Science Technician

Queen Elizabeth’s High School is a school where children can grow and develop into successful young adults who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and qualifications to follow their dreams and aspirations. Qualifications are a key element of that success and our past results at both GCSE and A level speak for themselves; we are regularly listed in The Times top 200 schools list. However, education is more than that, and here at QEHS we provide a safe environment in which young people can grow and learn who they are, what interests them and who they would like to be in the future.

The governors, staff, parents and students all created our School Aims which are as follows:-

Ø At Queen Elizabeth's High School, we aim for high standards in all we do.

Ø We strive to fulfil the potential of each student. We set out to develop knowledge, understanding, skills and values and we encourage endeavour and achievement of all kinds, academic, sporting, artistic and personal.

Ø We aim to achieve this through a carefully planned, broad education in which enthusiastic teachers use a variety of teaching styles in activities inside and outside the classroom. We work hard to involve students and parents in responsibility for learning. Staff set themselves high standards and expect the same from students. All members of the QEHS community are encouraged to contribute to the whole and from that gain a genuine sense of belonging.

Ø We aim to maintain a friendly and caring atmosphere, in which students and staff share a mutual respect. We expect responsible behaviour from students; they can expect fair treatment from staff. We intend to keep parents and students fully informed about our policies and achievements and to listen to their views. 

Ø Queen Elizabeth’s High School is committed to the highest possible standards of child protection.

This vacancy arises as a result of a maternity cover.

The successful candidate will work as an Assistant Science Technician in a large and successful Science Faculty. The Head of Science is Mrs C Medcalf who is also Head of Biology. Mr M Watt is Head of Physics and Dr S Horgan is Head of Chemistry. The Senior Science Technician is Miss D Howe.

The teaching team comprises 15 Science teachers. In Years 7 and 8 Science is taught in tutor groups (max. 32). In Years 9-11 Science is taught in set groups of up to 32 students. The Sciences are a popular choice at A Level and there are thriving groups in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Practical assessments are currently undertaken at GCSE, AS and A Level in all three Sciences, preparation for which requires complete integrity on the part of the Technicians.

Where possible, Science in the school is mainly taught in specialist Biology, Chemistry and Physics laboratories. There are twelve laboratories in total which are located in three main areas within the school. The laboratories are served by four preparation rooms.

The successful candidate will join a team consisting of three Science Technicians. They will be energetic, willing to learn and keen to take advantage of the training opportunities available which may be in, or out of, school. Above all they will be friendly, flexible, good humoured and able to work effectively as part of a team.

The salary for this post is Grade 3: Point 8 (approximately £11,372 per annum).  Wages are spread over 12 equal monthly instalments paid on the 23rd of each month.  This post is for 30 hours per week/38 weeks per year.  The working hours are expected to be 08.30 – 16.00 for three days each week and 08.30 – 13.30 for the other two days; these hours are worked term time only.  QEHS works a two week timetable and therefore the shorter working days are likely to fall on Wednesdays each week and alternate Mondays and Tuesdays.  These working hours can, however, be negotiable as long as the timetable is covered.  There is a daily unpaid 30 minute break which will be taken at a time directed by the Head of Science/Senior Science Technician.

Candidates should find the job description enclosed in this booklet useful in describing the work expected of the successful applicant.