Psychology Teacher

Teacher of Psychology

Didcot Girls’ School & Didcot Sixth Form

Role commences: 1st September 2019 (one year contract in the first instance)

Thank you for your interest in this exciting post. Application forms, other recruitment material and a copy of the school’s prospectus are available on the school website under the ‘Join Us’ tab. 

Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In December 2015, the school was judged to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff: ‘Staff have exceptional opportunities for professional development. Staff feel valued and really like working in the school. Morale is very high.'(Ofsted). Accredited as a national Teaching School in 2017, we offer excellent opportunities for staff development and progression. The Teaching School provides experienced staff with the opportunity to become a Specialist Leader in Education (SLE) and thereby engage in school-to-school support and CPD both across the Trust and beyond. We currently have 15 SLEs across a wide range of subjects and disciplines. Teachers earlier in their career can benefit from bespoke CPD in a wide range of areas through the Teaching School, including subject-specific training, the latest pedagogy, behaviour management and leadership. Whether you see yourself on a fast track to school leadership, want to focus on developing cutting-edge pedagogy or are interested in following a pastoral development path, we can provide appropriate training and opportunities.  

We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration. 

This summer’s GCSE results were superb with 80% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 65% doing the same at 5+. Our Attainment 8 figure was significantly above national average at 55.8 and our Progress 8 of +0.69 places us the top 3% of schools nationally. Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong.

The Department 

The Psychology Department is staffed by three dynamic, talented and extremely supportive teachers. 

Outcomes

Results at all levels are very strong. Last year, Year 11 students significantly outperformed national averages at both A*-A and A*-C (80% in 2018). Disadvantaged students perform just as well as non-disadvantaged students in Psychology and we are very proud of this achievement. A Level Psychology is very popular with strong results each year (regularly ALPS 2/3) with around 50% of students achieving A*-B grades. Many students continue to study Psychology at university.

Accommodation

There are two dedicated Psychology classrooms with projectors, whiteboards and laptops available. In addition, there is an office and kitchen facilities that are shared with Business Studies.

Curriculum

GCSE Psychology begins in Year 9 with students following the new Edexcel GCSE Specification. Psychology is very popular at Key Stage 4, with three classes in most year groups. 

Psychology A Level is also a popular option in the joint Sixth Form; we offer AQA’s Specification.

Supra-Curricular Activities

We have many enrichment opportunities for our students including trips to Psychology conferences at both Key Stages, Psychology peer mentoring and competitions.

The Post

Student uptake of Psychology is strong but continues to grow so, whilst this post is a one year contract in the first instance, there is a real possibility to extend beyond this for an exceptional candidate. 

This is a key post in a strong and innovative department. We are looking for a teacher with a genuine and infectious passion for teaching Psychology who will enthuse and engage the students they teach; a teacher with high expectations for all students whatever their prior attainment. 

The successful applicant will ideally be able to teach KS4 and KS5. 

This post is suitable for newly qualified teachers as well as more experienced teachers. Excellent professional development and support will be available to the successful candidate. 

Application Process

Please download and complete an application form from the school website (under ‘Join us’) and send it with a response to the following task to Frances Adley at fadley@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk: 

• A response of no more than 2 sides of A4 (11 point) explaining what excellent teaching, learning and curriculum looks like in Psychology.

The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 20th May 2019, with interviews later that week.

Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and your Disclosure and Barring Service or CRB certificate, if applicable, to your interview.  

I thank you for your interest in this exciting post and wish you well with your application.  

Tom Goodenough

Headteacher

Didcot Girls’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.