Teacher of Biology (Temporary)

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth. It values the development of the whole person, placing emphasis on both academic achievement and co-curricular involvement. The school aims to support every pupil in order that they might achieve their potential.

The school seeks to appoint a well qualified teacher of Biology on a temporary basis for one term from September 2021 to teach full time in the senior school from Year 7 to Year 13. There is the possibility this temporary contract may be extended into the Spring term up to the February half term break.

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.

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. 

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 teaching and are keen to incorporate the particular interests of new members of staff into the overall curriculum scheme.

The successful applicant will be expected to contribute fully to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school.  The school provides excellent professional development opportunities and has an outstanding reputation for induction of newly qualified teachers.

The Biology 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.  

Benefits

The school is a strong supporter of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and its INSET programme of Professional Development Days provides staff with many personal development opportunities. 

Key financial benefits of employment at PGS include a generous salary structure supplemented by payment of an additional PGS Allowance.  There are many opportunities to take on additional paid responsibilities to assist in the management and operation of the school.  The school participates in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

The school also has a generous fee concession for the children of teaching staff.  The school supports the Cycle to Work scheme and all members of staff have free use of the school’s sports facilities which include a well-equipped Fitness Centre. The school provides a two course lunch during term, with a full evening meal provided before all parents evenings. 

The school is always looking for innovative ways to improve the working conditions and remuneration of its employees and welcomes suggestions from all staff.

How to Apply

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

Further information is available on the website at www.pgs.org.uk under the ‘About Us’ section and any queries regarding the vacancy should be emailed to HR@pgs.org.uk. 

An electronic application would be preferable, submitted to HR@pgs.org.uk.  All applicants should complete an application form, and send a covering letter and full curriculum vitae.   All applications should be accompanied by the names, addresses, email and telephone numbers of three referees. 

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

The closing date is noon 21st April 2021 and early applications are encouraged. Interviews will be held w/c 26th April 2021. Shortlisted candidates are requested to allow a whole day for the interview, which will include teaching an observed lesson.