Teacher of Chemistry

We are looking for a passionate Teacher of Chemistry.

We are a highly successful sixth form with a distinctive and inspiring ethos, dedicated to getting academically strong, young Londoners, particularly those from disadvantaged  and ordinary background, to the top universities and beyond.

We are looking for someone to join a team of subject specialist in supporting our students to achieve as highly as they can. The successful candidate must be able to teach Chemistry A Level. This position would suit a newly qualified teacher who we can support through their Early Careers and beyond.

About Us

Harris Westminster combines the energy of brilliant young people from across London’s diverse neighbourhoods, the strength of Westminster School in teaching academically able students, and the Harris Federation’s experience and expertise in running outstanding maintained sector schools. This sixth form is a unique collaboration between two champions of UK Education; the Harris Federation and Westminster School. It is over-subscribed, academically selective and has incredible diversity in its student cohort with no ethnic group exceeding 20% and 40% of students having received Pupil Premium. 70% of HWSF students go on to study at Russell Group universities and we have one of the largest Oxbridge cohorts of any school (state or private). 34 students from the 2021 cohort gained places and 80+ have interviews in to join them in 2022. We are looking for an outstanding individual to join and support this exciting, scholarly, and vibrant community.

Academy Ethos

Ambition. Perseverance. Legacy. Kindness. Scholarship.

Harris Westminster students expect great things of themselves; they aim high and meet their targets, gaining places on the most competitive university course and apprenticeships, and from those courses into elite careers. They work hard to reach their ambitions and learn that setbacks are reasons to review strategy and try again rather than give up. They aim to make their mark on the world for the long term and learn that they can have a positive and lasting impact. Students from different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles work together and listen to each other to understand more deeply how these differences affect our experiences, to overcome prejudices and create a more equal society. During their time at the school they develop a love of learning and acquire the habits of enquiry, knowledge acquisition, and scholarship.

Why work at Harris Westminster Sixth Form?  

• One of the most academically challenging, inspiring, and diverse student bodies in the country 
• A positive and innovative learning environment, working with interesting and intelligent colleagues in an environment of high standards and professional autonomy. 
• A supportive and friendly staff body and well-used staff room with lively discussion of everything from pop culture to theoretical physics. 
• A unique location in the centre of Westminster that raises aspirations and provides opportunities for events in Westminster Abbey and an impressive range of weekly guest speakers whose talks are enjoyed by staff and students  
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and future promotion with support and challenge (both subject-specific and generally applicable) coming from inside the school, across the road at Westminster school, and through the Harris Federation.

Main Areas of Responsibility

The responsibilities of this role will be: 

• To implement and deliver an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant, differentiated and inspiring curriculum for students and to support the subject area as appropriate. 
• To monitor and support the overall progress and development of students. To provide a motivating and structured learning experience, which will provide students with the opportunity to achieve their individual potential. 
• To contribute significantly to raising standards of student attainment as a teacher and form tutor. 
• To support the process of application to University as a teacher and form teacher. 
• To contribute significantly to the Cultural Perspectives programme. 
• To contribute to the wider life of the school, including extra-curricular and enrichment activities.

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate will have: 

• Good degree in relevant subject and DfES recognised Qualified Teacher Status (unless planning to join the Schools Direct Programme). 
• Successful teaching experience at secondary level (can be teaching practice). 
• Understanding of theory and practice of effective teaching and learning. 
• Understanding of how the most able students learn. 
• Understanding of the importance of having high expectations for all students, both of behaviour and academic achievement. 
• Understanding of inclusive provision and practices which offer equality of access to the curriculum for all students, including special educational needs and English as an additional language. 
• Knowledge and experience of writing lesson plans, developing resources and assessing students work. 
• Understanding the importance of being a Tutor.

Rewards & Benefits

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.