Head of Science (Secondary)

We are looking for an Head of Science (Secondary - with additional responsibility for phase leadership) to join our growing school in August. You must-

1. Have a UK/Irish teaching qualification with QTS

2. Have taught in a school in the UK/Ireland

3. Understand and believe in our school vision which is to be - a happy community school with amazing learning at its heart where pupils are empowered to make choices, engage in meaningful learning experiences and make exceptional progress.

For all staff in school we share a responsibility to ensure that children are safe and properly supervised at all times. Our school is committed to ‘amazing learning’- providing enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences so that every pupil makes as much progress as possible. All staff are expected to adhere to The Aquila Professional Code of Conduct and commit to promoting our vision – ‘A happy community school with amazing learning at its heart where pupils are empowered to make choices, engage in meaningful learning experiences and make exceptional progress’. Our focus is providing children with amazing learning and to be the school of choice for the community we serve.

The Aquila 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 post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

Key qualities and skills:       

• To be a credible leader with a range of teaching and leadership experience       
• To be able to lead learning so that lessons are engaging and relevant, enabling every child to make as much progress as possible       
• To be able to develop positive working relationships with all members of the school community       
• To be able to use initiative, be flexible, fun, proactive and positive 

Core purposes:       

• To promote our school to the local community to increase pupil numbers and reach our pupil numbers target       
• To be accountable for ensuring that children are inspired, motivated and equipped to make as much progress with their learning as possible through ‘amazing learning’       
• To work collaboratively with colleagues and families       
• To have a positive impact on the work of the school 

Key duties include: All teachers-       

• To ensure children are safe and well cared for at all times       
• To plan and deliver creative and engaging lessons, ensuring that children are actively learning throughout each lesson       
• To ensure effective communication and direct the work of others, as appropriate       
• To lead CAS activities, participating and leading staff training and contributing to the establishment and development of the school community      
• To actively engage with our school community e.g. through newsletters, informal dialogue, reporting, supporting school functions and contributing to community and marketing activities       
• To actively participate in the performance management process of self and others       
• As the schools grows all teachers will be involved in improving learning across the school as lead learners and subject leaders       
• In addition, the post holder will - (please tailor your letter of application to your preferred role/s)      

1. In addition to leading and teaching science, the successful candidate will lead on either progression pathways, pastoral or professional development.       
2. Pathways - IBDP, GCSEs and Futures (including university applications)      
3. Pastoral (KS3) - safeguarding/wellbeing/healthy lifestyles/pupil voice & leadership      
4. Professional development - educational technology/coaching/ITT/CPD/learning outside of the classroom/KS3 curriculum      

• Ensure teaching and learning are of the highest standard and personalised to specifically meet individual needs and the phase meets the school’s challenging targets for progress and attainment       
• Lead CPD for all members of the school community       
• Ensure the school maintains a positive and respectful ethos       
• Ensure the curriculum is inclusive and learner led, taking into account the cultural heritage of the school community and the local region       
• Communicate with families about learning and other issues related to school 

In addition, all staff are required to carry out any tasks required by the school or the regional office to facilitate the smooth day to day running of the school

To be line managed by the Head of Secondary; Hours of work- 7.30am-4.00pm Sunday to Thursday plus occasional evening and weekend work; Holidays- as per the school KHDA approved calendar plus five days during the school holiday.

Person Specification  

• Excellent English speaker        
• Unceasingly optimistic and a ‘can do’ attitude – calm kind and professional with all members if the school community        
• At least 7 years’ experience of teaching KS3/KS4 is essential        
• Can meet deadlines by effective planning and time management      
• Experience of A Level and/or IBDP in an international school         
• A proven track record of securing excellent outcomes at IGCSE and beyond

How to apply: Interested applicants can apply via TES and include an updated CV which includes a paragraph titled ‘Why I am the right person for this post.’   Please tailor your letter of application to your preferred role/s.       

• Application Deadline: 20th December 2021      
• Long list will be complete by 21st December 2021 - we will let unsuccessful applicants know on this date.      
• Short listing interviews: 22nd December 2021 - 3rd January 2022 - we will let unsuccessful applicants know on 4th January 2022      
• Final interview: Sunday 9th January 2022      

Please note - we reserve the right to appoint a candidate earlier than the timeline given above.