Teacher of Mathematics (Fixed Term Maternity Cover)

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Teacher of Mathematics to join Forest School, a thriving, oversubscribed and academically selective co-educational independent day school.

Mathematics is a popular and dynamic faculty at Forest that secures strong academic outcomes. The Faculty aims to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of Mathematics beyond the curriculum; this is at the heart of its philosophy. We have a large entry every year to all levels of the UKMT Maths Challenges with many gaining gold certificates and progressing to the higher rounds. There is a school team in the London-based Hans Woyda Competition and students regularly attend the Mathematics in Action lectures. We have a programme of guest speakers at Forest. These have included Marcus du Sautoy, Matt Parker, Alex Bellos and Kjartan Poskitt of Murderous Maths fame. As part of our partnership with local schools we host other students in our Additional Mathematics programme for Year 11.

Results are strong within the faculty. Over the last five years when public examinations were taken, around 75% of students at Key Stage 4 have achieved grades 7 to 9. In 2022, 30% achieved a grade 9, and over 60% achieved a grade 8 or 9. At A-level over the same period, our students achieved a 50% A*/A rate in Mathematics and 78% in Further Maths. 47% of Further Mathematicians gained an A*. Three students have secured offers to read Mathematics at Cambridge in the past few years and many more secure places at leading institutions (in the Russell Group and beyond) each year.

As one of the largest day schools in HMC, Forest abounds with opportunities for professional and career development. Teachers at Forest are rarely just confined to their subject area and the majority play a full and active role in Forest’s enviable super-curricular and co-curricular programme, with opportunities to lead in clubs and activities as diverse as Model United Nations, Extended Project Qualification, Jedi Warrior Lightsabre Fencing, Chapel Choir, Music Technology and Cricket, to give but a few examples. The ambition, richness, and distinct nature of the integrated curriculum at Forest offers our staff with an unparalleled experience of a modern and holistic education in our beautiful London setting. As our Good Schools Guide Review (2023) suggests Forest is a ‘flourishing, successful and well-led school in a glorious, green setting with consistently strong results that don’t require pupils to sacrifice happiness or wellbeing on the way to achieving them… an education that’s so genuinely rounded you could make hoops from it.’ 

Forest invests heavily in the development of pedagogy and teaching strategy, with all teachers expected to engage in an ambitious Professional Learning Programme which includes seminars and contact with leading minds in the teaching and learning space; most recently, Forest welcomed Tom Sherrington who presented on curriculum strategy and design. In addition, we are immensely proud of our culture of formative, ongoing and developmental peer observation through our Teaching and Learning Communities. Teachers are also encouraged to liaise regularly with our team of Lead Teaching Practitioners and benefit from coaching and constructive critical feedback and reflection on their practice.

We would expect the successful applicant to teach the full range of Mathematics at Forest School, from Key Stage 3 to A-Level and Oxbridge preparation. The ability to offer Further Mathematics would also be desirable.

We welcome applications from candidates who are new to the profession and offer a well-developed and formative programme of support, coaching and guidance for PGCE and ECT candidates.

About Forest

Forest is a large, vibrant school, with approximately 1500 pupils from 4 to 18. Our traditional House structure means that each pupil is treated as an individual, of whom we have the highest expectations, while our size enables us to offer breadth and depth of opportunity. 

Location

Forest is a city school surrounded by Epping Forest, within easy walking distance of Snaresbrook Central line tube station and Wood Street Overground station.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:    

• Generous CPD budget               
• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system               
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme       
• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day               
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13               
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre             
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme        
• Contribution towards private medical insurance fees               
• Membership of a pension scheme

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

Applications close on Friday 06 October 2023, 08:00am

Interviews will take place week beginning 09 October 2023

Details on Online Profile:

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) asks schools to carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates as part of the process of assessing suitability. If you are shortlisted for the role, we may carry out an online search based on the information you provide to the school. If we carry out a search, we will also search more widely for any other online information about you.

You (and all other candidates) are therefore required to provide the following information as part of your application:

· the social media platforms on which you have accounts;

· the account names / handles for all of your social media accounts, including any under a nickname or pseudonym;

· any websites you are involved with, in or featured on or named on; and

· any other publicly available online information about you of which the School should be made aware.

You are not required to provide account passwords or to grant the School access to private social media accounts.

If you are not shortlisted for the role, online searches will not be carried out on you.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.