Science Teacher

Burnside Secondary PRU is an Ofsted rated (Good) Pupil Referral Unit, part of the Hawkswood group of schools, dedicated to providing an excellent education for all of our students by focusing on progress, safeguarding and wellbeing for all. 

We are a short term specialist provision for young people who are either at risk of exclusion or have been permanently excluded from their mainstream school. We offer a short-term behavioural and educational intervention (typically two terms) for children aged 11-16 who are struggling with regulating their behaviour in mainstream school or who have been permanently excluded.

 Our children require calm and encouraging adults to support them to rebuild their confidence. They are keen to learn, but often come to us with specific gaps in learning due to poor attendance, low levels of resilience or additional needs linked to behaviour, social and emotional needs. 

 As a team we work hard to close these gaps to enable children to develop academically, socially and emotionally, so that they can return to mainstream school. Our curriculum is engaging, exciting and focuses on the development of the whole child, including personal, social, cognitive, creative, health and wellbeing. As a result, the vast majority of our pupils make progress during their time with us and successfully return to mainstream provision.

 Our class sizes are small, with a supporting adult in every class. We work with various multi agency support including a CAMHs therapist and Educational Psychologist. Together we work as a team to provide intensive care and support.

The day-to-day role will involve teaching science across KS3 and KS4, including GCSE, adapting learning to ensure all students can access core subject knowledge and developing an engaging science curriculum.

We are interested in candidates who are resilient, flexible and able to build positive relationships with young people. The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong commitment to the aims, values and ethos of the Hawkswood group and work with our committed highly supportive team

We also have an extensive enrichment programme to which staff bring their own personal skills and interests. This year the programme has included swimming, trampolining, Ju-Jitsu, cooking and boxing, to help pupils develop skills outside of the academic learning programme. 

If appointed, you will be joining a team committed to changing lives and truly making a difference for all our pupils, a team who work hard together to raise standards in behaviour and educational achievement.

What we are looking for:

·        Someone who wants to make a difference where it most counts

·        Someone who believes that every young person has the potential to succeed with the right help and support

·        Someone who believes in the power of education to change lives

·        Someone who understands the importance of high quality teaching and learning with a personalised approach to meet individual needs. 

Don’t worry if you don’t have PRU or special school experience: very few of us did before we came here, the drive and desire to learn is, however, absolutely essential.

What we can offer you:

·        A school with a strong sense of moral purpose and ethical practice

·        A trauma informed school and a commitment to restorative approaches

·        A supportive staff team

·        CPD opportunities and a commitment to developing professional practice relating to enhancing teaching and learning. 

·        A commitment from Leadership to promote and support innovation.

·        A school which expects high standards of pupil conduct, both in school and in the local community.

·        Small class sizes (max 8 per class) and only 5 classes in the school. 

·        A supportive team who work together and support each other.

·        A well planned curriculum with a combination of academic lessons and enrichment, wellbeing and life skills sessions.

·        An Ofsted Good school.

• Childcare vouchers scheme
• Cycling to work scheme
• Car Parking facilities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free eye tests and £50 towards lenses and frames.

As part of KCSIE 2023 all applicants will be subject on on-line searches. Applicants must be able to form and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries with children, young people and other vulnerable adults. Applicants should have the ability to understand the difficulties and pressures associated with caring for children/vulnerable adults and demonstrate appropriate coping mechanisms.

As a thriving and diverse school, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in The Hawkswood Group’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQI+ people

 The Hawkswood Group is committed to promoting the safeguarding of children. Please note that this position requires as enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks will be carried out prior to appointment.

Please see the JD and person specification. For further information call the Headteacher, Liz Rattue on 020 8289 4740 for an informal discussion about the position. Visits are also welcomed.