Head of Science

Gordonstoun has been leading the way in character education for more than 80 years.  Our uniquely broad curriculum provides challenge in the classroom, at sea and in the mountains, on the stage and on the sports fields and enables students to discover the truth in our motto – Plus Est En Vous – there is more in you.  Situated on the stunning Moray Firth with its sunny microclimate, the school offers a superb quality of life for staff and their families. 

The position and role of the Head of Science

The post holder will be a member of the Heads of Department committee and expected to promote best practice in all areas of science. The Head of Science will predominantly manage the delivery of the Science Curriculum across Years 7 to 13 and provide support for the delivery of Science in the Junior School. 

Applications are welcome from teachers of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with recent and relevant management experience.

The School

Gordonstoun School is located in an impressive and attractive 150 acre estate in the temperate climate of Moray. It is six miles from Elgin, a town of some 25,000 population which has a British Rail main-line station. Inverness or Aberdeen, to which there are regular flights from most UK airports, are within one and two hours respectively, and there is straightforward access on good roads to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the rest of Scotland.

The Senior School has around 420 students aged 13 to 18, almost all of whom are full boarders. Gordonstoun Junior School situated on the same campus, has 110 pupils aged 6-13.  Each year approximately 60 students join at Year 9 (13-plus) and 60 come into the Sixth Form.  Almost all students in the School proceed to take three A-Levels at the end of their career, and over 90% each year move on to Higher Education.

The underlying philosophy of the School is that of holistic education – the full and individual development of the potential of every student. Thus, while the academic environment of the School is strong, the development of other attributes – physical, cultural, social and spiritual – is considered no less important and has equal emphasis placed upon it. Success in achieving this is ensured by the range of the School's activities and opportunities (listed in the prospectus), excellent facilities, an extremely generous student/staff ratio and a highly committed staff. The essential elements of Gordonstoun's distinctive ethos are internationalism, responsibility, challenge and service. Holidays are long but, during term time, members of staff devote themselves unstintingly to the welfare of the students and the success of the School. Involvement in school life in the broadest sense is expected from all full-time members of staff.

Closing date: 1600hrs Saturday 23 March 2019. 

Interviews will be held at Gordonstoun on 26 and 27 March 2019. 

Application process

Candidates wishing to be considered for this post should complete the application form and submit a letter of application, addressed to the Headmaster,  outlining why they feel they are suitable candidates for this post. Please submit applications by email to the Recruitment Department  or by post to:

The Headmaster 

Gordonstoun School

Elgin

Moray 

IV30 5RF

Recruitment Department contact Details:

Telephone: 01343 837837

Please note our preference is to receive your letter of application and completed application form as email attachments (and not as embedded body text) sent to the above email address. 

Please also note that it is the school’s policy to request references prior to interview.  Additionally we may request references prior to short-listing candidates for interview.  Please make it clear if you require notification before referees are approached.

Membership of the PVG Scheme, which includes an enhanced Disclosure Check, will be required for the successful candidate.  All teaching roles are required to register with the General Teaching Council forScotland (GTCS). 

For further details about the school and how to apply, please visit the School’s website or contact the Recruitment Department on 01343 837837.  

We look forward to receiving your completed application soon.