Computer Science Teacher

Start date: September 2024 or as soon as possible

Location: Ark Alexandra Academy, Hastings, East Sussex

Salary: Ark Outside London Main/Upper Pay Scales: £30,570 to £48,390 + up to £5k relocation package & potential TLR for the right candidate

Hours: Full-time

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: 9.00 am on 03 May 2024 

The school reserves the right to withdraw this advert if a suitable candidate is appointed before the closing date. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early for this role to avoid disappointment. 

We are excited to welcome applications from enthusiastic Computer Science teachers to join our dynamic and supportive team. We recognise that digital literacy is an important lifelong skill which we are looking to develop for all of our students. 

Our Computer Science curriculum at KS3 challenges students in their understanding of HTML, Programming and Graphics, allowing students to investigate and explore computer science from Year 7 to Year 9. Students in Year 10 are given the opportunity to choose GCSE computer science as an option subject, where we follow the GCSE OCR curriculum. 

STEM activities are encouraged within the academy, and we run a successful Robotics club at both KS3 and KS4, which involves a number of outside activities and events. 

All students within the academy are issued a Chrome book for use inside lessons and at home. On the William Parker site we have seven dedicated ICT suites and on Helenswood campus we have two ICT suites, in addition to laptop trolleys.  

For more information please read the job description and person specification in the information pack available for download. 

We’re looking for an individual who:

• Can deliver engaging and interactive lessons to students, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment
• Can articulate a love of their subject
• Is able to communicate effectively with students of all abilities
• Cares about students, their learning, and their futures
• Can manage behaviour effectively to create a safe, respectful and nurturing environment so that students can focus on learning
• Is committed to participating in professional development programmes and will engage in mentoring opportunities provided by the school and network

Our School:

Ark Alexandra is a large secondary academy with a Sixth Form provision in Hastings, East Sussex and is the largest secondary in the successful Ark network. A popular school that is heavily over-subscribed, we have grown to have over 1,600 students this year.

Our school is on an exciting rapid upward trajectory. From September 2024, Ark Alexandra will operate as one school across two 6FE campuses. This creates the dual benefit of working within a small school family setting, whilst providing unique opportunities for growth, development and career opportunities that exist in a large school model.

We take a traditional and research-based approach to education with a primacy placed on cognitive science, scholarship and what the best schools do. We are a no-nonsense school where staff can focus their efforts on teaching great lessons. Our focus on extra-curricular activities including DofE, Cadets and rewards trips ensures our students benefit from a range of exciting opportunities.  

Ark Alexandra works closely with our feeder primary schools, Ark Blacklands, Ark Little Ridge and Ark Castledown, all of which have exceptional leadership graded as Outstanding by Ofsted, with Blacklands and Little Ridge being graded Outstanding in all areas.

As a Church of England school, our values of faith, excellence and kindness underpin everything that we do. We have an inclusive admissions policy that welcomes, without preference, students of all faith and none. Our vision is to create a truly great school for the young people in Hastings. We believe that everyone deserves to be accepted, included, and empowered to live a purposeful and fulfilling life.

What we offer:

• Salary higher than the national pay scales 
• Twice as many training days as standard and network-wide events with Ark colleagues, held by the best minds in education 
• Weekly staff training designed to meet the needs of the school 
• Coaching for every teacher 
• Protected co-planning time 
• Access to the high-quality, professional development, including nationally recognised qualifications such as the NPQML and NPQSL 
• Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the network 

At Ark Alexandra in Hastings, we are committed to helping staff with relocation. In addition to offering up to £5,000 we can help you make a smooth transition into our school and sea-side community. We recognise the challenges of moving to a new area, and as such we offer:

• Information on local housing options, and connections to good property agents
• Advise on school enrolment for staff members' children
• Additionally, we foster a welcoming environment by connecting new employees with existing staff members who can offer guidance on settling into the community of Hastings. 

The school's commitment to supporting the relocation process reflects our dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for all staff members. 

How to apply:

Please click 'apply' on the website you are visiting to complete an online application form. 

Please note: we are unable to accept applications via CV. We will also be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this advert may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. Early application is strongly encouraged. You will be able to pause, save and log back in to complete your application up until the vacancy closes.

If you’re interested in further information about our school, please visit our website – www.arkalexandra.org or to find out more about Ark Schools, please read Why Join an Ark School? from available for download from the application website.

To arrange an informal conversation about the role or an informal visit, please contact HR on ALEHR@arkalexandra.org  

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link.