Dunottar School - Teacher of Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)

Dunottar School, Reigate - Job Description

Teacher of Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)

Full time, permanent for September 2024

United Learning Pay Scale

Dunottar is a co-educational school for pupils aged 11-18 set in extensive grounds of 15 acres on the outskirts of Reigate. Under the Headship of Mark Tottman, the school is on a very exciting journey having recently won the prestigious Education Business Award for the ‘Outstanding Progress – UK Independent Schools’ category 2019. Dunottar is experiencing fast growth in pupil numbers and to accommodate this expansion, we have recently completed a £6.6 million capital development programme to build a new Sixth Form Centre and Assembly Hall/Performing Arts Centre.

Dunottar is a great place to work, with a team of highly professional and committed teachers and support staff. We incorporate best practice from independent schools and academies right across the United Learning Group, whilst retaining our unique, friendly ethos in Reigate where pupils are nurtured to make significant personal progress at the same time as achieving excellent academic results. United Learning is an outstanding organisation which prides itself on providing a working and learning environment which encourages ‘the best in everyone’. You will join a network of staff belonging to over 90 other schools, with opportunities to engage with fellow professionals which far exceed what one school could achieve on its own. Personal development and career opportunities are excellent. They will also play an active role in the extensive and varied co-curricular program, both during the working week and some weekends.

Overview

Dunottar has a well-established Science department. In Year 7 and 8 pupils are taught science, from Year 9, pupils commence their Science GCSEs taking AQA science in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. At A Level the AQA specification is followed in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

The Science department has good facilities with eight spacious, well-equipped laboratories and two preparation rooms. There is a weekly science club during lunchtimes and after school as well as other enrichment opportunities for pupils. The successful candidate will be expected to make a contribution to these initiatives as well as to the co-curricular programme.

Beyond the Classroom

The Science Department organize and promote Dunottar School Science Week and British Science Week annually in March with activities such as a mobile planetarium and a house Science competition.

Pupils are encouraged to participate in thought-provoking co-curricular offerings such as our Cafe Scientifique Club, Dissection Club and Science Club to stimulate curiosity and an interest in Science across all the key stages, as well as participating in the inter-school SATRO Problem Solving Competition. Practical activities are the very basis of making our lessons as engaging as possible and our weekly clubs reflect and reinforce this.

The Role

Due to growth in the Department, we are seeking to appoint a high calibre and enthusiastic Science Teacher to join this successful and friendly department. We are looking for someone with an ability to stimulate curiosity and interest in the sciences and who is prepared to give full commitment to the aims and ethos of the Science Department and to Dunottar School.   You might be an experienced teacher looking to move to a new school. Alternatively, we are also keen to consider applications from ECT candidates and those seeking to carry out initial teacher training which may be completed through United Teaching (www.unitedteaching.org.uk).

The applicant will be expected to fulfil the usual professional responsibilities of a teacher at Dunottar including:

• Have high expectations of pupils
• Create a stimulating and positive learning environment
• Show a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainment of the pupils, and that these have been taken into account when planning lessons
• Attend staff and departmental meetings
• Maintain up-to-date records of attendance, assessment, planning, reports and communication with parents
• Contribute to curriculum planning, including the development of schemes of work
• Contribute to the departmental co-curricular and extra-curricular programme
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to new developments in the Sciences.
• Pastoral Care is the responsibility of all members of teaching staff at Dunottar, staff must:

1. Contribute to the pastoral care and personal development of pupils.
2. Report any pastoral concerns to the Head of Year or in serious circumstances the Deputy Head Pastoral. 
3. Be fully conversant with the Child Protection policy and report any concerns or allegations to the Senior Designated Person.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and the post holder may perform other duties reasonably required by the Headmaster. 

Dunottar School, Reigate – Person Specification

Teacher of Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)

Professional Qualifications and Skills

• A record of excellent academic achievement including a relevant honours degree
• PGCE/QTS or the ability to obtain it at Dunottar via United Teaching

Personal qualities

• High levels of personal and professional integrity
• Self-confidence, personal energy and dynamism
• Personal warmth, good rapport with pupils, colleagues and parents
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent oral and written English skills
• Appropriate levels of personal presentation
• Confident use of ICT

Teaching and Learning

• Enthusiasm for, and an excellent knowledge of the relevant curriculum
• Evidence of creative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning including the appropriate use of ICT
• Commitment to improving, monitoring and evaluating teaching and learning
• The ability to teach Chemistry or Physics to A level is essential and up to Oxbridge would be an advantage
• An ability to make all pupils feel valued and involved in your lessons

Philosophy and Ethos

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and conduct
• Commitment to best practice in pastoral support and student welfare
• Commitment to helping with extra-curricular activities and curriculum enrichment

The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage during the recruitment process.