Teacher of Biology

An academically well-qualified and inspiring teacher of Biology is required to join this strong department in September 2020. The successful candidate will be required to teach Biology to pupils throughout the Senior School, from Year 8 to Year 13. The Biology Department currently comprises nine teachers who work in modern, well‑resourced laboratories with specialist technical support.

Applicants must demonstrate a genuine, academically well-grounded enthusiasm for the subject. They will relish the opportunity to inspire pupils through their high standards of scholarship, their ability to relate to young people and the example they will set of innovative, clearly-focused and responsive teaching, which goes the extra mile, and encourages pupils to do the same. They will want to contribute to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school, both aspects of which are valued at Highgate.

Biology at Highgate

All pupils study Biology as a separate subject in Years 8 to Year 11, ultimately following the Edexcel IGCSE course. A general science course is taught in Year 7, to which all three science departments contribute and which all members of the Science Faculty can be expected to teach. The majority of pupils will take IGCSEs in all three sciences. High quality teaching materials produced within the department are used throughout, although individual teachers are encouraged to shape their lessons according to their own biological interests. In 2019 98% of pupils taking Biology at IGCSE achieved 9-7 grades, with 63% gaining a grade 9. In the sixth form, the Cambridge International A Level course is followed and Biology is a popular choice for pupils. Standards of achievement are high: in 2019 36% of candidates achieved an A*, with 86% achieving A*-B. Every year, several pupils apply to Oxford to read a life science or to Cambridge for Natural Sciences, and a significant number of pupils also go on to study Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine.

There are five modern Biology laboratories (some with dedicated experimental areas), a departmental office and separate prep room. One full- and two part-time technicians work in the Biology Department. The department organises regular visits to public lectures and invites guest speakers to the school, and there are a number of thriving academic societies sponsored by the Department that meet on a regular basis. The department places a significant emphasis on experimental work, and it is not unusual to find pupils working in the department after lessons on individual or group projects. All sixth form pupils take part in the annual Biology Olympiad Competition, where the overwhelming majority will gain a medal or commendation. Biology teachers supervise a significant number of extended projects with a life science focus.

Teaching at Highgate

The School has in place DfE recognised arrangements for the Induction Year and the confirmation of NQT status and has considerable experience of and success in guiding entrants to the profession to qualified status. For all teachers new to Highgate, regardless of experience, there is a strong and supportive framework of induction to the School.

Highgate is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly the Criminal Records Bureau).

Teachers at Highgate enjoy a welcoming, comfortable and exceptionally well-resourced environment and are provided with significant assistance from a range of support staff. Salaries are competitive for a reason: teachers are the School’s most valuable resource. The School pays the employer’s contribution to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Terms are shorter than in the maintained sector. Staff have free access to the School’s sports facilities, including a swimming pool and a fitness suite.