Notting Hill & Ealing High School, GDST
Teacher of Physics, Maternity Cover
September 2014
This is an exceptional opportunity be part of a popular and successful department. Notting Hill &
Ealing High School is an academically selective girls’ school with 570 in the Senior department and
300 in the Junior department. Our public examination results are consistently excellent and girls
go on to study a wide range of subjects at prestigious universities. Creativity is encouraged in all
subjects and girls here are passionate about Art, Drama, Debating, Music and Sport, performing to
a very high standard in all these areas. There is a deep-seated ethos of respect, tolerance and
understanding and girls take a very active role in fund raising for local and global charities. This is
an exceptionally warm and friendly community in which to work.
The Post
The post of Teacher of Physics, (full time, fixed term, maternity cover), is available from
September 2014 and provides the opportunity for a well qualified, inspirational teacher of Physics
to teach throughout the school to Advanced level.
Person Specification
We are looking for a well qualified graduate with excellent subject knowledge and a passion for
the subject. She/he will have excellent organisational and time management skills, the ability to
solve problems and work in a team with the Head of Physics and other Physics staff. A sound
understanding of the curriculum is expected. She/he will be a good communicator who can
enthuse and inspire both pupils and colleagues and will have exciting ideas about the teaching of
Physics. The ability to offer an additional science would be welcome. Applications from both
experienced teachers and NQTs are welcome.
The Physics Department
The Physics Department is successful and popular with girls at all levels up to and including A level.
It aims to inspire and enthuse students at all levels about Physics and its applications in daily life.
In recent years the uptake of Physics at A-level has increased to an exceptionally high level and our
results at GCSE and A-level are consistently excellent. The Physics Department strives to provide
all pupils with the best possible opportunities to fulfil their potential in this subject.
The department has two laboratories and is well equipped with resources for experiments
including A-level. We promote the use of IT through our teaching, the portal (our VLE) and the use
of Kerboodle™ at A-level. In the use of ICT the Physics department is one of the most advanced in
the school. IT suites and sets of laptops are available for booking.
In addition to the Head of Physics there is one full-time member of staff, one part-time teacher
and one technician.
The Science Department
The Science Department currently comprises seven full time staff across the three sciences,
including the Heads of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. There are also three part-time science
teachers and three science technicians across the Department at a whole. All the separate
sciences have their own designated teaching and preparation area.
As a Core subject through to Key Stage 4, Science plays a key role in the Senior School curriculum.
At Key Stage 3, all girls are taught each of the separate sciences by subject specialists in weekly
double lessons (2x 35 minute periods), giving them 6 science lessons per week. In Year 9, girls are
put into divisions based on ability and performance for science.
At Key Stage 4, the science provision increases to 3 x 35 minutes lessons for each separate science,
giving the girls a total of 9 science lessons per week. Girls continue to be taught in their science
divisions, which are regularly reviewed based upon girls’ performance. At the end of Year 10, a
decision is made about whether to enter girls for the IGCSE Dual Award or the IGCSE Triple Award.
All three sciences are offered at Advanced level and a large number of girls regularly choose to
pursue to one or more science subjects at this level. A significant number of girls also choose to go
on to read a science related degree at leading UK universities.
The Science Department is housed in the Science Block, where each department is well provided
for in terms of laboratories, equipment and specialist technicians.
Physics Curriculum
Key Stage 3:
The programme is specifically designed to enthuse students about the Physics and to prepare
them for the Edexcel IGCSE course. Students get opportunities to carry out experiments by
themselves and to watch demonstrations.
Key Stage 4:
The Science department coherently follows the Edexcel IGCSE syllabus. Currently half of the year
group studies the triple syllabus and the other half follows the double award.
Key Stage 5:
The AQA Physics A syllabus provides opportunities for practical work as well as providing academic
rigour.
Number of lessons per week (a lesson is 35 min)
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13
1 double lesson
1 double lesson
1 double lesson
3 lessons (one double, one single)
3 lessons (one double, one single)
7 lessons (three doubles, one single)
8 lessons (four doubles)
Extra Curricular
The Science Club is run by all Science departments and takes place once a week during at
lunchtime. There are also separate clubs in each of the science disciplines.
For KS3 students visits to the Science museum are offered, while Year 10 students attend a
Science lecture day.
The Science Department runs Science Week, an annual event, to raise the profile of science within
the School, which includes the ever popular Science Fair.
Science surgeries are run by teachers during one lunch break in each of the separate sciences to
support pupils at all levels, and there is also a mentoring scheme in place whereby Sixth form
pupils help to mentor girls in younger years.
At A-level we promote the subject in different ways. Evening lectures offered by London
universities are promoted and occasionally Physicists are invited to school for a talk. Visits to the
LHC at CERN/Geneva are very popular.
Terms and Conditions of the Post
The GDST salary scale includes an enhanced element of pay. The starting point on the salary scale
will be according to qualifications and experience. In addition the post also attracts an annual
GDST London Supplement (pro rata for part-time teachers).
Application and Interview Process
Notting Hill & Ealing High School has a Fair and Safe Recruitment Policy (available on request).
Candidates should complete the application form provided and also include a covering letter and
full curriculum vitae with details of qualifications and experience and the names, addresses,
telephone numbers and email addresses of two professional referees, one of whom should be the
Head of their present or most recent school. All applications will be acknowledged. Applications
received after the closing date on the advert will not be considered.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. As part of this process they will be expected
to teach a lesson of up to 35 minutes, for which a full prior briefing will be given.
The post will be offered subject to the receipt of satisfactory references, an Enhanced Disclosure
check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and an occupational health check. This can
take some time so candidates who have not heard from us further within two weeks of the closing
date may assume that the post has been filled.
Please see attached full information regarding the Girls’ Day School Trust guidelines on the
Safeguarding of Children.
Further information about the school can be found on our website at: www.nhehs.gdst.net
February 2014