Head of Chemistry

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an exceptional individual to join Forest School in the role of Head of Chemistry. The successful candidate will lead the development of Chemistry in a new, state-of-the-art building which houses the Biology, Chemistry and Physics departments.  The Head of Chemistry will be an outstanding teacher and leader, who will successfully lead on the strategic development of the Chemistry department to maximise students’ academic achievement and foster a life-long passion for the subject.  The Head of Chemistry will develop and monitor the delivery of an engaging and challenging curriculum that will support students in making outstanding progress.

The Science faculty consists of the Head of Science, 3 Heads of Department, 1 Junior Science coordinator, 20 teachers, and 6 technicians. There are 9 members of the Chemistry department. The Science faculty occupies a central place in the academic life of the School, with the teaching of science grounded in supporting students to acquire a deep understanding of scientific concepts, which they can then apply in a range of unfamiliar situations.  Practical work is embedded in the curriculum, being carefully planned to support and extend the acquisition of knowledge and understanding.

A balanced science program, incorporating most of the features of the National Curriculum, is taught to pupils in Years 7 & 8.  Each class has one science teacher.  In Year 9, pupils are taught by three specialist teachers and follow a program of study in preparation for their Science GCSEs.  In Year 10, they choose either Double Award Science or any two or all three of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, following the Edexcel IGCSE specification.  At A level, both Biology and Chemistry follow the OCR A specifications and Physics follows Edexcel.  

Chemistry is an extremely popular subject. We currently have 51 and 48 students studying A-level chemistry in Year 12 and 13 respectively, making Chemistry one of the most popular A-level subjects in the School. This year, we are seeing record numbers of students apply to study Chemistry at university. Last year, 75% of students studying IGCSE Chemistry achieved a grade 7-9 and 82% of students studying A-level Chemistry achieved a grade A*-B 

The Chemistry department provides a variety of enrichment activities for our pupils, including the ‘Chemistry in Action’ days, participation in the Chemistry Olympiad, and supporting with the school’s annual Science Week and Junior Science Competition.

This is an excellent opportunity for a person with the drive and desire to make their mark on this highly important area of Forest School’s academic provision.

The Forest School Ethos

Forest is a humane, open-minded school with both feet on the ground, in which the pupils’ all-round personal development is outstanding and academic attainment is high.  It is, above all, a happy school which understands the rich inter-relationship between the curricular, the co-curricular and the pastoral.  There is boldness in the School’s character, a readiness to be forward-thinking and adaptable, with pride in what we are and excitement for what lies ahead.

Our Values

GROWTH HARD WORK RESPONSIBILITY COMMUNITY LEARNING DIVERSITY WELLBEING

About Forest

Forest is a large, vibrant school, with more than 1,430 boys and girls in equal proportion, from 4 to 18. Our traditional House structure means that each pupil is treated as an individual, of whom we have the highest expectations, while our size enables us to offer breadth and depth of opportunity.

Location

Forest is a city school set within 50 acres of grounds surrounded by Epping Forest, within easy walking distance of Snaresbrook Central line tube station and Wood Street Overground station.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:

• Generous CPD budget

• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system

• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme

• 18 weeks holiday and our own salary scale with salaries above those paid in the maintained sector

• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day

• All teaching staff currently enrolled in the national Teachers’ Pension Scheme

• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13

• Free membership of the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre during school hours and heavily subsidised membership outside those hours

• Free death in service cover and subsidised AXA PPP healthcare insurance

Don’t just take our word for it

What the Good Schools Guide say:

“Forest is a power-house with a heart. The pupils exude purpose – modern, dynamic youngsters with an eye on what’s happening next”

Closing date for applications, Monday, 18 January 2021

Interviews will commence week beginning, 25 January 2021

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.