Science Teacher

The Post

We are looking for someone with a genuine and infectious passion for their subject, who will enthuse and engage the students they teach; someone with high expectations for all students. You will join a team of hard-working and enthusiastic teachers with a commitment to science education. If you share these values, we would love to hear from you!

The post is suitable for candidates who are able to teach KS3 Science, GCSE Science and one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics at A-level. Opportunities to teach in other subjects, such as maths or psychology, are also available.

We welcome applications from experienced teachers as well as those new to the profession and currently in training.

Didcot Girls’ School is an accredited teaching school with a significant track record for successful fast-track career progression, leadership development and excellent CPD. The school is also part of Ridgeway Education Trust, a growing multi-academy trust, which provides the opportunity for school improvement and leadership work across schools in the future.

For further information about the department, please email Amelia Kyriakides and Ian Briggs, Joint Heads of Science on headofscience@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk

DGS Science Department

The science department at DGS is a dynamic and exciting place to work. The department is an enthusiastic, committed and supportive team of 17 teachers, 4 technicians and an HLTA with responsibility for STEM outreach. The department leadership structure consists of the Heads of Science and Heads of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and a Key Stage 3 co-ordinator. The department is well organised, with fully resourced curricula and schemes of work across all key stages.

The department achieved excellent outcomes in 2023. Achievement on Combined Science was outstanding, with a 9-4 pass rate of 84%. Single Science 9-7 pass rates were at least 80% in each science. Achievement at A-level is consistently good and is improving year-on-year.

The department is teaching and learning focussed, with time set aside to share best practice and collaboratively evaluate and develop lesson resources. We believe that science lessons should be engaging and purposeful and we work hard to develop well-rounded scientists who are also very well prepared for their GCSE examinations. 

Science students at DGS follow a carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich curriculum extending from year 7 through to 13. All students cover the same content in years 7, 8 and 9. At the end of year 9 approximately a third of the cohort is invited to take the AQA Single Science courses and will begin this programme of study in Year 10. The remainder of the cohort study AQA Trilogy: Combined Science.

Science options are very popular in Didcot Sixth Form where Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons are taught in conjunction with teaching staff from St. Birinus school. We work collaboratively across the two sites, with shared schemes of work that are carefully designed and delivered. The science block consists of classrooms dedicated to A-level lessons. We are particularly proud of the number of girls taking A-level science; with the A-level physics groups being over 50%.

The department also provides outstanding opportunities for extra-curricular development. We have a thriving science club which runs over two nights and is incredibly well attended (over 90 girls in recent sessions). In 2019 the club won the Inspirational Science Club Award, which was presented at the House of Lords and included a trip to CERN as part of the prize. We have a very strong enrichment programme for our students including regular trips and competitions, and we enjoy strong links with the international science bases at Harwell-Oxford and Culham.

Didcot Girls’ School

Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In November 2022, the school was judged again to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff:

“Leaders support staff very well. They have established a collaborative and respectful working environment. With the Trust, they provide highly valued training and leadership programmes. Staff are exceptionally proud to work at the school.”

Ofsted also noted the high standards within the school and commented that “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary.”

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.

We are committed to continuous professional development and have wide-ranging training and development opportunities. We are also mindful of the competing demands people face in their lives and make every effort to accommodate flexible working.

Summer 2023 GCSE results were superb with 85% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 71% doing the same at 5+.  Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong with 34% of grades awarded as A* or A and 66% achieving Grades A*-B. These results place us as one of the highest performing schools in the county.  These results place us as one of the highest performing schools in the county. Didcot Girls’ School has also been named as one of the top ten comprehensive schools in south-east England by the Sunday Times Parent Power performance table for 2023-24.

Application Process

Please note that the school reserves the right to interview on receipt of applications and to appoint prior to the deadline, so early application is recommended. 

Ridgeway Education Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff working in all its schools to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS, references and pre-employment safeguarding checks. All Leadership roles will require a Section 128 check.  The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining a post. All cases are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.  

To view our Safeguarding policy, please visit our website: https://www.didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk/265/school-policies

 Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and photographic ID, as applicable, to interview and online searches may be made for shortlisted candidates, as part of due diligence checks.

Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced. 

Our RET Staff Charter summarises the commitment we make to all staff who join and work at Ridgeway Education Trust.