Chief Science Technician

We are seeking an outstanding Chief Science Technician to work within our high performing Science department.

Your opportunity

The science team is a creative and dynamic department consisting of fourteen teachers and three technicians. All are subject specialists in biology, chemistry or physics. High expectations are set within the department for both students and teachers alike. We strive to ensure that we deliver an imaginative, up to date and relevant curriculum. Consequently the department has an outstanding track record for academic success at all key stages.

The science department at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace enjoyed some outstanding results in 2017. The success at KS4 is part of the reason the science KS5 uptake is so impressive, where we have more biology, chemistry and physics groups than any other site in the Harris Federation. Our Year 13 students regularly go on to read science or science related courses at both Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities.

All students are assumed to have the potential to study towards Further Additional Science (three GCSEs) from Year 9. The best performing sets are given a Triple Science entry test in Year 10. This assessment is used to indicate which students have the ability and motivation to study the more challenging triple GCSE pathway. Student learning inside the classroom is supported by a rich variety of extra-curricular visits. Biology trips include visits to the Royal College of Pathologists, surgical workshops and dissections at the Linn Theatre. Physicists have the opportunity to attend the North London Observatory, and to take part in the London Gifted and Talented Technology Challenge.

Professional development of staff is promoted and supported. Performance Appraisal objectives are set and training opportunities identified, and all staff are involved in the Academy Improvement Planning and review process. The department benefits from the very latest teaching and learning strategies and innovations for literacy as well as ensuring that all teachers are expert practitioners in their field.

Teaching is differentiated and personalised to meet the individual needs of all students. Lessons are planned to enhance students’ speaking and listening, reading and writing skills. Students, particularly in the Sixth Form, are encouraged to do their own wider reading using both the magazine subscriptions available in the library but also carefully selected online content. Homework is integral to students’ success and books are marked to provide feedback to students and inform future planning.

The study of science is underpinned by promoting curiosity and an investigative approach to problem solving. Practical work allows students to directly interact with the world around them, and they are encouraged to explore ideas and concepts beyond the curriculum. These are fundamental skills, useful within scientific study and beyond

As part of Harris, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education in London. With regular progression opportunities and outstanding CPD for support staff, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career.

Harris Benefits

As part of the Harris Federation, we can offer you a range of benefits, including:

The opportunity to develop and grow your career within the Federation.

Performance and loyalty bonus

Pension scheme (LGPS) and access to our Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan, covering a range of health and wellbeing benefits

Bicycle Purchase and ICT loans

Click here for a full list of Harris benefits. 

What we are looking for:

• Someone who is educated to A Level or equivalent in Physics, Chemistry or Biology, with a good understanding of a range of chemicals and their properties and a basic knowledge of health and safety regulations
• A good understanding of current educational issues, theory and practice
• Experience of working in an inner city school or educational establishment
• Good written and spoken communication skills, good organisational skills and excellent interpersonal skills

We look for talented individuals who want to be a part of transforming education in London, and helping create exceptional places of learning. Please download the job pack for a full job description and person specification.

About Harris City Academy Crystal Palace:

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace is a pioneering academy for 1,300 students aged 11-18, and celebrated its 25th anniversary last academic year. The founding academy of the Harris Federation, it has three consecutive outstanding judgments by Ofsted, most recently finding the academy to be outstanding in every aspect in 2014. It is one of the most oversubscribed comprehensive schools in the country and in the top 5% for performance.

Why work at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace?

• A long established and highly successful school: one of the most oversubscribed in the country and the top school in Croydon at Attainment 8 2017
• As a Teaching School, we are able to offer all teachers an extensive programme of first class professional development and a vibrant learning community giving all the opportunities to excel.
• All the advantages of a successful academy group, including a strong central team of support, teaching and leadership staff
• Generous Harris rewards and benefits package

The Harris Federation

The Harris Federation is the leading large Multi Academy Trust in the country for both primary and secondary education. We have an established reputation in transforming education in London and an unrivalled track record in achieving success through rapid school improvement.

Closing the gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers has always been a core mission of the Harris Federation. We have transformed standards in schools that had, in some cases, failed for generations before joining the Harris Federation. Social mobility is the Holy Grail for the pupils we serve. The key to their futures is a high quality education.

We want every child in London to have the best possible education, enabling them to fulfil their potential and decide their own future.

We look for motivated support staff who are committed to helping us transform lives and who will share our belief that every child has the potential to do well.

Please note: academies may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and this job may be withdrawn at any point without notice. You will still be able to add information until the closing date, but you will not be able to submit your application. With this in mind, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Harris academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. In line with our commitments to safeguarding, the Harris Federation uses preferred agencies and is unable to work with any agencies where Terms of Business have not been agreed by both parties prior to an engagement. Harris Federation is fully committed to equality and to valuing diversity as an employer and a provider of education. Click here to view our full equality and diversity statement.