities of all teaching staff include: • Supporting the ethos of a boarding school and working in accordance with the school’s aims and policies. • Maintaining good order and discipline among pupils, safeguarding their health and safety at all times when they are the responsibility of the school. • The school places a high priority on excellent pastoral care and this responsibility is shared by all staff. • Maintaining high standards of time keeping, attending assemblies, playing an active role in the life of the school, including the extra-curricular activities programme, supporting school functions and attending year group social events, where appropriate. • Carrying out supervisory and general duties as reasonably required, upholding good standards of behaviour and punctuality among pupils. • Participating in meetings as required. • Preparing and teaching lessons in accordance with agreed departmental and school schemes of work and teaching strategies. • Knowing and adhering to all school and departmental polices. • Setting and marking work regularly, including homework, according to school policy and in a style agreed within the department. • Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils in accordance with departmental and school policies. • Undertaking duties as a Form Teacher. • Participating in arrangements for preparing and assessing pupils’ work for public examinations. • Contributing to the formulation and revision of departmental schemes of work, teaching resources, assessment materials and developing new courses. • On taking up a new appointment, participating in the school’s programme of induction and review of new staff. • Participating in the school’s Annual Appraisal programme. • Participating in arrangements for staff development and INSET. Page 2 of 6 • Participating in administrative and organisational tasks related to all the above, including management and supervision of all ancillary staff when appropriate. • Attending all required school functions, as directed by the Head: staff meetings, parents’ evenings, homework duty, Open Days, Options Information Evenings etc. and preparing exhibits, demonstrations as required. • Undertaking any other duties deemed appropriate by the Head within the context of the school ethos and the teaching programme. PERSON SPECIFICATION Experience and qualifications QTS or equivalent A degree in a relevant subject A relevant subject specialism A demonstrable track record of delivering excellent student outcomes at KS3 and KS4 A demonstrable track record of delivering excellent student outcomes at KS5 Evidence of being an excellent classroom teacher at secondary level Exemplary and up to date knowledge of teaching the relevant subject Previous experience of working at a similar level Previous work experience in a UK independent school with a boarding element Experience of budgeting/financial management and resource management Experience of successful leadership of, or within, a relevant subject Experience as a tutor Skills and competencies The ability to demonstrate knowledge of latest specifications and curriculum developments Knowledge of national educational policy, priorities and initiatives Page 3 of 6 Essential Desirable x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to relate well to people on all levels, to resolve conflicts in a sensitive manner and to encourage and motivate The ability to motivate and inspire and to build warm and effective professional relationships with staff, pupils and parents Strong organisational skills x x x An understanding of how to use data to analyse past and current performance in order to improve outcomes x A flair for creative solutions to problems The willingness to acquire skills as appropriate A good understanding of the latest evidence and thinking regarding effective practice in the teaching and assessment of the relevant subject A secure understanding of what excellent teaching in the relevant subject looks like An interest in pupils of all abilities and willingness and ability to inspire them The ability to formulate and lead short and long term development plans The ability to plan and implement change The ability to analyse situations or problems and suggest strategies for improvement Effective communication skills both in writing and speech Effective IT skills Knowledge about how young people learn Knowledge of use of appropriate target setting and monitoring procedures The ability to teach outstanding lessons across the age range The ability to develop effective schemes of work The ability to add value to pupil outcomes The ability to operate safe practices A full awareness of the current issues relating to teaching your subject in schools x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Knowledge of higher education curriculum opportunities x Page 4 of 6 Have the ability to lead by example, empower others and command respect An excellent record of punctuality and attendance Personal qualities Be passionate about education, the relevant subject and learning Be keen, enthusiastic, innovative, resourceful, adaptable, flexible and inspirational, with a sense of perspective Have a high degree of emotional intelligence Have a genuine respect for and motivation for working with girls and young women Have a sensitivity to the needs of girls and young women as well as colleagues Be able to earn the respect of pupils, staff and parents Be strongly committed to improving outcomes for all students and the drive and determination to make this happen Demonstrate the ability to show initiative and to work independently and as part of a team Have a vision for provision of the relevant subject across all key stages and the drive to implement it Have the imagination and confidence to develop and share new ideas Have personal integrity, honesty, energy, stamina, resilience and enthusiasm Have the charisma to lead, challenge, support and motivate members of staff Demonstrate sound judgment and discretion Have a willingness to give generously of their time to support school events and activities Have a commitment to personal development and life-long learning x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Be an effective and supportive team leader and team member x Have high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, behaviour and positive, respectful relationships with students, parents and colleagues x Page 5 of 6 Be a reflective practitioner Set high expectations for themselves and their students Be committed to safeguarding our pupils in line with the school’s Safeguarding Policy Have an affinity with, and commitment to, the independent education generally and Prior’s Field in particular x x x x Page 6 of 6