Teacher of Chemistry

Job Description – Teacher of Chemistry

Role Details

We are looking to appoint an exceptional teacher with strong subject knowledge to join a strong and experienced department. The successful candidate will be able to enthuse and inspire pupils across a wide ability and age range. Whilst timetables have yet to be confirmed for next year, candidates should be excited by the prospect of A Level teaching.

This post would suit an innovative, energetic and ambitious teacher of Chemistry wishing to contribute to the development of the department. Applications are welcome from candidates at all stages in their careers, with a full and recognised induction programme in place which, for NQTs, will lead to QTS.

Science Department

The Department consists of twelve teachers, of which three teachers are Chemistry specialists. Miss Elizabeth Siese is Head of Chemistry and Dr Chris Flaherty, the Head of Science is also a chemist. The department prides itself on its ability to work as a team, sharing good practice and championing practical science. 

Chemistry is taught in the first two years following an in-house programme based on the National Curriculum. Each of the sciences is delivered by subject specialists wherever possible although the ability to offer a second science would be advantageous. In the third year the students currently start the Edexcel Science IGCSE course, which continues for two further years. Most pupils take Double Award Science although a significant number take separate sciences in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 

There is a healthy uptake at A Level, with approximately 60% of the Sixth Form taking a science and we are attracting a high calibre of student into the sciences.

The Science Department has eight well-equipped laboratories all of which have data projection facilities, four of which have interactive white boards. There is a large supply of data logging and trolleys of laptop computers at teachers’ disposal. 

Expectations of both students and staff are high. Last year, 100% of students achieved grades A*-C at GCSE, with 45% achieving either a grade A or A*. As an individual GCSE subject, the Chemistry department achieved 71% of grades at A or A*. The grades at A Level Chemistry are also consistently amongst the best in the School.

The School is always looking for ways to improve the learning experience for pupils and this appointment represents an exciting challenge for the right candidate to play an important role in supporting the Head of Department and her team in exploring and evaluating new and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.

Duties

At Cokethorpe School, teachers are expected to

· Inspire a love of Science and in particular Chemistry in pupils, based on excellent subject knowledge and innovative, creative teaching techniques.

· Be accountable for the progress made by pupils, both in terms of internal and external communications – for example, through Progress Review Evenings and written reports.

· Develop strategies to support pupils in becoming independent and effective learners.

· Work with the Head of Department to promote the Science Department, organising extra-curricular experiences to stretch and challenge all pupils.

· Play a full and committed role in the development of the whole learning experience of pupils within the school, including participation in tutoring, the AOB programme and, if appropriate, Games.

· Take part in, and, where appropriate, contribute to a full and varied Professional Development programme.

General

· Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and procedures. 

· Promote fundamental British values.

· Comply with the requirements of the health and Safety at Work Regulations. Taking reasonable care for the Health and Safety of him/herself and for others affected by his/her works and to cooperate with the employer in ensuring that Health and Safety responsibilities are carried out.

· Duty of confidentiality towards the School. To acknowledge that in the course of employment you will have access to Confidential Information. You agree that you shall not divulge or communicate to any person, corporation, company or other organisation; use for your own purposes other than those of the School; or otherwise disclose or make use of any Confidential Information relating to or belonging to the School. 

Person Specification

· A degree in Chemistry

· Excellent subject knowledge

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills with pupils, parents and staff

· An ability to inspire and teach a love of learning of Science and in particular Chemistry

· High standards of written and oral communication

· Willingness to contribute to the wider school life including the sports programme, co-curricular commitments, the activities programme and the tutoring and House system.