Science Teacher/Tutor

Downland School caters for pupils from year 6 to year 11 (age 10 – 16). The majority of our pupils are working below Age Related Expectations (ARE). In some instances, there are significant gaps in learning. Additionally, all our pupils have a SEN profile and access to learning is even more of a challenge. 

As a school we place a strong focus and invest heavily on the core skills, qualities and attributes required to be a successful adult in society and to develop the skills for an individual to become a lifelong learner. Literacy and numeracy acquisition is paramount as is an understanding of self, community and the wider world. 

Main Purpose of the post:

• To ensure that the teaching of Science (must hold relevant qualifications) throughout the school is of the highest quality.

• To be a key contributor to Science and the development of pupils within the curriculum area.

• To raise standards of pupils’ attainment and achievement.

• To ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for all pupils. Ensure that there is a clear intent and excellent implementation of an engaging and high quality curriculum.

• Teach high quality, engaging, personalised and enjoyable lessons enabling access for all learners. Demonstrate a commitment and passion for delivering ‘Quality First Teaching’. 

• To promote the educational opportunities for all pupils through the development of effective teaching and learning and achieve aspirational outcomes.

• To actively promote innovation and creativity with a SEN (special education needs) focus within the Science department.

• To be committed to your own Continued Professional Development and Learning (CPDL), with a particular focus on broadening the curriculum further e.g. acquire additional leadership qualifications. 

• To fully engage in the wider role of tutor and participate in the full range of wider school pastoral duties. 

• To liaise with colleagues across the school in developing active play and healthy behaviours across the curriculum.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Deliver ‘Quality First’ lessons to pupils age 10 to 16, overcoming their SEN difficulties and maximising engagement. Consistently be a good and outstanding teacher. 

• Maintain good relationships for learning and high standards of behaviour. Show and demonstrate a commitment to the principles set out in ‘The Downland Way’.

• Develop innovative, non-traditional approaches to Science. Promote inclusion and celebrate diversity. 

• Participate fully in the development of the curriculum in order to ensure appropriate access and achievement for all pupils, despite their individual Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

• Comply with and implement the school’s marking, feedback and assessment policy. Use baseline data and a wide range of information to your planning and curriculum development.

• To actively monitor and follow up pupil progress by establishing an effective process of target setting, tracking and monitoring in line with the whole school policy. 

• Ensure pupils and parents/carers are well informed regarding attainment and progress.  Comply with all aspect of the school’s reporting systems, both academic and pastoral. 

• As tutor, ensure you fully adhere to and deliver all aspects of the school’s pastoral support programmes, strategies and interventions. When appropriate, fully engage with multi-disciplinary teams to support your tutee(s). 

• Jointly manage resources within the limits of the delegated budget and in accordance with the school’s financial procedures.

• Fully engage in performance management arrangements and the school’s CPDL programme. Additionally, take responsibility for your own professional learning with a particular focus on the development of your subject e.g. stay up to date with all innovation, ‘best practice’ and research in relation to teaching Science and also in relation to SEND. 

• Contribute to the implementation and realisation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP). Fully participate and contribute to all aspects of the School’s Self-evaluation processes.  

Notes:

• The above are subject to the general duties and responsibilities as contained in the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document.

• All teachers are expected to meet the Teachers Standards in full.

• Downland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils and expects all staff to share this commitment.

• This Job Description is not definitive. Responsibilities may vary from time to time in line with school priorities and national developments. The post holder will be consulted prior to any changes being made.