Teacher of Science

THE VACANCY

Bloxham School is seeking to appoint an inspirational teacher of Science with excellent subject knowledge. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake a full teaching timetable across the science subjects at KS3 and have the ability to teach at least one to GCSE. It would be an advantage if the successful candidate also had A-level experience in one area but not essential. The successful teacher would be expected to become fully involved in the life of a busy boarding school, including an involvement in extracurricular activities and tutoring.

Bloxham Science staff demonstrate a clear passion for the subject which we aim to share with our pupils. We also aim to make the subject interesting, relevant and fun. We look forward to welcoming a new member of staff to the Science Department who is able and willing to contribute fully to all these areas.

THE CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT

The Chemistry Department comprises of three full time Chemistry staff undertaking teaching over the full range of ages from 11 to 18.

Chemistry is a popular subject beyond GCSE and there is an increasing number of students looking to take A Level Chemistry. Currently we have 26 students studying A Level Chemistry and are looking to expand our numbers further. Pure and applied Science, Medical and Vocational Sciences are an increasingly popular choice for students to study at University. At GCSE all students are taught by specialist teachers and we follow the AQA Specification. We teach the GCSE course over three years which enables us to combine academic rigour with a strong emphasis on practical work. In the Lower School (Years 7 & 8) we follow an in-house course in Chemistry which aims to enthuse students to develop a genuine love of and interest in the subject, and to develop their skill level to ready them for GCSE.

THE PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

The Physics Department comprises three full-time staff undertaking teaching over the full range of ages from 11 to 18. Physics is a popular subject beyond GCSE with two sixth form sets in each year group. Examination results are consistently good & engineering is a popular choice for students to study at University, so the person appointed would be expected to help students with their applications and interview preparations. We follow the AQA A syllabus at A level, and at GCSE. At AS Level, we use Cambridge International Education.  Our top sets take three separate science GCSEs with the remainder taking double award. In order to facilitate this, we teach the GCSE course over three years. In the Lower School (years 7 & 8) we follow an in-house course in foundation physics & science skills.

THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Biology at Bloxham School Bloxham Science staff demonstrate a clear passion for the subject which we aim to share with our pupils. We also aim to make the subject interesting, relevant and fun. We look forward to welcoming a new member of staff to the Science Department who is able and willing to contribute fully to all these areas. Biology is one of the three science courses taught at Bloxham. Each year group is set and taught by subject specialists. Biology students are usually at the forefront of Bloxham’s very popular Animal Club activities. Through the Lower School syllabus we provide all our pupils with a broad introduction to the topics covered at GCSE. We aim to do this in a practical way and design the lessons to be handson to develop our pupils’ application of the subject.

At GCSE, we use the AQA GCSE syllabus. This specification does not have any controlled assessment material and so allows students to develop a more detailed understanding of topics to prepare themselves for the jump to A Level. The course covers all the main topics and our Scheme of Work has been developed to maintain the kinaesthetic learning that we encourage within the department.

At A-Level, we use Cambridge International Education. This is modular with two written exams at the end of the Lower Sixth, alongside a controlled practical assessment, with two further exams at the end of the Upper Sixth.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• To be an inspirational teacher of Science to model excellence in teaching and learning ensuring enthusiasm for the subject and leading to high value-added results for students in external examinations.
• To lead curriculum development to ensure both knowledge and skill acquisition.
• Ensure that a safe working environment is maintained within all aspects of the work of the Department.
• Maintain existing resources and explore opportunities to develop new resources.
• Utilise the Department's accommodation to create an effective and stimulating environment for teaching and learning.
• Promotion of science throughout the school and wider community.
• Play an active role in the extra-curricular life of the Department, including contributing to off-timetable workshops, extension programmes, competitions, trips, open days etc.
• To play a full part in the broader curriculum at Bloxham school, sharing in the diverse life of this busy boarding school, and specifically contributing to tutoring within the school.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Excellent academic qualifications, including a degree in Chemistry, Biology, Physics or a closely related subject and PGCE qualified or equivalent.

A proven record of preparing students for external examinations and a record of achieving high VA results.

Inspirational teaching and learning practitioner with experience of teaching Science, and able to develop a strong positive rapport with students.

A confident user of IT for administration and lesson delivery.

A high level communicator with the skills and ability to work with colleagues as part of a team and to liaise with pupils, parents, teachers, and support staff.

A well-organised and self-motivated individual.

In sympathy with the ethos of the school.

Committed to boarding school life and willing to engage in a range of science related extra-curricular activities.

Desirable:

The ability to teach KS3 physics, biology and chemistry.

KEY INFORMATION

Start Date: September 2024

Accountable to: Deputy Head - Pastoral

Working Hours: Full Time

Salary: Bloxham salary scale, dependent on experience

Closing Date: 09:00 on Friday 3rd May 2024

BENEFITS

• Enrolment in the Teacher's Pension Scheme (Currently undergoing Governors’ consultation with potential change to pension provision for September 2024).
• Tea, coffee and lunch provided during working hours
• Free parking on site
• Access at no charge to the School's sporting, swimming and fitness facilities, including gym and tennis courts
• Strong, supportive staff community with a school councillor available
• Opportunities for continuous professional development