Science Teacher with Chemistry Specialism

Science Teacher with Chemistry Specialism 

Salary: MPS/UPS + Fringe

Full Time Permanent

Required for September 2019  

Rickmansworth School is an 11-19 heavily oversubscribed co-educational partially (35%) selective converter academy with 1260 on roll, expanding to 1450 over the next five years. Judged ‘Good’ by Ofsted (November 2017). Staff Development recognised as an area of excellence by Challenge Partners (March 2018), with 3 staff achieving national finals in last 2 years. Academic results are strong with GCSE Progress 8 +0.25 (sig +ve), EBacc 39% and A level almost 50% A*-B grades, with 100% students securing first choice destinations.  

The School is in a strong, stable financial position. £3.5m school expansion completed September 2018 which included New Sixth-form centre, ten classrooms, drama theatres and film editing suite. Outstanding staff well-being programme includes fortnightly well-being period, Childcare vouchers, Flu jabs, Access to the Fitness Suite and swimming pool, Pilates classes, Yoga class, and Free eye tests.

Our students enjoy learning and are a pleasure to teach. We believe every child deserves the best and we aim to achieve excellence in all aspects of school life.

About the Science Faculty and Chemistry Department

Science at Rickmansworth School is a large and thriving faculty with great results achieved year on year. Our team of 14 teachers deliver lessons with a focus on challenging students and developing independent learners. This is supported by our brilliant team of 4 full-time technicians, along with purpose-built labs, including 2 computer labs. Results are excellent throughout all year groups, and our progress measures for science are in the top 10% of the country.

Almost half of our students opt to study separate sciences at GCSE, with 65% of our separate science students achieving Grades 9-7 in 2018. Astronomy is also offered to our KS4 students as a fourth Science GCSE with guidance from our experienced Head of Physics. Due to this success at KS4, many of our students choose to continue their studies at Rickmansworth School for A-levels, and our Science A-level numbers have been increasing year on year. A-level grades at Rickmansworth school have been very positive for the last 2 years, with 25% of our students achieving A*-A grades and 47% A*-B grades. With the recent completion of our new sixth-form block providing more study space and computers for our students, we are expecting an even more successful year for our KS5 students in 2018-19. At Rickmansworth School, we also offer many extra-curricular activities to engage students further in science including horticulture club, science club and STEM Week activities.

Our chemistry department has had excellent results over the past 3 years, especially at KS4 with 57.5% of our students achieving an A*-A in Chemistry in 2017, which went up to 69% achieving 9-7 Grades in Chemistry in 2018. As well as improving our attainment scores, our ALPS scores improved from ALPS 3 in 2017 to ALPS 2 in 2018 (Top 10% of the country). This is down to the brilliant students that we have here at Rickmansworth school, and the fantastic teaching and facilities that we are able to offer them. 

Over the past 3 years 70% of our A-level chemistry students have achieved a grade A*-C and this is set to improve this year, including the number of students achieving A*-A grades. From this year our sixth-form students have access to an all-new sixth-form study centre, with silent study area and canteen, which will help our students be even more productive during their study periods and progress in their learning. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and are an equal opportunities employer.  Applicants must declare any criminal convictions and submit to a check with the Disclosing and Barring Service as the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  Application forms and details can be obtained from the website www.rickmansworth.herts.sch.uk, by calling the School on 01923 773296 or by email to khughes@rickmansworth.herts.sch.uk 

Deadline for applications: 8:00am Monday 25 March 2019

Interview date: Wednesday 27 March 2019

Suitable applicants may be interviewed upon receipt of an application