Psychology Part-time

Psychology (AQA specification) was introduced to Birkdale School in 2008 by the current Head of Department and is now well-established and successful; In 2018 47% of A level grades were A*/A and 81% A*-C. There are 3 sets at A level in both lower and upper 6th year groups. This new post will cover maternity leave. 

We are happy to discuss a range of working patterns at interview.  Applications are welcome from newly qualified teachers, for whom a statutory induction programme is available, or from more experienced teachers.

Birkdale is a very successful and friendly day school of 810 + pupils: boys 4 – 18 with a co-educational Sixth Form.  Since its foundation in 1904 it has grown and flourished with academic, pastoral and extra-curricular developments being underpinned by an ambitious programme of physical development across its three sites in south-west Sheffield : the 11-18 (Y7 to Y13) Senior School, the 4-11 (Reception to Y6) Prep School, and the playing fields.  The School has a strong Christian ethos.  Birkdale is the only HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference) school in South Yorkshire and the Head Master is also a member of the Society of Heads.  The Head of the Preparatory School is a member of IAPS (the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools).

There are undoubtedly particular advantages enjoyed by independent schools and their staff.  A survey of newly qualified teachers revealed five main attractive features of teaching in an independent school: the more disciplined environment, the opportunity for teachers to express their passion for their subjects, good resources, smaller class sizes and greater professional freedom.  In common with most independent schools, Birkdale offers a fully accredited statutory NQT induction programme.

The expectation is that nearly all pupils, having entered the school at various ages, will progress through to A level.  The GCSE pass (9-4) rate is consistently around 99%, with the proportion of 9-7 grades around 60%.  Twenty-eight A level subjects are offered.  Most students start with four academic subjects in the lower sixth leading on to three or more A levels in the upper sixth. A level students can also take a wide range of unexamined enrichment courses or the Extended Project Qualification. The A level results are very good with around 85% of entries resulting in A*-C grades. 

The school's academic emphasis, although important, is not exclusive.  The extracurricular activities programme caters for most interests; sports, music, drama and outdoor pursuits flourish.  All members of the teaching staff are expected to contribute to the wider life of the school beyond their academic commitment, with many activities occurring in the evenings and at weekends.

The Christian ethos of the school manifests itself in the particularly friendly and supportive atmosphere.  A good proportion of the staff are committed Christians, although as a community Birkdale is open to all, whatever they believe.  The school is strongly committed to the care of our pupils and of our staff.