Subject Lead for Science

We are seeking to make an appointment to the position of subject leader of Science from Easter 2022 (based on the availability of the candidate)

Terms & Conditions: As STPCD, with an amendment to 1,400 hours p.a. Directed Time.

Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio is a 13-19 Studio School based in Darwen, Lancashire, specialising in Care Sector and Creative/Technical Digital Technologies.   We are currently ranked as the number one performing college for progress at KS5 in the borough and within a 132km radius.  We have recently received an OFSTED rating of Good in all areas during a September 2021 inspection.

 Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and confident Leader of Science to join their highly creative team and enhance our Science provision at KS4.  

Established in 2013 and located in the heart of historical Darwen on the edge of the West Pennine Moors, the Studio is the town’s best kept secret. Focussed on nurturing talent in students and staff across core and creative subjects and improving the life chances of every student. As a small school with a maximum of 250 students we offer a unique opportunity to work in a state of the art, iconic and historic building as part of a small cohesive team of staff. 

This unique opportunity would be ideal for an experienced teacher of Science who is looking to step up into a leadership role and progress their career within a small department of two teachers. The post holder will have the benefit of working within a close network of Science Leaders within the Trust, and will liaise closely with the Curriculum Lead for Science and the Trust Lead for Science. The post holder will therefore have many opportunities to receive guidance and support to be effective in this role. 

The Benefits: 

• Ongoing professional development within an exciting Multi Academy Trust, including access to coaching and regular training, as well as a range of ‘Growing Together’ courses as part of the Aldridge CPD programme.

• Working closely with senior staff and cluster leads. 

• Excellent and genuine opportunities for career progression 

• Opportunities within a cluster of schools who are supportive and actively collaborate 

• Make a real difference in the engagement with education of the young people of Darwen 

• Be part of one of the few Studio Schools to thrive and be successful 

• Lead a small welcoming faculty that has a track record of increasing results year on year 

Please note that the post-holder will be required to teach a 75% timetable 

Introduction and Purpose of the Role

All of our KS4 students are required to undertake GCSE studies Combined Science Double Award.  We require an exceptional individual to lead this  and to ensure that we meet our targets for progress. Currently there is one full time Learning Coach who will teach alongside the Subject Leader delivering learning in these subject areas. The department is also supported by a Trust Lead for Science. Practical work is facilitated by a 0.4 FTE Science Technician.  

Relationships

The post-holder will report to the Principal.  They will line manage the Learning Coach in the subject and will work closely with the Curriculum Lead for Science and the Aldridge Trust Lead for Science to devise and implement a curriculum that has rigor, effective sequencing and engages all students to achieve their full potential in the subject. 

General

There is an expectation that the post-holder will support the ethos of the Studio and will work towards the Studio’s aims as expressed in the Improvement Plan and other relevant documentation.

Key Duties

1. Leadership:

• To support and promote the vision of the Aldridge Foundation and the Darwen Academy Trust, harnessing entrepreneurial attributes as a catalyst for academic and personal achievement. 

• To display and promote the ethos and values of Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio.

• To contribute to the Studio’s strategic planning activities.

• To ensure effective communication and team working between staff, students, employers and other stakeholders.

• To support the development and implementation of Studio policies and procedures.

• To play an active role in the day-to-day management of students.

• To contribute to the marketing of the Studio to a range of external audiences.

• To be responsible for the performance management of Learning Coaches within core subject area as required, promoting accountability, identifying and supporting areas for development, and directly and effectively addressing any underperformance.

• To work with core subject Learning Coaches to identify and implement continuing professional development.

• To liaise closely and collaborate with the Trust Lead for Science and the Curriculum Lead for Science in all areas of work undertaken.

• To support promotion of a physical and cultural environment within which effective learning can take place.

• To ensure that practices and procedures are in place, and adhered to, which meet Health and Safety legislation and which adequately support and promote the safeguarding of young people.

• To ensure that equality and diversity are celebrated and promoted through all practice.

2. Learning and Teaching

• To ensure outstanding educational provision in the core subject. 

• To lead in the development of appropriate syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, marking policies and teaching strategies in the core subject area. 

• To ensure effective planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of teaching across the Science department, using formative and summative assessment data to inform this.

• To lead on examination entries and administration for core subject area. 

• To plan, prepare and deliver schemes of work and lesson plans.

• To undertake lesson observations and make judgements based upon the Ofsted framework. 

• To work with Learning Coaches in reviewing and analysing student attainment data to ensure that all learners make or exceed the expected levels of progress. 

• To be aware of, and to respond appropriately to, curriculum developments in the core subject at a national level.

• To ensure the attributes of employability are at the heart of the curriculum and teaching practice, and that the curriculum develops applied skills and knowledge.

• To ensure that social, moral, cultural and spiritual learning are embedded within the KS4 core curriculum. 

3. Finance and Resources

• To assist in managing the financial resources allocated to Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio, diligently and effectively, ensuring quality of provision within allocated budgets.

• To assist in management and development of staff engaged by Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio. 

• To ensure that the use of shared resources is encouraged between Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio and the Multi Academy Trust.

4. Other

• To take part in professional development as directed by leadership.

• To participate in the Performance Management process.

• To work as a member of designated teams and contribute positively to effective working relationships.

• To maintain discipline in accordance with the Studio’s procedures, encouraging and supporting the Behaviour for Learning ethos.