Deputy Curriculum Leader for Science

Arden is an exceptional school because it combines a strong family ethos with high academic standards; it sits at the heart of the community and is at the peak of academic excellence. Situated just minutes off Junction 5 of the M42 and only 3 miles from the town of Solihull, visitors will be welcomed by our confident, articulate, proud and caring students. Our recent Ofsted report spoke about the culture of ‘exceptionally high aspirations that permeate the school’ and ‘the positive relationships between staff and pupils’ where ‘teachers teach individuals, not classes’. Our focus is to provide opportunity and success for our students, so we are always striving for better.

Arden is the lead school in a hugely successful Trust that will provide the applicant with many opportunities for collaboration and development.

We are looking to appoint an additional Deputy Curriculum Leader for Science who has the vision and ambition to support the Curriculum Leader and another postholder in leading a talented and successful department. The successful candidate will have excellent subject knowledge and be able to motivate students through inspirational, personalised teaching.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented teacher to join a thriving school and work with students who are committed to their learning and passionate about their development. The successful applicant will lead a department of 19 specialist colleagues who are committed to ensuring that each student achieves their full potential academically and personally. This role will also open up career development opportunities in a Trust that values staff progression and development.

The opportunity for personal development and progression at Arden is enormous. An active commitment to staff development through a strong and consistent focus and dialogue around teaching and learning pedagogy makes this an ideal position for candidates committed to being the best practitioner they can be. Middle Leader development continues to be a core focus of our school and our Trust. We run a highly regarded Middle Leader development training programme across the Trust where our Middle Leaders work with Senior Leaders from across the Trust and Middle Leader colleagues in all of our schools to collaborate, consider aspects of leadership, and share best practice. Excellent line management ensures this position is well supported and that Middle Leaders are given every opportunity to develop and showcase their drive and leadership skills.

The outcomes below are excellent and demonstrate the success and engagement in Science across Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5:

• A large uptake of pupils (typically between 35% and 45%) opt for single Sciences at GCSE; around 50% of these each year go on to achieve grades 7, 8 or 9.
• We were equally delighted with our Combined Science cohort and their achievement of a positive +0.4 value-added score in the Summer 2023 examinations.
• We have a consistently high uptake of Science at A Level: 94 students in Year 13 and 81 students in Year 12 are currently studying either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, with two or three teaching groups for each subject in each year group.
• Last year, 55% of Chemists achieved A*–B; we always have 5–6 students gaining places at medical schools and have supported many students to gain places at Oxford and Cambridge to study Science-based degrees.
• Core Maths is offered to students in Year 12; many choose to take it in order to support their Science A Level.

In every way, the Science Department mirrors the aims and beliefs of the school. All staff work hard, supported by a committed leadership team, to provide a safe and encouraging environment for learning. Arden students love to acquire new knowledge and skills. Our teachers relish the opportunity to deliver engaging, challenging lessons to committed students, supported by caring families.

The ability to teach A Level in any one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology is desirable but not essential. If you do not have experience of teaching A Level but are keen to develop that expertise, we can support you to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver engaging and challenging lessons at KS5. The successful candidate will not only join this team but will strategically lead to further enhance an already high-performing department.

The department currently has 13 full-time and six part-time members of staff. It has a wealth of experienced teachers who all work well together. Students study either AQA Triple or Double Science (Trilogy specification) at GCSE. and A Levels in Chemistry, Physics and Biology are offered.

The school has an excellent record of success at GCSE and A Level:

• GCSEs – In summer 2023, the school’s Progress 8 score was +0.66, with an Attainment 8 score of 50.29, which shows the excellent attainment of our school. 64% of our students achieved a grade 5 in both English and Maths, with 83% achieving this at grade 4. More than 35% of the GCSE grades awarded were grade 7 and above, with 20% being awarded at grades 8 and 9.
• A Levels – In 2023, students achieved an average grade of a B. Our average points score of 39.38 demonstrates the excellent outcomes that our students achieve. 35.5% of grades awarded were A*/A, and 66% of grades awarded were A*–B.

In return, we can offer you:

• A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors.
• Enthusiastic students who enjoy learning and engage positively in all aspects of school life.
• Access to high-quality continuing professional development and the opportunity for personal growth and development.
• A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity.
• Commitment to Middle Leader Development through Middle Leader cross-Trust training, Middle Leader progress meetings with the Associate Headteacher and Executive Headteacher, and Middle Leader support through a highly effective SLT Line Manager.
• A Senior Leadership team committed to promoting the best environment and outcomes for staff and students.
• Use of your own personal laptop.
• Teachers’ pension.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Free on-site parking.

Children of staff who are permanently employed at Arden Academy are eligible for a ‘staff’ priority for our main school and Sixth Form admissions (please see Admissions on our school website for full details).

Further details are available to download below or from our school website: www.arden.solihull.sch.uk/vacancies/

Application forms should be completed in full and attached to a letter of application. CVs cannot be accepted as part of our Safer Recruitment guidelines. Please address all correspondence to Mr D Warwood, Associate Headteacher.

Closing date: 9am on Monday 8th April 2024

Interview date: Friday 12th April 2024

Arden Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religion. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS Disclosure and, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, will be subject to a social media online search.