This is an excellent opportunity to join one of Oxfordshire's largest and most successful schools. Effective administrative systems support the two sites. Students are well-behaved and motivated, and there is a strong sense of community in Thame, with a committed parent support base. 

We are exceptionally strong in terms of pastoral support for all students and have the highest expectations for individual achievement whatever the starting points. Outside the classroom there are wonderful extra-curricular activities for all. Students leave the school successful and well-rounded individuals. There is a 'buzz' about learning in the school and our students are fortunate to be supported in their learning by dedicated teachers support staff. Staff training and professional development are always a developmental priority and many of our staff move on to promotions in other schools. 

The School

The school is the only school serving the market town of Thame and surrounding villages. It is a popular school and always oversubscribed. It is a split site school - Years 7-9 on our Lower School site and Years 10-13 on our Upper School site. There are around 560 students in our Sixth Form and we attract many students from other schools, post-16. Teamwork is a key feature of school life and so is partnership with our feeder primary schools. There is a strong drive to establish powerful curriculum links cross phase with teachers collaborating on a range of projects. 

The Computing Faculty

Computing is taught to all students through Key Stages 3. At Key Stage 4, students can opt to study Computer Science GCSE, as well as Creative iMedia BTEC.  At Key Stage 5, we offer A Level Computer Science. The school has over 1000 computers, many of which are housed in purpose-built IT rooms each with an interactive screen.  

 Computing and Creative iMedia are successful subjects and are very popular options. Subjects are taught by a highly committed team of IT teachers, supported by the ICT Support team. The faculty is committed to improving the ICT capability and digital literacy of all students. A good understanding of subjects will support academic progress in all areas of the (school) curriculum as well as equipping students with the skills needed for life-long learning.

The Teaching Programme

In Key Stage 3 all students are taught in balanced tutor groups for one lesson a week and follow a course based on the Key Stage 3 national curriculum for Computing.  

At Key Stage 4 students who opt to do Computer Science will follow the OCR course and will be taught in two lessons per week.  Those opting to do Creative iMedia will follow the Cambridge Nationals course and will also be taught in two lessons per week.  Students can opt to do both subjects.  At A-Level, students follow the Computer Science OCR course across 4 lessons.

 There is a continuing development at all levels with an emphasis on providing a well-differentiated curriculum for all students.  Faculty staff also use classroom strategies to promote Assessment for Learning and are actively involved in exploring how the functionality of ICT can support teaching and learning.

 All members of the IT team play an important role in the development of course materials.

Creative Digital Media 

Creative Digital Media Production is part of the Computing Faculty. There are currently two Media groups in Year 12 and one in Year 13, but the course is expanding. Last year 47% achieved Distinction* - Distinction, with 100% pass rate. We have also introduced a Film GCSE, with one class in year 11 and one in year 10.

The Media & Film department at Lord Williams’s School currently consists of two teachers at Key Stage 5 and four teachers at Key Stage 4. We follow the Pearson National Extended Certificate and have coursework units in Pre-Production and Moving Image Production. This means students produce, film and edit their own short films to Industry standards; they also produce written research assignments into aspects of professional practice.

Students frequently carry out filming for school events, as well as personal projects for their own showreels, and are encouraged to consider careers in the broader Media sectors. The department has a range of video and photographic cameras, as well as lighting and microphone kits, which need careful monitoring as students take the equipment off site. 

Many of our students have gone on to successful careers in the industry.