Teacher of Biology (Temporary Maternity Cover)

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth.

The school seeks to appoint a temporary teacher of Biology from January or February 2021 to cover maternity leave for two terms in the first instance, although the contract may be extended up to a full year.

This vacancy represents an outstanding opportunity for a well-qualified graduate in Biology   to teach in a key department in this excellent school, which is renowned for its scientific tradition.

This part time role is offered at 0.85 FTE. A full time role may be considered for an exceptional candidate. Candidates should be able to teach Biology throughout the Senior School, from Year 7 to Year 13.

The school offers excellent training and support to teachers at all stages of their career. PGS teachers convey passion for their subject and seek to maximise progress by knowing their pupils well and adapting their teaching accordingly.  We are always looking to develop new ideas and approaches to mathematics teaching and are keen to incorporate the particular interests of new members of staff into the overall curriculum scheme.

Outstanding teaching and learning at PGS are achieved by inspirational and creative teachers with excellent subject knowledge and the ability to use ICT and interactive resources to enhance learning.  Teachers’ planning is informed by assessment for learning, ensuring all pupils make very good progress in each lesson.  Our pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and understand how they can improve using constructive feedback provided by their teachers.

PGS is an IB world school and has offered the IB since 2009, with consistently excellent results. Due to reduced levels of uptake among our pupils, 2020 is the last year in which pupils may embark upon the IB Diploma at PGS. From September 2020, an exciting new A Level enrichment programme is being offered, which places emphasis on academic breadth and challenge, personal development, community workplace experience and leadership.

The successful applicant will be expected to contribute fully to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school.

The Department

The Biology department is located in a state of the art Science Centre and consists of eight teachers and three technicians.  Seven dedicated Biology laboratories, two dedicated preparation rooms, a greenhouse and galleried seating area help in providing a first-rate learning environment.  All laboratories are furnished with the expected ICT facilities, plasma screens and digital microscopes; there is also a suite of wireless laptops and iPads available. The Department has a resource area for plant life and a pond on the school site.

At all levels of the school, Biology is taught by Biology specialists and as a separate subject within the Science Department.  All Year 7 and 8 pupils study a balanced Science programme, consisting of a combined Physical Science (Physics and Chemistry) course and Biology.  KS3 Biology largely follows the AQA National Curriculum Syllabus. All Year 9 pupils begin study of their Science GCSEs; in Years 10 and 11 pupils are separated into three ability bands leading to awards in either Combined Science or Triple Sciences. GCSE Science is currently taught to the AQA specification.

In the Sixth Form, between 50 and 80 pupils opt to take A Level Biology, following the AQA specification.  Results, both at GCSE and A Level, are very strong, even within the context of a first rate academic school.  A significant number of pupils leaving PGS in Year 13 go on to study a Science-related course at university, and Medicine is one of the most popular university courses.  A number of pupils go on to Oxbridge success in Medicine and Natural Sciences.

Practical work at all levels is encouraged.  Teachers are expected to differentiate and assess appropriately, and use a variety of teaching and learning styles to maximise pupil progress. Technology, and particularly the use of iPads and other tablets, is increasingly becoming embedded in day-to-day teaching; Year 9-13 pupils bring an iPad to lessons, so candidates with knowledge of these technologies will be desirable.

The Biology Department is active in hosting innovative, whole school, cross-curricular activities and external speakers.  There is a thriving Wildlife Club and opportunities to introduce significant stretch and challenge for all year groups.  PGS has participated in the Biology Olympiad since its inception and pupils routinely receive medals in this national competition.  All of Year 10 enter the Biology Challenge competition and, again, routinely achieve medals.

For candidates who would relocate to take up this position, the school may be able to offer subsidised rental accommodation in Old Portsmouth on a temporary basis. Please state in your application if this is of interest to you.

Candidates are also welcome to apply through the TES website using the application form linked to our PGS advert.

PGS is committed to safeguarding children and the successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure DBS check.