Description

Biddenham is an 11-19, oversubscribed school that, as we expand, is entering the next phase of its development. Due to our popularity, and as part of our £4.5 million building programme, we need to grow and strengthen our already high performing staff team who, by 2025, will be working with 1600 students. We seek to appoint a well-qualified, professional and enthusiastic Teacher of Science to start in September 2024, or earlier if possible. 

Science

Science is taught throughout the 11-18 age range and at all levels of ability. It is taught in mixed ability groups in Years 7 and 8. In KS4, we offer both Separate Sciences and Combined Science and we follow the OCR Gateway syllabus. In the Sixth Form, students can follow courses in AQA Biology, OCR A Chemistry and OCR B Physics.

The Science Department is well resourced and is committed to extending and improving its range of opportunities for students. Practical experiments are a key part of the curriculum in Science, as we place great emphasis on enquiry in lessons. Our team is dedicated in maintaining curiosity and enthusing passion for our subject with all students. Teachers are well supported by our science technician team, and we have an established mentoring programme within the Department for new and recently qualified teachers. We have well established systems for tracking student progress, and all teachers benefit from being part of such a friendly, well qualified and collaborative department.

Teaching

The successful candidate will be expected to be an excellent classroom practitioner, ideally with Biology specialism up to and including KS5. As a school we value highly the development of new and existing materials and the post will involve the opportunity to work on the review of existing materials and the development of new ideas. Above all else, the successful candidate should be enthusiastic about their work with young people and have a genuine concern for their development as individuals. The school sees the form tutor as a key role in the support, development and welfare of the students and teachers are expected to undertake this role with the same standards and commitment as their subject role.

As a school we offer:

Access to Levelling Up Premium (Physics Chemistry) worth up to £6,000 per annum,
A diverse workplace,
Chromebooks for all classroom staff and students,
Exceptional professional development and career progression,
A supportive environment for ECTs allowing them to thrive,
Positive working relationships at all levels (with a healthy dose of humour!),
A supportive leadership team,
A genuine focus on staff wellbeing with an employee support resource,
Cycle to work scheme for all staff.

We are a teaching school hub for Chiltern Training Group.  We have established mentoring programmes for new and recently qualified teachers and we will consider applications from those with a related degree wishing to train, as well as ECTs. All teachers benefit from being part of a whole school collaborative teaching and learning approach and excellent opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Biddenham - ‘Opening Minds - Transforming Lives’.

This vacancy will close when a suitable candidate has been appointed and without further notice. Previous applicants need not apply.

Biddenham 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 applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, children’s barred list check, references and social media checks.