Head of Chemistry

St Leonards is an HMC School situated in the vibrant, cosmopolitan university town of  St Andrews and makes the most of its special location. St Leonards has its own self-contained medieval campus in the heart of the town and is in the enviable position of offering an exceptional range of academic, sporting, musical and creative possibilities.

From its vantage point in one of the most inspiring locations in the UK, St Leonards provides an outstanding education - combining exceptional academic achievement with a happy, friendly atmosphere and a world of opportunity.

St Leonards is close to sandy beaches, historic landmarks and stunning countryside. Edinburgh and Dundee Airports are within easy reach - approximately an hour’s flight from London.

St Leonards has two sections: Junior from Years 1 to 7 (P1 to P7); and Senior from Years 8 to 13 (S1 to S6). The School is fully co-educational with over 500 boys and girls on the roll. 130 pupils are boarders. Around 20% of the school roll is international. The Sixth Form has 140 pupils. All Sixth Formers study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) after completing their IGCSEs/GCSEs in Years 10 and 11. St Leonards has been an accredited IBDP school for over 10 years and the ethos of the IB permeates all sections of the School. The Junior School has 150 pupils and follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with the intention of achieving accreditation in September 2017. We are introducing the IB Middle Years Programme into Years 7, 8 and 9 with a view to accreditation in 2018.

Our IBDP average score is typically 33/34 and with typically over 80% of all Higher Level (HL) scores being 7/6/5 (equivalent to A*/A/B at A level). This compares with the global Diploma average of 29/30 points. We have been the top performing A level/IB Sixth Form in Scotland for 2015 and 2016. No particular experience of teaching an IB programme is required and transition to IB is straightforward and very well-supported. Applicants are encouraged from Scottish, English or international systems.

For more information on the International Baccalaureate, visit the School web-site: https://www.stleonards-fife.org/ or http://www.ibo.org/

We are seeking to appoint a well-qualified and inspirational Head of Chemistry for January 2018.

The Head of Chemistry is accountable to the Headmaster through the Deputy Head (Academic). The ideal candidate will display a clear love of Chemistry and a desire to share this enthusiasm with pupils at all levels of ability, promoting scholarship at the very highest standards.

CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT

The Chemistry Department is situated in the Science Building alongside the Biology and Physics Departments. There are two FTE teachers (including the Head of Department) and a Technician in the Chemistry Department and the Science Departments work closely together. The Science Building consists of 6 teaching laboratories (two for each Science), 2 ICT areas, 2 technical preparation rooms and a green house.

CHEMISTRY CURRICULUM

Chemistry is taught as a core subject from Year 8 (S1) to Year 11 (S4). The MYP curriculum is taught in Years 7 to 9 and Chemistry is taught as a separate subject (with Biology and Physics) through to Year 11. In Years 10 and 11, pupils follow the AQA Trilogy GCSE programme ensuring all pupils continue to study three sciences.

The subject is a popular option in the Sixth Form at both IB Diploma Higher and Standard Levels.

COMPETENCIES

The Head of Chemistry will:

• be able to work independently and with initiative to complete a range of teaching tasks;
• have excellent leadership and team working skills and will cover for colleagues as required;
• have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with pupils, staff and parents;
• be committed to the School’s mission, aim and values;
• participate in the extensive co-curricular activities programme.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The post is subject to two satisfactory references, one of which must be the current employer.

REMUNERATION

St Leonards has its own salary scale (above SNCT) and the Head of Chemistry will be paid at Point 4, currently £46,497.

St Leonards School is a member of the Scottish Teachers Superannuation Scheme supervised by the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA).

All staff at St Leonards are entitled to 50% fee discount for their child/children.

HOW TO APPLY

The completed Application Form should be sent to:

Dr Michael Carslaw
Headmaster
St Leonards
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9QJ

or emailed to Dr Carslaw’s PA, Mrs Connie Williams at c.williams@stleonards-fife.org

Closing date for applications: 9.00am on Monday, 4 September 2017
Interviews will be held on Tuesday, 12 September and successful applicants will be notified by email or telephone.