Teacher of Science (with Biology, Chemistry or Physics specialism)

MPS / UPS (currently £32,196 to £51,048 p.a.)

It is expected that the successful applicant(s) will be able to fulfil the following criteria:

Qualifications :

• QTS and a good honours degree in a related subject. Please note that QTS is a requirement for this post.

Experience:

• Ability to teach Science (Chemistry/Physics/Biology)  at KS3&4 and either Biology, Chemistry or Physics at A-level

Relationships:

• A commitment to students as individuals

• A sensitive attitude to students of all backgrounds, abilities and ages and the ability to adapt teaching to meet the needs of the most able and those with Special Educational needs

• An ability to create a stimulating and challenging learning environment for students

• A recognition of the importance of partnership with parents

• A supportive and co-operative approach to colleagues

Personal Characteristics:

• A commitment to the AGS ethos

• A willingness to continue learning and developing as a teacher

• A reflective approach to their own practice and to the overall performance of the department

• Hard working and adaptable

• Happy to work independently or in collaboration

• Able to carry initiatives through to their conclusion

• Friendly and approachable

• Well organised and able to meet deadlines

• Demonstrate a passion for the subject and an ability to enthuse students of all ages

• A commitment to safeguarding children’s well being

• A commitment to playing a part in the wider life of the school

The Department

Science continues to go from strength to strength at AGS, with 62% of GCSE Science students achieving grades 7–9 and a high proportion of A*–B grades at A level. The Biology, Chemistry and Physics departments have well‑established schemes of work across all year groups and place a strong emphasis on teamwork. The successful applicant will be very well supported throughout their time here. There is potential for a significant amount of A‑level teaching, although all members of the department teach across the full age range.

In Year 7, students have three Science lessons per week, taught by a single Science teacher covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics across the year. From Year 8 onwards, Science is taught as three separate disciplines by specialist subject teachers. Science is a thriving and highly collaborative area of the school. Each subject has its own Head of Department, and a Science Co‑ordinator oversees the Year 7 programme. There is strong coordination and sharing of good practice across the departments, with a focus on teaching and learning strategies, health and safety, investigative work, and diversity and inclusion.

The department benefits from eleven well‑equipped laboratories, each with an associated preparation room, ensuring that all Science lessons take place in specialist spaces. Each subject also has its own experienced technician, whose work is vital to the smooth running of the department. Our technicians were praised by Ofsted for their efficiency and dedication.

Currently in Years 7 and 8 students follow courses covering the Key Stage Three National Curriculum. All pupils have 3 hours of science per week. Class sizes are about thirty.  From year 9 however, we feel students are ready for the challenge of the GCSE course. This 3 year approach gives us time to cover the specification in depth as well as provide ample opportunity for practical work which we highly value. At GCSE we follow the AQA Science course. Almost all pupils take 3 separate science GCSEs and each pupil receives 2 periods (2 hours) and one homework per week in Year 10 and 11. Class sizes average about twenty six.

In the sixth form science continues to be extremely popular and successful. Over half of our sixth form students join us from local schools. We follow the AQA Biology, Chemistry and Physics A level courses. Many lessons feature practical work to help students learn and understand through exploration. We always strive to make science relevant and exciting. We encourage pupils to keep up to date with current issues and become rounded, well-informed scientists. We organise a range of visits to local universities and welcome visiting lecturers and have an extensive outreach programme to local schools. We encourage participation in yearly House competitions.  We strive to develop the potential in all our students and focus on ensuring progress for those with SEND.   We always welcome new ideas and initiatives.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Safeguarding

Alcester Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.

Equal Opportunities

Alcester Grammar School is committed to developing a culture of inclusion in our school for the benefit of all staff, pupils and governors. We believe that all staff should thrive irrespective of race, religious beliefs, disability, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. We recognise and respect values and difference and we work to remove any barriers which inhibit the development of people, including recruitment and retention.

How to apply

It is strongly recommended that any interested candidates talk to the Vice Principal, Mr Jeremy Slater at j.slater@alcestergs.com before submitting their application, to ensure that they fully understand the nature of this role.  

Applications are to be submitted via the My New Term Website by 8 am on Monday 27th April.