Director of STEM

Director of STEM

September 2023

Full time

Kent College Pembury excels in adding value to its pupils, both academically and pastorally. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an outstanding specialist to become Director of STEM at Kent College.

As Director of STEM at Kent College, you are responsible to the Head via the Deputy Head (Academic) for the leadership of STEM provision across the Senior School. The Director of STEM has the responsibility for developing a forward thinking, creative and adventurous approach to STEM subjects through both curricular and co-curricular provision in order to encourage an ethos of aspiration and confidence. The Director of STEM is also responsible for forging close links with the Prep School in STEM subjects. 

The Director of STEM has operational and strategic responsibility for Science and teaches a Science subject. They will also line manage the Heads of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computing and work closely with the Head of Maths. They will be responsible for promoting flourishing STEM provision across the Senior School. The Director of STEM will be accountable to, and meet regularly with, the Deputy Head (Academic) and, given the seniority of this role, will also meet regularly with the Head and other senior staff. The role would be ideal for a current Head of Department or Head of Faculty looking for the next step in their professional development. This would be an excellent stepping-stone to a Deputy Head position or a fantastic opportunity in its own right to shape a critical part of school life. 

STEM at Kent College 

In Year 7 pupils study Science as a single subject. In Years 8-9 pupils follow programmes in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All students are given the opportunity to study three separate Science GCSEs using the AQA syllabus. Some students will, however, move to the combined Science GCSE. Most are entered for the higher tier.  

Computer Science is taught from Year 7 – 9 and is taken as a GCSE by a small number of students. Currently we are offering Computer Science BTEC in Sixth Form.  

Science is a thriving department with a good academic record with well-qualified and dedicated staff who work closely together. Three excellent technicians ably support them.

Results are good. In 2022 85% of grades in Biology GCSE were 7-9. For Chemistry and

Physics 60% were 7-9. All pupils scored an 8 in Computer Science.  

In 2022 at A-level, 50% of Science grades were A*-A and 75% A*-B. STEM subjects are among the most popular subjects taken at this level.  

The Science department currently constitutes the Heads of Biology, Chemistry and Physics and four other specialist members of staff. There is one Teacher in charge of Computer Science. 

The Science Department Facilities

Students are taught in purpose-built science accommodation, with specialist laboratories for Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The latest apparatus is used and maintained to a high standard.

Impressive new science laboratories were opened in September 2008. A modern entrance foyer leads into the new Darbyshire Wing, which comprises three new laboratories (two general purpose and one Sixth Form), upgraded storage and preparation areas, and a new staff work room. The existing laboratories have been upgraded, one as a computer suite with 20 networked pcs and an interactive whiteboard. All staff are issued with a Microsoft Surface tablet to use in their teaching and administration.

We are delighted to welcome applications from candidates who share our core values and who are able to contribute to our continued future success. We recruit staff of the highest calibre who will inspire, support and challenge the pupils, and fellow colleagues, to achieve their full potential.

Closing date: Friday 17 February 2023 by Midday

The completed application form, including the names and addresses of two referees, CV and a letter of application should be sent to the Head, Miss Katrina Handford.

Candidates are encouraged to apply well before the deadline. We reserve the right to interview candidates before the closing date.

References will be taken up prior to interview. One of the referees should normally be the applicant’s current or most recent employer. The post requires the highest level of clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). 

Kent College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Appointees must be prepared to undergo child protection screening Child Protection and welfare are taken very seriously at Kent College, with guidelines on confidentiality and staff-pupil relationship procedures well-publicised to staff. 

All gaps of employment are to be accounted for and rigorously investigated. Referees are contacted to ensure the validity of the reference. Testimonials are not acceptable in place of confidential references.