Head of Chemistry (possible Head of Science)

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth. It values the development of the whole person, placing emphasis on both academic achievement and co-curricular involvement. The school aims to support every pupil in order that they might achieve their potential.

The school seeks a dynamic, well-qualified, and experienced teacher to lead its highly successful Chemistry Department from January 2022. The ability to teach Chemistry A Level and to support able pupils in their higher education aspirations in the subject is essential. While the IB is currently offered, the final cohort will complete their IB diploma in summer 2022.

Additional management responsibility as Head of Science may be available for a suitably qualified and experienced candidate.

We seek a Head of Department who is passionate and knowledgeable about their subject and able to communicate this with enthusiasm.  To lead this busy and exciting department it is also important to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.  The successful candidate would need to be open to promoting cross-curricular links with other department areas as appropriate.

We are always looking to develop new ideas and approaches to science teaching and are keen to incorporate the particular interests of new members of staff into the overall curriculum scheme.

Outstanding teaching and learning at PGS are achieved by inspirational and creative teachers with excellent subject knowledge and the ability to use ICT and interactive resources to enhance learning.  Teachers’ planning is informed by assessment for learning, ensuring all pupils make very good progress in each lesson.  Our pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and understand how they can improve using constructive feedback provided by their teachers.

The successful applicant will be expected to contribute fully to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school.

The Chemistry Department

PGS is renowned for its scientific tradition, and the department is located in a state of the art Science Centre. The Chemistry Department is well resourced with laboratories and staff.  In addition to the Head of Department, there are five full time teachers, two laboratory technicians and a laboratory assistant.  The department has five full-sized laboratories and access to a large Science lecture theatre; there is also a suite of iPads available.

The department benefits from excellent ICT and scientific equipment and chemicals.  Practical work is well developed, and creative experimental work is an expectation at all levels.  There is good access to a wide range of software and other ICT resources to assist in teaching and learning.  All the laboratories have a very large touch screen TV/Screen which links to the teachers convertible-laptop as well as an additional LCD projector. The department has fast wireless internet access and excellent data logging facilities including a class set of wireless spectrometers that link to pupils’ iPads or other personal device. Also, there is an FTIR spectrometer available to pupils.

Technology, and particularly the use of iPads and other tablets, is increasingly becoming embedded in day-to-day teaching; all Year 9-13 pupils bring an iPad to lessons, so candidates with knowledge of these technologies will be desirable.

At all levels of the school, Chemistry is taught by Chemistry specialists and as a separate subject within the Science Department.  Teachers are expected to differentiate and assess appropriately, and use a variety of teaching and learning styles to maximise pupil progress. All Year 7 and 8 pupils study a balanced Science programme, consisting of a combined Physical Science (Physics and Chemistry) course and Biology.  KS3 Biology largely follows the AQA National Curriculum Syllabus.

All Year 9 pupils begin study of their Science GCSEs; in Years 10 and 11 pupils are separated into three ability bands leading to awards in either Combined Science or Triple Sciences. GCSE Science is currently taught to the AQA specification. In total 119 pupils are studying Chemistry in Year 11 at GCSE with the remainder studying Combined Science. Both groups using the AQA specifications.

The department currently has 80 pupils studying Chemistry in the Sixth Form.

Results, both at GCSE and in the Sixth Form are very strong, even within the context of a first rate academic school.  Half of pupils leaving PGS in Year 13 go on to study a Science-related course at university, and Medicine is one of the most popular university courses.  A number of pupils go on to Oxbridge success in Medicine and Natural Sciences. There is also a record of success in competitions such as the Chemistry Olympiad.  The school has also hosted the regional Top of the Bench competition for the last eight years.

Benefits

The Portsmouth Grammar School prides itself on being a caring employer and all staff are encouraged to discuss any aspects of their terms and conditions of employment initially with their line manager and, as necessary, with the Bursar who signs all contracts of employment on behalf of the Governing Body.

The school is a strong supporter of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and its INSET programme of Professional Development Days provides staff with many personal development opportunities. Examples of school support include financial support for further education such as Masters Degrees.

Governors annually allow a small number of staff to take a half term sabbatical on full-pay in the summer term, with most expenses of the sabbatical covered.  The aim of sabbaticals is to develop further professional expertise and also to provide an opportunity for staff to reflect on other aspects of their teaching.  Sabbaticals are normally based in the UK but may also be overseas.

Key financial benefits of employment at PGS include a generous salary structure supplemented by payment of an additional PGS Allowance.  There are many opportunities to take on additional paid responsibilities to assist in the management and operation of the school.  The school participates in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

The school also has a generous fee concession for the children of teaching staff.  The school supports the Cycle to Work scheme and all members of staff have free use of the school’s sports facilities which include a well-equipped Fitness Centre. The school provides a two course lunch during term, with a full evening meal provided before all parents evenings.

How to Apply

PGS is committed to safeguarding children and the successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure DBS check.

Further information is available on the website at www.pgs.org.uk under the ‘About Us’ section and any queries regarding the vacancy should be emailed to HR@pgs.org.uk.

An electronic application would be preferable, submitted to HR@pgs.org.uk.  All applicants should complete an application form, and send a covering letter addressed to the Head together with a full curriculum vitae.  All applications should be accompanied by the names, addresses, email and telephone numbers of three referees.

Candidates are also welcome to apply through the TES website using the application form linked to our PGS advert.

The closing date is noon 14th May 2021 and early applications are encouraged. Interviews will be held on Thursday 20th May 2021, with shortlisted candidates invited to teach an observed lesson as part of the interview day. We look forward to hearing from you.