Teacher of Physics - September 2021

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Teacher of Physics, to join the science team in this exceptionally successful school, where specialist science teaching is prioritised.  We are interested in applications from teachers with commitment to teaching physics to A Level, as this post will entail a significant component of this. This post is an exciting opportunity for teachers with an interest in developing their career, including NQTs.

Situated in Tunbridge Wells, with excellent transport links to London, Bennett is a popular and over-subscribed academy with an enviable record of outstanding academic achievement over many years. 

A Church of England co-educational school with independent academy status

• 1,740 on roll including 355 in the Sixth Form

• Judged Outstanding in every area by Ofsted in 2012   

• World Class School Quality Mark in 2020    

• Outstanding  GCSE and A Level results

• Excellent reputation; oversubscribed

Bennett students are highly motivated and enthusiastic about learning and taking part in the huge range of enrichment activities that we offer.  

Priority places at the school are available for children of staff.

We welcome pre-application visits to the school.

Our staff are highly committed and we have a strong and positive school ethos. 

Thank you for your interest. Should you wish to visit the school informally or to discuss any aspect of the advertised post before applying, please email: recruitment@bennett.kent.sch.uk

Completed Application Forms should be emailed to recruitment@bennett.kent.sch.uk or posted to the school by the closing date. CVs will not be accepted.

CLOSING DATE: 9:00am on Wednesday 16 December 2020

INTERVIEWS : early January 2021

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  All posts are subject to a satisfactory DBS enhanced check.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

The Bennett Science Department is an exciting and dynamic context in which to work. Science has a central place in our curriculum, alongside Mathematics and English, at all stages and for all students. Our vision for the subject is for it to contribute even more fully to the academic development of all our students and for their preparation for life, work and study in the modern world. 

This commitment is realised in a number of ways. Science is taught to all students in Years 7 to 9. Following a review of the science curriculum, all students from Year 7 to 9 follow a mastery curriculum with a carefully planned progression through the three separate sciences. All science teachers are involved in teaching KS3 science. In order to ensure that non – specialist teachers are able to deliver the KS3 sciences effectively, the Heads of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, along with the Head of Science, have a pivotal role in developing challenging schemes of work and leading professional development about subject specific pedagogy.

From Year 10 onwards, the vast majority of students follow courses in the three separate sciences, securing accreditation in each of them at GCSE. We believe that this is the ideal springboard for further scientific study at A level. This specialist approach means that the Heads of Biology, Chemistry and Physics play a critical role in leading teaching, both in terms of modelling practice and securing the highest standards of teaching in their teams.

There are very strong, and increasing, numbers of students taking natural sciences to A Level, it is typical for the school to have at least two groups in each science. 

Facilities for science teaching are good, with full support from a very effective technician team. All laboratories have interactive whiteboards and fully networked computer access. 

The school’s examination outcomes speak for themselves, and we suggest that prospective applicants are familiar with the school’s profile in recent examination results by reading the information available on and through the school’s website. These achievements have been secured because of our uncompromising stance on aspiration, and our rejection of limiting or self-limiting attitudes. We expect the person appointed to be a teacher who shares this approach, believes in high standards for all, and is committed to the unique importance of rigorously taught science in the education of all young people in today’s world. 

Alongside high aspiration for all, Bennett’s results are achieved through outstanding teaching. The school has high expectations of its teaching staff, they work hard and are committed and focussed; teaching is very strong across the school. 

Bennett is strongly committed to developing teachers professionally, and believes that all staff should have an active and positive role to play in the development of policy and practice. This generates great enthusiasm and a strong sense of teamwork. As a designated Teaching School we can offer a wide range of professional development opportunities both within Bennett and our network of secondary schools. These include courses such as the outstanding teacher programme, leadership development programmes and the opportunity to complete a Masters programme in collaboration with the UCL/Institute of Education. 

Bennett is a Church of England school, and it is expected that all staff support the school’s distinctive ethos in their professional role.