Chemistry Teacher

Plymouth College is an HMC co-educational school based in the bustling maritime city of Plymouth with the magnificent moorland, countryside and coastal landscapes of Devon and Cornwall close to hand. The school has been at the forefront of education in the South West of England since 1877 and, whilst quietly conscious of its past and traditions, it is now renowned for being forward-looking and internationally successful. The school offers continuous education from ages rising 3s to 18 years with boarding facilities at the Senior School from age 11. Boarding has doubled in size in the last 6 years with the acquisition of 4 new buildings and has resulted in an international community which, among the students, represents over 40 nationalities.

The Sixth Form has become a power-house of the school and its achievement has inspired success in the lower age groups. Results in the sixth form are as good as local selective schools, whilst the “value-added” is significantly positive, and the best by far in the area. This is balanced by a considerable range of extra-curricular activities both in sport and the arts. Plymouth College is a centre of national excellence in swimming, modern pentathlon and diving, which has resulted in national, international and Olympic success with a great deal of press coverage. Traditional team sports such as rugby and hockey have also gained significant recognition.

In the 2013 ISI inspection report Plymouth College was judged “extremely successful” throughout gaining “excellent” in many areas of school life.

Plymouth College is far from being complacent, our challenge is to be outstanding in all that we do.

The Chemistry Department

The department has a strong and successful academic record. Chemistry is taught as a separate subject at all ages through the school, from year 7 to the upper sixth. We follow the Heinemann Science Scheme (2002) in the lower school, with pupils taking in-house exams in years 7 - 8. In year 9 we follow the Cambridge Combined Science Chemistry component as an introduction for years 10 and 11, when pupils are prepared for the Edexcel IGCSE with the two top sets taking the Edexcel Chemistry IGCSE rather than the Double or Single Science Award. In the sixth form, we normally have two groups in each of the Lower and Upper Sixth following the Edexcel A-level course.

The average A-level results for the last seven years: 100% pass rate with 69% at A*, A or B. Last Year: 100% pass rate with 73% A*- B. Our IGCSE cohort average results for the last four years: 99% pass rate with 72% at A* or A.

We were University Challenge winners at the 2007 and 2010 Salter’s Festival, and runners up in 2009. 2013 saw us 8th in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s national Top of the Bench competition. We were runners up in the Regional Top of the Bench in 2015 and in Plymouth University’s analyst competition 2016. We are on good terms with the Plymouth

Medical Society and the University’s Chemistry department and can attend interesting and/or relevant talks and organise tours.

The department is housed in four laboratories, a number of prep rooms and a Chemistry Departmental office. All labs are well equipped. There are two large labs which can be used to teach all years in the lower school and two smaller labs used almost exclusively for the sixth form lessons. Each has networked computers, visualisers and data projectors. We are well-resourced and have an experienced full-time graduate technician to assist in preparation of materials. As much as possible, Chemistry is taught using practical methods, and we keep sufficient apparatus to enable this to be done effectively.

There are currently three Chemistry graduate teachers in the department. The current vacancy has come about due to the retirement of a long-serving member of staff.

The Job Requirements

A teacher of Chemistry is expected to:

• Plan and execute lessons/activities to facilitate the pupils' learning of material laid out in the department's schemes of work. The teacher will be expected to teach 32 lessons per week (out of a maximum of 40) across all ages (from Year 7 to 13 (Upper Sixth)).
• Set homework for pupils according to the College’s and department's homework policies.
• Mark homework, coursework, tests and examinations, and provide feedback to pupils according to the College’s and department's marking policies.
• Assess and evaluate learning and achievement of pupils they teach using the College’s assessment, recording and reporting procedures.
• Undertake any minor administrative role(s) within the department as agreed with the Head of Department.
• Participate fully in the extra-curricular life of the College
• Participate in ongoing professional development.

An excellent knowledge of Chemistry is required, of (Hons) degree level or the equivalent, as well as an enjoyment of and enthusiasm for the subject with the ability to inspire the same enthusiasm in their students. The ability to teach a second Science will be an advantage. The post also calls for literacy in IT. The post would be suitable for an experienced teacher or for one newly qualified. Accommodation could be available.

To apply for this post, please complete both the Application Form and self-declaration form and return them by post or email, to Sharon Lambie, Headmaster’s Assistant (slambie@plymouthcollege.com).

The closing date is Thursday 25th January 2018 at 12.00pm and if you are called for Interview, you will be notified early the following week. Interviews will take place on Thursday 1st February.