The Post
Teacher of Chemistry or Physics
(Main Scale)
Please return your application by
Wednesday 23rd March 2011 9am
This post offers a great opportunity to collaborate with an enthusiastic,
diverse and dedicated team who have continually risen to the challenge and
progressive ethos of a very forward thinking, high achieving school. The ideal
candidate would be a proficient classroom practitioner with the ability to
motivate and enthuse pupils and staff alike.
Staffing
The Department has a strong identity and is well led by a dedicated, dynamic
and creative Curriculum Leader who also regularly contributes to projects and
interests throughout the school. She is currently supported by Key Stage
coordinators.
Mrs Caty Reid
Mrs Cath Thornhill
Mrs Liz Painter
Mrs Tracey Sellers
Miss Katy Lawless
Mrs Abi Jones
Miss Amy Barker
Mr Dave Sellers
Mrs Helen Morgan-Evans
Mr Paul Jervis
Miss Meryl Bowdell
Mr Colin Judkins
Miss Lindsay Griffiths
Mrs Sue Hudson
Mrs Lisa Walker
Mrs Marian Page
Mrs Mel Nelson
Chemistry Curriculum Leader
Biology
Assistant Curriculum Leader
Biology
Assistant Curriculum Leader
Biology
Biology
Biology
Biology
Physics
Physics
Physics
Chemistry
Chemistry
Biology
Physics Technician
Biology Technician
Chemistry Technician
KS3 Technician
All staff teach outside their specialism at KS3. We run a ‘buddy’ system to
provide peer support and encourage the sharing of good practice. Staff are
supported and encouraged to engage in CPD via internal and external INSET
as well as sharing responsibility for aspects of the day to day running of the
Department. Two members of the Department are also Achievement
Coordinators (Year 10 & 11).
Accommodation
The Department consists of eight traditionally furnished laboratories. One is
also equipped with a network of 22 computer stations. All laboratories have
ceiling mounted digital projectors and all classrooms have a computer for
registration and network access. Four Laboratory Technicians are based in
preparation areas, one departmental area is a dedicated resource area for
use by staff and technicians and in addition there is a science staff workroom.
Curriculum
At KS3 we follow in-house schemes of work for our two year KS3 using APP
to inform pupil progress, reporting to parents and set targets. There is the
flexibility for staff to choose resources and plan lessons within these schemes
to best fit the needs of their pupils.
At KS4 we follow the AQA specifications for Core, Additional and Separate
sciences using predominantly Nelson Thornes resources. We also offer
BTEC Science and GCSE Human Health and Physiology.
At KS5 Biology, Chemistry and Physics (OCR (A)) are studied by
approximately 80 students (in total) each year.
The curriculum is well resourced and provides staff with the best opportunity
to adapt their teaching to fit the needs of all our pupils. Variety, creativity and
initiative are encouraged.
Timetable
We run a 2 week timetable of 5, 1 hour lessons each day. At KS3, pupils
have 7 per fortnight in year 7 and 6 lessons per fortnight in year 8. Pupils are
taught by one teacher whenever possible, but it is often necessary to split
classes between two staff. Pupils are initially set on KS2 Maths and Science
data, with reviews taking place at the end of the Autumn and Summer terms.
KS4 pupils are set from their KS3 results.
specialist teachers.
Pupils in KS4 are taught by
Extra Curricular
Staff run science clubs (for years 7 and 8 and CREST for year 9+) and hold
support classes at lunchtimes. We very much run an ‘open door’ policy in
that pupils can seek support from their teachers at any time. We regularly
organise events during Science Week in March and Activities Week in July.
Staff also regularly participate in sporting clubs such as football/athletics/yoga
and help to run the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. We have excellent
links with PE Dept via Sports College status.
Science 2010 Results Overview
GCE A-C
GCSE A*-C
A2 Biology 78%
Science
75%
Additional Science
75%
Biology
91%
Chemistry
82%
Physics
82%
Chemistry
Physics
73%
71%
AS
Biology
59%
Chemistry 54%
Physics
62%
KS3
Y9
L5+
86%
L6+
44%
L7
11%