Head of Social Sciences

We are seeking to appoint an inspiring, enthusiastic and vibrant Head of Social Sciences, to lead our dynamic and motivated team of skilled and talented teachers. This is a new post, which sees the amalgamation of Business, Economics, Health and Social Care, Psychology and Sociology. You will teach one or more of these subjects to GCSE and preferably A Level and will have clear vision, excellent leadership qualities and a proven track record of innovation with effective outcomes. You will work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues. You will join a middle leadership team of experienced and exceptional practitioners, able to offer a new colleague advice and support in a welcoming, positive and creative environment accompanied by excellent professional development opportunities.

Psychology is offered at GCSE where usually three classes per cohort study the subject. All students in Years 7 - 11 are taught on the Thurston Campus, where Psychology has a dedicated and fully resourced teaching room. Business, Psychology and Sociology are popular options at A Level, with typically two or three classes of each subject per cohort. We are committed to re-introducing A Level Economics into our curriculum from September 2017. Health and Social Care is also a popular subject post-16, with a track record of highly successful student outcomes. From September 2017, students will study OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical, either as a single or double award.

Year 12 and 13 students are accommodated in our separate sixth form centre, Thurston Sixth: Beyton Campus. Thurston Sixth boasts an outstanding learning environment, with facilities and equipment adapted to the needs of post-16 learners. The building was extensively modernised in 2014 to create specialist teaching areas, incorporating state of the art IT and practical learning resources.

Thurston Community College is a thriving, mixed comprehensive school which boasts a strong sense of community, a supportive, caring ethos and a positive, friendly atmosphere. Staff morale is high (recognised by Ofsted in all recent inspections) because Thurston Community College offers an exciting, dynamic learning environment where staff work collaboratively, share a common sense of purpose and are relentless in the pursuit of outcomes of the highest quality for every student.

In our most recent Ofsted inspection the college was graded as 'a Good school which is well led and managed'. Ofsted recognised that 'the behaviour of students is Outstanding; they are mature, polite and courteous in their dealings with adults and other students and they are eager to learn.'

Recently reorganised from a 14 - 18 upper school to form an 11 - 18 secondary school, we are proud of the initial successes of our new structure. Externally moderated tests in English and mathematics confirm that students at KS3 are making rapid progress and 2016 outcomes at KS4 and KS5 indicate that progress and attainment are in line with the national average and improving.

Our guiding principles are "inspire; empower; achieve". Our ambition is that every student will be inspired by learning, empowered to seize life's opportunities and will leave Thurston Community College as a happy, confident and well-rounded young person, having achieved their full potential.

Principal: Helen Wilson BSc MBA
Roll: 1757; Years 7 - 11: 1511; sixth form: 246

Thurston village is a 40 minute drive or train journey from Cambridge, where road and rail links provide transport to central London in less than an hour. If you are excited by this post, its challenges and opportunities; if you relish the prospect of joining our team of outstanding teachers; please visit our website for further details and an application form.

We very much look forward to hearing from you.

Closing date: 30 January 2017.

All vacancies appear on: www.suffolkjobsdirect.org

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks required for relevant posts.

THURSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 3PB.
Tel: (01359) 230885 Fax: (01359) 230880.
Email: admin@thurstoncollege.suffolk.sch.uk
Website: www.thurstoncollege.org.uk