Science Technician

Science and STEM activities play a major part in Aldwickbury School's future curriculum vision. The Science Technician will play an important role in supporting the Science and other departments delivery of an exciting STEM curriculum. 

Under the overall direction of the Head of Science and Head of Future Thinking, and in accordance with the practices and procedures of the school, assist teaching staff in providing a safe and efficient lab technical service for boys and teaching staff. The role will commence in September 2022 or January 2023 depending on notice periods. 

Areas of Responsibility:

• Setting up all requested resources in classrooms and clearing away at the end of each lesson.

• Ensure that staff are aware of all the health and safety requirements and other relevant regulations in their department area. 

• Cleaning and maintaining equipment in preparation for lessons. 

• To dispose of laboratory waste safely (chemical and biological) and deal with spillages and breakages in according with regulations and procedures.

• Keeping the science prep room well organised and well stocked. 

• Assisting the Head of Science and Head of Future Thinking, in the preparation of classroom resources, such as putting up displays and printing booklets.

• Ordering resources and equipment.

• Keeping an up-to-date record of expenses and monitoring this against the yearly budget. 

• Support the running of STEM clubs throughout the school.

• Occasionally working with individual boys and small groups of boys in the classroom.

• Attend relevant meetings and training sessions as required.

• To uphold the school’s policy in respect of safeguarding and child protection matters.

Person Specification 

Essential qualities/requisites:

• Ability to build and form good relationships with boys and colleagues.

• Independent and self-motivated who will look up information on how to perform unfamiliar tasks. 

• Ability to work well as part of a team.

• Practically minded and enjoys problem solving.

• Willing to learn about new areas of science and develop skills and knowledge through CPD. 

• Extremely well organised with excellent time management.

• Proactive in anticipating the needs of staff in advance of receiving weekly requisitions. 

• A can-do approach to learning new IT skills. 

• A clear communicator.

• Commitments to the highest standards of child protection and safeguarding.

Desired experience:

• Experience of working as a science technician or in a laboratory is preferable but not essential. 

• Experience working with children aged 4- 13 years. 

• A passion for education, learning and STEM

Further information about Aldwickbury

The School

Aldwickbury is a preparatory school for boys aged between 4 (Reception) and 13 (Year 8). There are approximately 270 boys in Years 3 to 8, and another 100 boys in our Pre-Prep department. Boys from Year 5 may board and some 50 do so on a flexible basis. Boys leave Aldwickbury at 13+ via entry tests or scholarship examinations for senior independent schools such as St Albans, Bedford, Haileybury, St Columba’s, Berkhamsted, Harrow, M.T.S. and Oundle.

Aldwickbury is a highly regarded and established preparatory school, having been founded in Harpenden in 1937, moving to the current site in 1948. The school occupies a fine Victorian house in pleasant country surrounds. The facilities and resources are very good, and the premises are well equipped and are set in twenty acres of grounds. The school is run as a charitable company and is a member of Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS), the Boarding Schools Association and the International Boys’ School Coalition. The current Headmaster, Mr Paul Symes, became Headmaster of Aldwickbury in Summer 2021. He lives in the main building with his wife and family and is the fifth Headmaster of Aldwickbury.  

There are currently some 50 teachers, teaching/classroom assistants and matrons, together with various visiting specialists for music, drama, swimming and fencing. The largest class size throughout the school tends to be about sixteen, although the average size is slightly lower. In support of the main educational activities, the school employs administrative, catering, maintenance, cleaning and ICT teams, which are managed by the Bursar.

The Science department is one of the leading departments in the school with boys introduced to practical experiments from Year 5. The Science Department (team of three) deliver lessons in the three traditional components of Science Chemistry, Physics and biology as well as providing boys from Reception to Year 8 opportunities in STEM activities. One of the highlights of the Year is the annual Science week. 

Aldwickbury is excited to launch from September 2022 a new Future Thinking curriculum, from Reception to Year 8 that focusses on preparing the boys with skills for every changing world of work. The curriculum consists of STEM, Creative Technology, Mind, Outdoor learning, Community and Communication. 

Aldwickbury looks to develop boys’ self-esteem and ensure that they reach their potential in all aspects of school life. The boys’ achievements in classwork, drama, art, music, sport and so on are celebrated whenever possible. The school is busy and purposeful; visitors often comment on the friendly open nature of the boys. The Staff Common Room is happy and dedicated; CPD is encouraged and provided for all members of staff.

Working Hours

35 hours a week Monday to Friday during term time only which is usually 36 weeks. You are required to work your normal hours when the school is in session, which includes designated inset days as required (known as term time).  Breaks are paid and in line with the working time. 

Salary 

The school will offer a competitive salary appropriate to the skills and qualifications of the successful candidate. 

Application Process

The closing date for applications is Monday 4th July at 9:00am, interviews will be arranged with the shortlisted candidates thereafter.

For information and an application form, email s.mckinnon@aldwickbury.org.uk