The West Somerset Community College
Specialist Technology College with a Rural Dimension
APPOINTMENT OF
SUBJECT LEADER FOR PHYSICS
Information for Applicants
A PERSONAL MESSAGE
Thank you for your interest in this post as Subject Leader for Physics. The Science Team at
The West Somerset Community College is an enthusiastic, friendly and very committed
group of teachers and technicians. We have high expectations of our students and focus on
delivering stimulating and creative lessons. The staff work together as a team; sharing good
practice, developing resources and offering support to one another.
We have good links with our Feeder Middle Schools and have supported the Year 8 Science
Day and organised lessons for Year 8 students. As we believe that learning in Science should
be extended beyond the classroom, we offer a Science Club, booster classes, visits and field
trips for all our students.
Leading up to exams we offer a variety of revision sessions to GCSE and ‘A’ Level students.
These include after College and lunchtime sessions and the opportunity to take part in
residential visits organised by the College.
We have recently celebrated our most successful GCSE results; some of the best in Somerset
with over 86% of students getting 2C grades or equivalent at the end of Year 11.
This is an exciting time to join the College and I hope you will feel that this is a place where
you can develop your expertise and gain experience, whilst making a genuine contribution
to developing Physics with the Science Team.
If you have any queries regarding this post please don’t hesitate to contact me at the
College or by email at mjames2@educ.somerset.gov.uk .
Mark James
Curriculum Team Leader: Science
ABOUT THE SCIENCE TEAM
Personnel
Mr Mark James
Curriculum Team Leader
Mrs Judith Anderson
Subject Leader: Chemistry /2ic Curriculum Team
Mr Joshua Fitzgerald
Subject Leader: Biology
Mrs Laurie McNeill
Subject Leader: Physics
Mr Tom Macdonald
Deputy Principal: Teaching and Learning
Mrs Mary Cranna
Year Team Leader: Year 11
Mrs Natasha Stearn
Teacher of Science (Part-time)
Mr Luke Winter
Teacher of Science
Miss Becky Yates
Teacher of Science
Mr John Cartwright
Teacher of Science(Part-time)
Mrs Clare Macdonald
Teacher of Science(Part-time)
Mr Mark Matthews
Teacher of Science
Mr Mark McBride
Teacher of A-Level Chemistry and Psychology (Part-time)
Mrs Tracy Bishop
Science Technicians Team Leader
Mrs Toni-Anne ‘Tig’ Blair
Science Technician
Mrs Kaye Howell
Science Technician
Mrs Nicola Martin
Science Technician
Mrs Danuta Plasota
Science Technician
Accommodation
The College has some of the best science facilities in the county, following an extensive
refurbishment and building programme in 2001. The accommodation comprises ten
teaching laboratories, two preparation rooms, two student ICT areas and a staff work area.
All teaching areas are connected to the College ICT network, allowing staff and students to
maximize the opportunities offered through e-learning. The Team actively promotes
learning in Science through curiosity and investigation and as a result our laboratories are
laid out and equipped to support practical and investigative science.
The College Farm has recently been relocated to a larger site than previously available,
giving the College 40 acres to manage. The farm has a developing environmental area,
computer controlled greenhouses and a wealth of opportunities for Science study. Our
technology college status has allowed us to develop new uses of ICT in the classroom,
including mini-digital cameras and ACTIVote interactive learner response systems. There
are projectors in every laboratory, a student study room equipped with PCs and a dedicated
PC laboratory for Science.
Standards

The number of students achieving a grade C or better at the end of Key Stage 4 has risen
from 41% in 2001 to an average of 86% over the last two years.

There are a total of six groups studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics at AS and five
groups at A2. Many of these students will go on to secure university places on Science
related courses.
Curriculum
The Science Team endeavours to provide learners with stimulating, challenging and relevant
learning experiences which result in qualifications that are matched to the learner’s
individual needs and aspirations:

Year 9 is used as a gateway to the 14-19 science curriculum. The Team has developed a
range of learning experiences that aim to build students’ learning power, whilst
developing the specific Scientific skills that will allow them to be successful scientists.
This specialist transition unit helps to prepare students for the various learning
pathways at KS4.

Years 10 and 11 are used to complete AQA GCSE core and additional science. Where
appropriate, students will study Entry Level certificate of achievement. More able
students will have the opportunity to complete triple awards in GCSE science.

The team has now successfully introduced BTEC level 2 Applied Science for students in
year 10 and 11 who are unable to achieve a grade C via the traditional examined route.

In Years 12 and 13, AS and A2 courses are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and
Environmental Science, we have also introduced the new BTEC level 3 Applied Science
this year and uptake has been extremely positive.

In addition to the College Farm, the College also benefits from specialist facilities to
support learning in Land Based Studies, including laboratories for the study of small
animals and exotic species. A full range of courses are available

The Team places great importance on providing students with experiences which
encourage learning beyond the science curriculum and classroom.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES – SUBJECT LEADER FOR PHYSICS
The successful applicant will lead the Physics provision across the age and ability spectrum.
We are seeking to appoint a teacher with:

The ability to inspire our students through the delivery of thought provoking, challenging
and engaging Science lessons

Commitment and enthusiasm

The ability to work in a team and lead others

A sense of humour and excellent interpersonal skills

A keen interest in Science both within and beyond the national curriculum

The ability to promote lifelong learning skills

High professional standards
Should you be short-listed for interview you will be asked to prepare and teach a lesson.
The lesson - Practical requirements
Each laboratory will have a whiteboard, marker pens, rulers and pencils, data projector,
computer and internet facilities (however please allow for possible internet disruption). If
you require practical equipment, please telephone Tracy Bishop at the school or email her
at TBishop1@educ.somerset.gov.uk .
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