Head of Chemistry

Runnymede College is a private non-denominational British school in Madrid offering a British education to boys and girls of all nationalities from the age of two to eighteen. The education offered follows the British National Curriculum.

Founded as a private school in September 1967, the primary school was inaugurated in 1987, and since 1990, the whole School has been situated in La Moraleja, a residential estate 13 km to the north of Madrid.

Academic levels are high at Runnymede College. In June 2021, 74% of our students achieved A-A* at A Level, which meant two of our pupils gained places at Oxford, two at St Andrews, three at LSE, four at Imperial College, five at Bath and nine at UCL. Four of this year’s graduates are going on to study at the United States: one at Colombia, one at Pennsylvania and two at Boston University. Most of our graduates choose to study in the UK, Spain or the US, although other destinations such as France, Switzerland and the Netherlands are also considered.

The school is looking to recruit an outstanding Head of Chemistry to join our successful Senior School Science department.

In June 2021, the Chemistry department was delighted with our pupils’ examination results. At IGCSE, 85% of Chemistry students achieved an A* or A grade, and 98% achieved A*-C. Results in A Level Chemistry were also strong, with 57% of students achieving an A* or A and 95% obtaining a C or above. These results are testament to our motivated and well-behaved pupils, excellent teaching standards and the state-of-the-art science laboratories in our Founder’s Building, which was inaugurated in September 2019. Exam performance across the sciences is very strong; you can view the results on our school website https://www.runnymede-college.com/academic/university-destination-and-exam-results/

The HOD of Chemistry should:   

• Encourage each pupil to reach their academic potential, through excellent teaching and learning across the department. Oversee planning of a well-sequenced curriculum content to promote pupil progress.   
• Promote the relevance and importance of Chemistry across the school, and regularly develop and review the vision, aims and purpose for the subject, including an annual departmental review.   
• Be aware of and comply with school policies, including those for marking and assessment, teaching and learning and reporting. Also oversee compliance of behaviour and well-being policies in the department.   
• Take care of teaching labs and corridors, ensuring stimulating displays that inspire curiosity in pupils.   
• Display exemplary behaviour and attitude at all times, encourage high standards, and motivate students and teachers within the department to do likewise.   
• Liase with Faculty Head and Senior Lab Technician to audit resources to meet curriculum needs.   
• Develop and share schemes of work and resources in conjunction with other staff in the department.   
• Promote spiritual, moral, social, cultural, physical and mental development in teaching of the subject.   
• Work with SENCO to ensure curriculum matches needs of those with special educational needs (SEN)   
• Promote careers education through the subject and illustrate how Chemistry leads to a variety of careers. Assist students in Sixth Form by offering support with personal statements, interviews and career advice.   
• Liaise with junior school on transition to senior school to ensure progression is built into the curriculum   
• Establish an effective team and hold meetings to keep staff regularly informed on developments. Provide support and guidance to staff within the department in their role as subject teachers in Chemistry.   
• Monitor teaching and learning (observation of lessons, scrutinising books, talking with pupils) to assess how well Chemistry is being implemented and delivered.   
• Take responsibility for appraisal of staff in the department. Oversee training needs and continuing professional development (CPD) for members of the department, liaising with the Head of Faculty.   
• Prepare, invigilate and assess as required, internal Chemistry assessments, and liase with the school Exams Officer to administer and enter pupils for public exams in Chemistry.   
• Organise educational visits, visiting speakers and extra curricular activities that enrich pupils’ experience of the subject beyond the confines of a syllabus.   
• Attend parents’ evenings, assemblies, school events and carry out any other reasonable professional request made by the Head Master, or members of the SLT.

The successful applicant will have:   

• a good honours degree from a British University  
• a PGCE or other qualified teacher status for secondary Science - Chemistry specialism  
• recent experience as a teacher in a school in the UK  
• recent experience teaching IGCSE and A Level Chemistry  
• have a record of excellent at A Level and IGCSE Chemistry results  
• be familiar with the new Cambridge IGCSE Core & Extended Specification as well as with the Edexcel A level Specification, including the practical proficiency (CPAC) criteria.  
• have excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively and seamlessly individually and as part of a team.  
• show a willingness to collaborate on planning and resourcing, including taking the lead on coordinating the the smooth running of a year group, or key stage where required.  
• the ability to modify learning strategies to target the needs of individual students  
• high expectations of pupils’ effort and behaviour, and facilitate this with proven classroom management skills  
• be organised and able to prioritise to meet deadlines  
• be motivated and use initiative to contribute to success of the department  
• be a native level english speaker  
• possess valid references, and have an up to date CRB/DBS check  
• be confident in using technology effectively in teaching and learning - experience with online learning platforms such as Zoom and Google Classroom desired.

Other preferable but not essential criteria:   

• Previous experience of an international school

Please complete the TES online application form and attach a copy of your CV.

Final date for applications- Wednesday 22nd December 2021

Runnymede College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) via ACRO Criminal Records Office.