Head of Secondary Science

Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a well-qualified, enthusiastic and inspirational teacher to lead the development of Science at GES Secondary as the School grows and expands. Initially, the job will be to teach all the classes in Key Stages 3 and 4, leading to our first set of GCSE examinations (AQA Combined Science: Trilogy) for Year 11 pupils in the summer of 2021. The ideal candidate would also continue our popular after-school STEM clubs for both primary and secondary pupils.

From the outset, the successful candidate will need to prepare for the beginning of A Level courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics from September 2021 and to help the School to make suitable teaching appointments.

Science at GES

Our approach to Science is active and ‘hands-on’, rooted in the belief that curiosity about the natural world, insight into how the world and the universe work, and appreciation of the relevance of scientific exploration to everyday life are what provide the motivation to discover and to learn. We use an enquiry-based approach that encourages questioning, experimentation, and an understanding of the way in which scientific concepts and methods link different disciplines and subject areas together.

We have a well-equipped, high-specification laboratory with an adjacent preparation room. For September 2021, we will need to provide a second laboratory, and further spaces will be needed as the School grows. For September 2020, we expect to be able to provide the assistance of a technician, initially shared with Art & Design and IT.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire others, generating an enthusiasm for Science amongst pupils and colleagues.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of learning and teaching in the subject, supporting and advising colleagues and sharing good practice.
• Work closely with the Head of Primary Science, planning for continuity and progression throughout the School.
• Work with other heads of department and with colleagues across the School, collaborating, sharing ideas and ensuring connectivity across the curriculum.
• Set out an annual action plan which:

- contributes to whole school objectives;

- is based on evidence and evaluation;

- identifies realistic targets for improvement and development.

• Submit an annual budget bid that is informed by this improvement plan and manage the budget, keeping within designated limits of spending.
• Keep abreast of developments in Science education, continuously looking to strengthen your own knowledge, understanding and expertise.
• Attend relevant in-service training, and organise and lead training for others as appropriate.
• Seek to develop external links to enrich the education that we provide.
• Represent the School at relevant local, national or international meetings.
• Ensure that staff and pupils work in a safe manner in accordance with relevant risk assessments and with the School’s policy on Health and Safety.
• Teach the lessons assigned to you, planning appropriately to meet the needs of all pupils, making effective use of resources, and securing the best possible standards of learning and achievement.
• Maintain good order and discipline amongst pupils, in accordance with the School's   behaviour policy, and have due regard for their welfare, health and safety.
• Maintain a productive learning environment by employing good classroom techniques, resources and management skills.
• Follow guidelines for assessment as set out by the School and keep appropriate records.
• Establish professional and effective communication with parents, reporting to them formally and informally on the development, progress and attainment of pupils.
• Liaise with the Deputy Head and with Tutors about any pupils with specific learning needs or giving rise to learning or pastoral concerns.
• Contribute to the creation of a stimulating learning environment around the School.
• Show an active commitment to the wider life of the School, including extra-curricular activities and events.
• Show commitment to your own professional development and take an active interest in educational debate and development.
• Carry out administrative and supervisory duties efficiently and conscientiously.
• Supervise and, so far as is practicable, teach any pupils who are assigned to you by the teacher in charge of cover arrangements.
• Undertake such other tasks as may be reasonably assigned by the Deputy Head or Head from time to time.
• Act in accordance with the policies of the School and in particular with the principles laid down in the Staff Handbook, Staff Code of Conduct, ICT Acceptable Use Policy and Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy.

Person specification

We keep an open mind in the consideration of any applicant who believes they have something special and valuable to contribute.

Essential

• Experience of teaching Science at Key Stages 3 and 4 (11 – 16)
• Experience of teaching at least one scientific discipline at Key Stage 5 (16 – 18)
• Knowledge of the English National Curriculum, GCSE and A Levels
• An enthusiastic and creative approach to teaching, which inspires pupils and enables learning to be engaging and relevant
• Commitment to an interconnected curriculum and to working with colleagues across a range of disciplines
• Commitment to helping pupils to develop a broad range of skills and attributes
• The ability to communicate effectively with pupils, colleagues and parents and to work as part of a collaborative team
• An interest in education beyond the classroom and across the age range
• Flexibility, a sense of humour, and a willingness to take part in all aspects of school life, including tournaments trips, projects, special events, Key Stage 5 general studies courses, and extracurricular clubs

Desirable

• A degree in Science or Engineering
• Experience of teaching at least one A Level science subject
• Qualified teacher status
• Experience of leading a team
• Experience of curriculum design

How to apply

Please submit a completed GES Application Form (available from https://www.geschool.ch/about/work-with-us/teaching-vacancies) to the Head of HR, Ms Aurore Alefsen by email to hr@geschool.ch before 12:00 noon on Monday 2 March 2020. A brief covering letter to the Head and/or curriculum vitae may also be submitted but will not be accepted in place of a complete application form. Interviews will be held at the School on Friday 13 March 2020. 

Safer recruitment

Geneva English School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and enhanced national/international criminal records checks