Head of Science & Engineering - Preparatory School

Would you like to work for a well-established independent Preparatory School with ambitious plans for the future?

Introduction to Forest Preparatory School

Forest Preparatory School is on the cusp of a very exciting development of the site, as final approval for an expansion and building project has just been given which will enable Forest’s provision to rise to a new and even more innovative level. Benefitting from the structure and the economies of scale it brings, Forest Prep School is a vital component of an all-through school which teaches pupils up to the age of 18. Currently 2-form entry from Reception to Year 6, Forest is expanding to increase the number of pupils starting at Reception and will, at full size, reach 325 pupils.

Our approach to a child’s educational experience is markedly different in many ways from other schools: Philosophy for Children, Engineering and Mindfulness sit alongside traditional subjects such as Maths, English and the Humanities; our Performing and Visual Arts and Sport provision is outstanding and provides tremendous opportunities for pupils to explore their interests. 

The Leadership Team in the Preparatory School consists of the Head of the Prep School and Head of the Pre-Prep, the Senior Deputy Head and three Deputy Heads, Academic, Co-Curricular and Pastoral, the latter three posts reporting to the Senior Deputy Head.  The team is supported by Preparatory School administrative staff and works closely with the whole-school Senior Leadership Team.

Introduction to the role

A dedicated, well-qualified and inspirational Head of Science & Engineering is required to lead Science & Engineering throughout the Prep School in the 4-11 age range. The Head of Science & Engineering will oversee and assist with the planning, implementation, monitoring, and assessment of a school-wide Science & Engineering program. (S)he will collaborate with the leadership, and classroom teachers to plan, organise, and promote interdisciplinary Science & Engineering activities and expanded learning opportunities through the integration of successful strategies and multiple technologies. 

This position will also promote high-tech learning, which will ensure that pupils go on to gain the necessary edge to compete and succeed in the global economy. Emphasis of all ongoing technology instruction will be in strengthening content learning while utilising technology to differentiate and enhance pupil learning. This position will encourage parent involvement in pupil learning through volunteering, parent involvement, etc., and will promote good community relations among all stakeholders.

This is an exceptional opportunity to inspire children to enjoy and be challenged by Science & Engineering within and beyond school hours. An outstanding teacher is needed to lead the school’s transformation and manage the teaching of Science & Engineering throughout the Prep School. 

The successful candidate will:

• Inspire a love of Science & Engineering and foster problem-solving, scientific thinking and independent learning within the curriculum and beyond, through clubs, events and trips and through liaison with the local and national community

• Have taught science in a Primary or KS3 environment, and knowledge of/interest in Physics and/or Engineering disciplines and new Technology 

• Be able to innovate to develop the curriculum content for Problem-Solving and Engineering within the current Science and Technology context

• Have knowledge of current trends in Science & Engineering education, including constructivist pedagogy, performance-based standards and assessments and designing of Science & Engineering project-based, challenged-based activities;

• Be able to demonstrate successful experience of leading new initiatives 

• Have a clear vision and ability to formulate and deliver a strategy

• Be highly self-motivated, self-directed and attentive to detail with excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and a commitment to high standards and outcomes

• The capacity to inspire and motivate others – both adults and students 

The Forest Preparatory School Ethos

Forest Prep School encourages personal development and academic progress and understands the inter-relationship between the curricular, the co-curricular and the pastoral. We encourage confidence in our pupils and emphasise that they can trust the school to help them be successful.  In the end, as they progress through the School, Forest Preparatory School produces pupils who are more than ready for the next stage in their education and are well on their journey to becoming the best version of themselves.

Forest Preparatory School: Where Young People Grow

Our values: 

Courage, Curiosity, and Integrity. Excellence, Diversity, Community, Heritage

About Forest

Forest School is an independent school for boys and girls aged 4-18yrs established in 1834; benefiting from a tremendous location on the edge of North-East London.  London’s only diamond structure school, Forest combines both single-sex and co-educational teaching on a single site as pupils move up the school. Our 1,395 boys and girls are taught together until the age of seven, separately from seven to 16, before coming back together again in a joint sixth form.  This diamond structure offers all the academic benefits of single-sex teaching with all the social benefits of a co-educational school.  The best of both worlds.

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 death in service cover and subsidised AXA PPP healthcare insurance

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

• 50% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13

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

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

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”

Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Key Findings (November 2017):

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent…The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent”

For more information on our CPD, training and ethos please visit our career site.  Visits to Forest School are also warmly welcomed.

Applications close 01/02/2019 at midday

Interviews in week commencing 11/02/2019

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.