Teacher of Biology 

Thank you for your interest in the role of Teacher of Biology at Greyfriars Catholic School, part of The Pope Francis Multi Academy Company (PFMAC) and Archdiocese of Birmingham.

We are looking for an inspirational and aspirational individual to join Greyfriars Catholic School and contribute to the life chances of the young people in our school community. This is an exciting time for the school; new leadership at many levels and a strengthened approach to curriculum, systems and routines mean we are at a point of positive and significant change. This role offers genuine scope to be part of something ambitious and to improve the opportunities and outcomes for students across the school.

We know that subject knowledge is about understanding our place in the world, and biology is central to helping students make sense of life itself, from the complexity of cells and systems to the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the human body. Biology enables students to understand themselves, others and the living world around them. The discipline, curiosity and scientific thinking inherent in biology give students powerful tools for both academic success and future pathways, particularly in areas such as health, sustainability and environmental responsibility.

This role will suit an enthusiastic practitioner who is committed to developing a culture of high achievement, engagement and aspiration. It will be instrumental in supporting students to maximise their potential and achievements in every aspect of school life, with scope to grow alongside the school and contribute dynamically to its ongoing development.

Our vision at Greyfriars is that we are a Catholic school that champions each and every student so they can flourish individually and collectively. We champion students through teaching them exceptionally well and holding them to account when they need guidance and support. This means a school where learning is disruption free, expectations are high and ambition is shared. We know that working hard and being kind helps students feel both personally and academically successful. In this role, you would be their champion.

I hope you are excited by the potential this role offers. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you wish to seek further information. I would be delighted to personally show you around our wonderful school and discuss this opportunity in more detail.

Yours faithfully

Ms Lyndsey Caldwell 

Headteacher

Application Details

We hope you are interested in this exciting opportunity and would like to submit an application. 

To apply for the post of Teacher of Biology, please - 

• Fully complete the application forms, ensuring all details are accurate and all declarations are signed. Please ensure you include details of two professional referees with one being your current employer (with email addresses). 

For further information please contact the School Business Manager, Sophie Upellini, s.upellini@gfcs.uk   Tel: 01865 749933

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 

As we are a Catholic school, applicants must complete the CES application form in order to be considered for an interview. There is no requirement to be Catholic in order to be successful at an interview. We are committed to equal opportunities. 

To comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1998 (as amended by S147 of the Nationality and Immigration and Asylum Act 2002) all prospective employees will be required to supply evidence of eligibility to work in the UK.

Greyfriars Catholic 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 for any position will be required to undertake an enhanced disclosure via the DBS (disclosure and barring system) and appropriate Right to Work clearances and our recruitment and selection practice

Overview of Pope Francis MAC

The Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Company (PFMAC) is a family of Catholic schools in Oxfordshire, who work together to promote the teaching of Christ and the Catholic faith.

PFMAC comprises nine Catholic primary schools and two Catholic secondary schools and is an integral part of the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham ensuring that the Church’s educative mission is fulfilled. 

We believe each person is a unique creation made in the image of and likeness of God, called by name, with a special vocation and gifts to bring to the world.  We seek to develop these talents in each individual by being a beacon for Catholic education in Oxfordshire.

Job Description for Teacher of Biology

Purpose 

The prime purpose of this role is to:

• Teach the subject from Key stage 3 – Key stage 5

• Teach science to KS3

The general duties and responsibilities of the role are:

• To implement and deliver an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant, aspirational and differentiated curriculum for students and to support a designated curriculum area

• To monitor and support the overall progress and development of students as a teacher / form tutor

• To facilitate and encourage a learning experience which enables students to achieve  personal and academic success 

• To contribute to raising standards of student attainment and behaviour 

• To share and support the school’s responsibility to provide and monitor opportunities for personal, academic growth and spiritual growth

• To carry out the statutory secular tasks laid down in the current School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions of Service Document in the light of procedures, policies and guidelines adopted by the Governing Body

• To contribute to the Catholic life of the school community

Reporting to: Subject Leader for Science 

Responsible for: The provision of a full learning experience and support for students

Liaising with:

• Headteacher, Senior Leaders and Middle Leadership

• Teaching/support staff, MAC representatives, external agencies and parents

Salary: TMS/UPS

Disclosure Level: Enhanced

Job Description

Strategic Planning and Curriculum Development

• Assist in designing syllabuses, schemes of work, marking policies, and teaching strategies.

• Contribute to the curriculum area's development plan and whole-school strategic planning.

• Ensure the curriculum is intentional, inclusive, and aligned with school objectives.

• Plan and prepare engaging lessons to meet diverse student needs.

Teaching and Learning

• Teach students with conviction and clarity, adapting methods to their educational needs.

• Set and assess work, monitor progress, and provide feedback.

• Ensure lessons incorporate ICT, literacy, numeracy, and subject-specific skills.

• Maintain discipline and encourage positive behaviour, punctuality, and high standards.

Professional Development

• Engage in professional development and training to enhance subject knowledge and teaching methods.

• Actively participate in performance management and staff development programmes.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to share best practices and improve teaching.

Quality Assurance and Student Progress

• Monitor and evaluate teaching quality and curriculum effectiveness.

• Use data to track student progress and inform teaching adjustments.

• Set targets for improvement and ensure lessons meet quality standards.

• Ensure effective use of student achievement data from prior lessons or schools.

Pastoral Care and Safeguarding

• Act as a Form Tutor, supporting the progress and well-being of assigned students.

• Register attendance, promote full participation in school life, and support students’ personal development.

• Contribute to pastoral systems, including monitoring progress, action plans, and behaviour management.

• Lead or arrange morning prayer during tutor time.

• Stay updated on safeguarding and child protection legislation, ensuring these are integral to practice.

Communication and Liaison

• Communicate effectively with parents, providing information on curriculum, progress, and targets.

• Build strong links with external organisations, including local businesses and community groups, to enhance the subject curriculum.

• Participate in events such as open evenings, parents’ evenings, and review days.

Management and Resources

• Assist in identifying resource needs and ensuring their efficient use.

• Collaborate with colleagues to share and optimise resources.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the school’s pastoral and citizenship programmes.

• Promote collaborative and independent study skills in students.

• Fulfil any additional duties in line with the role, school policies, and safeguarding procedures.

Catholic Ethos: 

• To support the Catholic Ethos of the school

• To play a full part in the life of the school community, to support its distinctive mission and ethos and to encourage staff and students to follow this example

• To support the school in meeting its legal requirements for worship

• To promote actively the school’s corporate policies

• To participate in professional development about the Catholic life of the school

• To comply with the school’s Health and Safety policy and undertake risk assessments as appropriate

• To undertake any other duty as specified by the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Body (STPCB) not mentioned in the above.  

Teacher Person Specification

Please use the statement in support of your application as an opportunity to tell us about your strengths, or the elements of your work of which you are most proud, and the ways in which you could contribute to this school. 

Relevant experience

• Qualified Teacher status and experience teaching the subject 

• Ability to present information to a variety of audiences 

• Evidence of work with children/young people and involvement with parents 

• Relevant knowledge of curricula 

 Education and training

•  Good general standard of education 

•  Good communication skills written and oral 

•  QTS and relevant teaching experience 

 Special knowledge and skills 

• Ability or potential to use and interpret data 

• Computer literate 

• Ability to find solutions to complex problems  

• Understanding of issues affecting young people  

 Interpersonal skills 

• Ability to relate to teachers, other professionals, families and students 

• Good listening skills 

• Ability to work as a member of a team, be solution-focused and work on own initiative 

 Other 

• Ability to relate to and promote the ethos of the school

• Willingness to undertake training as required 

• Optimistic outlook that recognises the complexity of working in schools but the joy that is at the centre of such important work 

How this is identified 

• Application form/supporting statement

• Interview/presentation

• Review of interview tasks

• References

 References

• Positive recommendation in at least two professional references

Notes: 

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified. 

Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. Employees are expected to be courteous to colleagues and provide a welcoming environment to visitors and telephone callers. 

The school will endeavour to make any necessary reasonable adjustments to the job and the working environment to enable access to employment opportunities for disabled job applicants or continued employment for any employees who develop a disabling condition. 

This job description is current at the date shown, but following consultation with you, may be changed by Management to reflect or anticipate changes in the job which are commensurate with the salary and job title. 

The above responsibilities are subject to the current School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document and the Catholic Education Service Contract. 

This job description allocates duties and responsibilities but does not direct a particular amount of time to be spent on carrying them out.  In allocating time to the performance of duties and responsibilities, the post.