Science Teacher

The Sir Robert Woodard Academy, part of the Woodard family of schools, is a dynamic and popular 11–18 academy located between Worthing and Brighton, serving the students of Lancing, Sompting and Shoreham.

September 2020 sees significant student growth for the Academy; as such, we have some exciting new vacancies available, including the need for an additional permanent and full time Science Teacher (any specialism). We are seeking someone with energy, enthusiasm and thorough subject knowledge to join us and the Science department. This post would suit individuals with the passion and drive to be a positive role model to students and who are wholeheartedly committed to raising student attainment in Science. NQTs are welcomed. 

SRWA teaching staff benefit from the following:- 

• a collaborative approach and strong collegial relationships;

• the opportunity to join and/or benefit from Action Research Groups;

• proven student progress;

• excellent student behaviour;

• an extensive CPD programme tailored to skills and experience;

• strong links with Brighton and Sussex Universities;

• free use of the Academy’s fitness suite;

• free on site car parking and easy access to local public transport;

• childcare voucher scheme;

• cycle to work scheme.

Quotes from last Ofsted report, Feb 2018: 

"Staff morale is high."

"Pupils’ behaviour is good…Pupils come to lessons ready to learn.”

“An atmosphere of mutual trust and respect are strengths of the school.”

The science department has maintained a positive trend in results in recent years. In 2019 the overall science grade 4+ and progress 8 measures increased again, with 100% of students achieving a grade 4+ in triple science physics. In addition the number of students achieving a grade 8 or 9 in science increased, with students continuing to compete close to national average.

SRWA has been recognised by STEM Ambassadors UK for our commitment to enhancing STEM subjects and are currently the Southern Hub for the Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS), running authentic and cutting edge research projects across the regional network. These student led, teacher facilitated projects aim to further the interest, enjoyment and aspirations among students as young researchers and provide opportunities for students and teachers to work alongside scientists in the field – most recently, the next President of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Other projects include decoding the genome of the human whipworm, synthesising ionic liquids in our labs with samples analysed by our students at Imperial College, investigations using a CERN@school particle detector and the Greenpower electric motor racing team who race at Goodwood every year.

Additional opportunities beyond the taught curriculum include STEM trips, visits and competitions including Silver and Gold CREST Awards and the Young Science and Engineers competition for which our students have won several awards. The academy is also partnered with world leading engineers at RICARDO Engineering, which locally provides outstanding enrichment opportunities for our students within the STEM subject areas.

The Science department is housed in a state of the art building with many classrooms having the NAWIS system (Ceiling Mounted Science Services) enabling more flexible practical learning opportunities. We currently have a fully staffed department with subject specialists teaching at KS4 and KS5, and a growing sixth form cohort in all three science subjects. There is a particularly supportive culture among the science team and we have successfully embedded shared planning, with all lesson resources available to all staff centrally. Students are provided with learning journeys for each unit of work in all year groups and teachers are able to effectively track student progress efficiently, using centralised data tracking and analysis tools – overall an exciting time to join the Science team at SRWA.    

The successful candidate will:- 

• demonstrate the skills of a good teacher

• be able to interest, encourage and engage students

• provide appropriate levels of challenge so that all students make good progress

• use methods and resources that enable all students to learn effectively

• use assessment information effectively to plan the next steps in students learning

• make effective use of their time

• secure high standards of behaviour from students

• be able to demonstrate a proven track record of recent and successful class teaching in mixed ability classes of aged 11-18 students (or of successful training for NQTs). 

Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to interview and, if necessary, withdraw the advertisement before the closing date of Friday 6 March 2020 (Midday deadline), should the right candidate be appointed. Visits to the Academy are welcomed.

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share in this commitment. All posts will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.