Teacher of Biology (Maternity Cover)

Bloxham School is seeking to appoint an inspirational teacher of Biology with excellent subject knowledge, and the ability to engage students in their learning. The ability to offer some psychology, sport, or other sciences would be an advantage. Applications would be welcome from recently qualified or experienced teachers. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake a full teaching timetable, and become fully involved in the life of a busy boarding school, including an involvement in extracurricular activities.

Biology at Bloxham School

Bloxham Science staff demonstrate a clear passion for the subject which we aim to share with our pupils. We also aim to make the subject interesting, relevant and fun. We look forward to welcoming a new member of staff to the Science Department who is able and willing to contribute fully to all these areas.

Biology is one of the three science courses taught at Bloxham. Each year group is set and taught by subject specialists. Biology students are usually at the forefront of Bloxham’s very popular Animal Club activities.

Through the Lower School syllabus we provide all our pupils with a broad introduction to the topics covered at GCSE. We aim to do this in a practical way and design the lessons to be hands on to develop our pupils’ application of the subject.

At GCSE, we use the AQA GCSE syllabus. This specification does not have any controlled assessment material and so allows students to develop a more detailed understanding of topics to prepare themselves for the jump to A Level. The course covers all the main topics and our Scheme of Work has been developed to maintain the kinaesthetic learning that we encourage within the department.

At A-Level, we use the AQA specification. This is linear with three exams at the end of the Upper Sixth and a practical endorsement replaces traditional coursework. This requires pupils to complete twelve specific investigations and demonstrate key practical skills.

Job Description:

• To be an inspirational teacher of Biology to model excellence in teaching and learning ensuring enthusiasm for the subject and leading to high value-added results for students in external examinations.

• Ensure that a safe working environment is maintained within all aspects of the work of the Science Department.

• Prepare lessons in line with curriculum and prepare and explain homework exercises that will further expand the topic knowledge.

• Play an active role in the extra-curricular life of the Department, including contributing to off-timetable workshops, extension programmes, competitions, trips, open days etc.

• Marking and providing clear and concise feedback on completed work in a timely fashion, which impacts positively on student attainment.

• Participation within the pastoral and broader curriculum programme.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Excellent academic qualifications, including a degree in a Biology or a closely related subject and PGCE qualified or equivalent.

• A proven record of preparing students for external examinations and a record of achieving high VA results.

• Inspirational teaching and learning practitioner with experience of teaching Biology, and able to develop a strong positive rapport with students.

• A confident user of IT for administration and lesson delivery.

• A high level communicator with the skills and ability to work with colleagues as part of a team and to liaise with pupils, parents, teachers, and support staff.

• A well-organised and self-motivated individual.

• In sympathy with the ethos of the school.

• Committed to boarding school life and willing to engage in a range of science related extra-curricular activities.

• A commitment to continued professional development and continued development of teaching pedagogy.