Teacher of Biology

The Science Department at St Leonards is a truly inspirational place in which to work. You will join a well-established, collaborative, innovative and highly supportive department that puts the progress of pupils at its centre. You will have the opportunity to teach across the full age range, from Year 7 to Year 13. This is an unparalleled opportunity to join one of the largest and most successful departments at this exciting time in the School’s history, as we approach the 150th anniversary of the School’s founding.

Although the focus of the role is Biology, we are particularly interested to hear from those also able to teach other Science subjects to GCSE level.

In Years 7, 8 and 9, pupils follow the forward-thinking IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) which encourages pupils to approach scientific inquiry in a supportive and ambitious environment. The Department places a strong emphasis on experiments and practical Science sits at the heart of the programme which provides an excellent grounding for future academic success and intellectual curiosity. The Science Department achieves some of the School’s strongest GCSE results.

In Years 10 and 11, the majority of pupils work towards the AQA GCSE in Combined Science (Trilogy) with all pupils completing the terminal papers at the end of Year 11.

Science subjects are popular courses in the IB Diploma Programme (Years 12 and 13), for which all pupils must study at least one science. There are a number of opportunities for academic enrichment including participation in Olympiads and other national competitions as well as collaborative work with the University of St Andrews. A number of pupils will go on to study scientific subjects at top universities in the UK and the rest of the world.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Approaches to teaching, learning and assessment:

• employ a range of teaching and assessment strategies and resources to lead dynamic and engaging lessons with a clear focus on pupil progress.

• employ a range of teaching and assessment strategies to reinforce and extend work in class, and be able to select strategies appropriate to the subject, topic and pupils’ needs.

• set expectations and pace of work which make appropriate demands on all pupils and ensure that all pupils are effectively challenged.

• be reflective in practice, show an engagement with current educational thinking, and proactively seek opportunities for professional development.

• identify and respond appropriately to pupils with difficulties in learning and recognise when to seek further advice in relation to their specific educational needs.

• respond appropriately to cultural, gender, linguistic, religious and social differences, and to disabilities among pupils.

• encourage pupils to take initiatives in, and become responsible for, their own learning.

• assess pupil attainment in line with the School’s policy and against national standards where assessment leads to certification.

• monitor, assess, record and report on aptitudes, needs and progress of individual pupils.

• provide pupils with constructive oral and written feedback on their progress on a regular basis. • use the results of assessments to evaluate and improve teaching and standards of attainment

Curriculum Content:

• demonstrate a sound knowledge of Science curricula.

• support pupils’ skills in literacy and numeracy.

• appreciate the effectiveness of ICT in learning and teaching.

• contribute to the personal and social education of pupils within the School.

• with colleagues, plan and prepare coherent teaching programmes and lessons, including homework, which ensure continuity and progression in pupils’ learning.

• demonstrate knowledge of the learning process, curriculum issues and child development.

• demonstrate a sound knowledge and comply with Health and Safety guidelines and procedures.

Classroom Organisation and Management:

• organise classes and lessons to ensure that all pupils are productively employed when working individually, in groups or as a class.

• create and maintain a stimulating, purposeful, orderly and safe learning environment for all pupils.

• manage pupil behaviour fairly, sensitively and consistently by the use of appropriate rewards and sanctions and know when it is necessary to seek advice.

• demonstrate a knowledge of, and contribute to, strategies to prevent bullying.

• evaluate and justify actions when managing pupil behaviour.

National and School Standards:

• demonstrate an understanding of the IB programme and UK educational systems.

• be a proactive pastoral tutor to a group of pupils, helping shape their academic and personal development

• demonstrate knowledge of and uphold and support all of the School’s policies and the School’s Development Plans.

• demonstrate a working knowledge of contractual, pastoral and legal responsibilities.

• contribute to the ethos of the School, for example, by promoting positive relationships among staff, parents and children.

• report to parents about pupil progress and discuss matters related to their personal and social development in a sensitive and constructive way.

• demonstrate an understanding of the way roles and responsibilities are shared among staff and how to obtain help from staff within the School, including those with responsibility for the curriculum, guidance, learning support and staff development.

• contribute willingly to the extra-curricular and boarding life of the School.

• undertake cover duties during the academic day and at break and lunch periods, as and when required

• demonstrate an understanding of and adhere to the guidelines of the St Leonards School Child Protection Policy and GTCS Code of Professionalism and Conduct.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties. It is expected that the post-holder will participate in other reasonable activities which may be required to meet the needs of the School or for better fulfilment of the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education, Training & Qualifications - Essential

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline.

• PGCE/PGDE qualification.

• GTCS registration.

• PVG (Disclosure Scotland) membership.

Education, Training & Qualifications - Desirable

• Evidence of continued professional development.

Experience - Essential

• Proven experience of teaching at secondary level.

• Experience of teaching across the full age and ability range of secondary education.

• Experience or understanding of pastoral support.

• Experience in the use of ICT in a classroom with the ability to impart that knowledge to others.

Experience - Desirable

• Experience of teaching or knowledge of the IB curriculum.

• Experience as a form tutor.

• Experience in a boarding environment.

Skills - Essential

• Commitment to student learning and raising achievement.

• An excellent classroom practitioner.

• Ability to create and deliver engaging and effective lessons.

• Enthusiasm to inspire in students a desire to learn and participate.

Skills - Desirable

• Skills and experience which can contribute to extra-curricular activities.

Interpersonal Skills - Essential

• Ability to work as part of a team.

• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for planning own workload.

• Ability to work calmly under pressure and keep to deadlines.

• Sensitive to the needs of others and supportive when required.

• Professional manner and appearance.

Applications should be made through our dedicated link https://apply.schooltalent.com/members/modules/job/detail.php?record=2524

We welcome applications from those looking for flexible working hours.