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Head of Science, Key Stages 3 and 4

Head of Science, Key Stages 3 and 4

d'Overbroeck's

Oxfordshire

Salary:
d'Overbroeck's has its own salary scale (above the national scale) and pension scheme
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
September 2020
Apply by:
24 February 2020

Job overview

The Science Departments

This is an opportunity to join a successful and thriving science department in d’Overbroeck’s Years 7-11 section. We offer general science in years 7 and 8 and single sciences from years 9 to 11. Science is part of the core curriculum and all students take all three sciences through to year 11 and GCSE. We follow OCR A (9-1) for all three Sciences. The specification number for Biology is J247 and is part of the Gateway Science Suite. Results are strong with 57% of student entries in all the Sciences achieving grade 7-9 and 21% achieving a grade 9 in Biology last year. 100% of all Science entries gained at least a grade 4. 

The Department consists of three specialist labs, two prep rooms and a dedicated technician.

Teaching

The post will involve teaching approximately a 75% timetable, alongside departmental leadership responsibilities. Teaching will be predominantly in Biology, but will also include other sciences at key stages 3 and 4. For a suitably qualified candidate, a small amount of sixth form teaching may be available, but as Head of Science in Years 7-11, you will be predominantly based at our 7-11 site in Leckford Road. Classes are small - a maximum size of 15 - which allows for a highly interactive and engaged style of teaching. Small class sizes enable teachers to gain a detailed understanding of each individual student’s strengths and needs and teachers offer a high level of support, both within and beyond the classroom.

We value independence of thought above mere acquisition of skills, and although we seek to provide the best possible preparation for public exams we aim to do so in such a way as to foster real understanding and enjoyment of the material being studied.

Technology is used to support teaching and learning throughout the school, including the use of interactive whiteboards, data-logging equipment, online learning, and in-class tablet computing.

Head of Science

This post has become available due to the impending retirement of our current Head of Science, who has been in post for a number of years and has built the department up into one of the strongest and most vibrant in the school. The Head of Science role involves oversight and management of the teaching of all sciences across years 7-11. The job description below should be taken as indicative rather than exhaustive:

Leadership:

  • To maintain the caring, child centred ethos of d’Overbroeck’s so that all staff and students in the Science Department can flourish as independent and successful individuals with an enthusiasm for Science.
  • To provide strong and flexible leadership to the Science Department so that teaching and learning is consistently resulting in excellent progress and that targets are set to challenge students in all Key Stages 

Key Responsibilities:

  • To update the Y7-11 Science Department development plan with a clear vision for future plans for the Department.
  • To design and implement departmental policies that complement School procedures.
  • To regularly review the performance of the Department to ensure the highest standards are being maintained in all areas so that the Department is inspection-ready at all times and that the Department self-evaluates on a regular basis.
  • To run and record regular departmental meetings and manage the administration of the Department.
  • To ensure that documents such as a departmental handbook and GCSE options information are kept up to date and in line with whole School policies.
  • To ensure that students and staff are safe in lessons and preparation areas by adhering to Health and Safety guidelines (such as CLEAPSS) and keeping up to date with changes in this area and to work with the Science technician to ensure the safe delivery of practical work.
  • To be involved in the admissions process for new students by providing and marking entrance tests and to mark external entrance papers as part of this process.
  • To report to Senior Leadership and advise on the development of Science across the School


The Person

We are looking for a talented and passionate scientist, able to teach Biology and at least one other science at least to key stage 4. The ability to stretch and extend students in STEM activities and trips will be welcomed.  We place a high degree of importance on strong academic skills and subject knowledge, as well as the ability to convey enthusiasm and enjoyment of the subject to students across the ability and age range.  Flexibility of approach, a sense of fun, a readiness to respond to students’ individual needs and an enthusiastic, open approach to teaching are among the qualities we value. All staff are expected to participate in the school’s extra-curricular activities programme, according to their expertise and interests. 

As Head of Science, the successful candidate will have strong administrative skills, an ability to provide inspiring leadership to other staff in their department and strategic vision for the development of science teaching across years 7-11.

Further information

If you would like any further information at this stage, please feel free to telephone Alastair Barnett, Senior Vice Principal, on the main school number 01865 688600.


Applications

Applicants should submit the appropriate application form, along with a full CV and covering letter to HR@doverbroecks.com and a signed copy sent to:

Human Resources
d'Overbroeck's
333 Banbury Road
Oxford
OX2 7PL 

The final date for submission of applications is Monday 24 February

Attached documents

About d'Overbroeck's

THE SCHOOL

d’Overbroeck’s is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Oxford for students aged 11 – 18. The school roll currently stands at around 750, and this is set to grow in the coming years.

Founded in 1977, initially as a Sixth Form, d’Overbroeck’s has maintained its founding values throughout its growth.

We believe in outstanding teaching and laughter. We celebrate the individual and foster a culture that promotes collaboration and originality. We pride ourselves on our unique blend of social informality and academic rigour.

d’Overbroeck’s consists of three sections:

Years 7-11 – 200 students; currently all day students although open to boarders from next year. Based at Leckford Place, OX2 6HX.

Sixth Form – 440 students; a mixture of day and boarding. Domestic and international. Based at a purpose-built site at 333 Banbury Road.

The International School – around 125 international students who are all boarders, across years 9-11.

All in all, this is a busy and happy educational environment in which staff and students enjoy positive relationships based on mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose. As our most recent ISI inspection report puts it:

‘A defining characteristic of d’Overbroeck’s is its close-knit, informal atmosphere within which students grow in confidence, self-esteem, respect for themselves and for others. Students are very supportive of each other and behaviour throughout is excellent, exemplified in considerate, warm relationships.

In its key findings, our most recent inspection report (2021) found that our students are highly motivated with extremely positive attitudes to learning. They were described as successful collaborative learners who are naturally inclusive. They were said to have a remarkably strong sense of self understanding and excellent awareness of how to improve and achieve their goals.

ISI inspection report. October 2021

For more information about the College please visit our website at http://www.doverbroecks.com/

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Applications closed