Teacher of Biology

We are looking for an exceptional teacher of Biology to join Harris Westminster Sixth Form in September 2023.

You will implement and deliver an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant, differentiated and inspiring curriculum for students and support the subject area as appropriate. You will monitor and support the overall progress and development of students and provide a motivating and structured learning experience, which will provide students with the opportunity to achieve their individual potential.

As a teacher and Form Tutor you will contribute significantly to raising standards of student attainment and support the process of application to university. You will contribute significantly to the Cultural Perspectives programme and to the wider life of the school, including extra-curricular and enrichment activities.

You will report to the Head of Life Sciences and liaise with other teachers within the Faculty (Biology and Chemistry), Tutors, the Head of House, relevant teaching and non-teaching staff, including those with particular curriculum and pastoral responsibilities, parents and Governors and other stakeholders.

About Us

Harris Westminster combines the energy of brilliant young people from across London's diverse neighbourhoods, the strength of Westminster School in teaching academically able students, and the Harris Federation's experience and expertise in running outstanding maintained sector schools. It is over-subscribed, academically selective, has 35% of students from a disadvantaged background, and has incredible diversity in its student cohort with no ethnic group exceeding 20%. 65% of HWSF students go on to study at Russell Group universities and we have one of the largest Oxbridge cohorts of any school (state or private). 38 students from the 2022 cohort gained places. We are looking for an outstanding individual to join and support this exciting, scholarly, and vibrant community.

Academy Ethos

Ambition. Perseverance. Legacy. Kindness. Scholarship.

Harris Westminster students expect great things of themselves; they aim high and meet their targets, gaining places on the most competitive university course and apprenticeships, and from those courses into elite careers. They work hard to reach their ambitions and learn that setbacks are reasons to review strategy and try again rather than give up. They understand that they are part of a community where we look after each other and support each other to overcome hardships and to thrive. They aim to make their mark on the world for the long term and learn that they can have a positive and lasting impact. Students from different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles work together and listen to each other to understand more deeply how these differences affect our experiences, to overcome prejudices and create a more equal society. During their time at the school they develop a love of learning and acquire the habits of enquiry, knowledge acquisition, and scholarship.

Main Areas of Responsibility

Your responsibilities will include:

• To participate in the formulation of subject area and faculty aims, objectives and strategic plans and the Subject and Sixth Form improvement plan.
• To contribute to the whole Sixth Form's planning activities.
• To assist in the development of appropriate syllabuses, resources, schemes of work, marking policies and teaching strategies in the subject area.
• To assist in the process of curriculum development and implementation of change, so as to ensure the continued relevance to the needs of students. This to include development of resources, schemes of work, policies and strategies for raising achievement
• To continue personal development in the relevant areas, including subject knowledge and teaching methods.
• To work as a member of a designated team and to contribute positively to effective working relations within the Sixth Form.
• To take part in the Sixth Form's staff development programme by participating in arrangements for further training and professional development

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Successful experience teaching A Level Biology at Sixth Form level (can be teaching practice).
• Understanding of theory and practice of effective teaching and learning.
• Understanding of how the most-able students learn.
• Understanding of the importance of having high expectations for all students, both of behaviour and academic achievement.
• Understanding of inclusive provision and practices which offer equality of access to the curriculum for all students, including special educational needs and English as an additional language.
• Knowledge and experience of writing lesson plans, developing resources and assessing students' work.
• Understanding the importance of being a Tutor

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact us via e-mail, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. You will need this when completing your application.

Please note: we may hold interviews as and when applications are received and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date. We only accept applications submitted online via our careers website and which are completed before the closing deadline. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible and advise you check the job information as per the listing on our careers site.

Rewards & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level to senior leadership.

We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, electric car scheme and many other benefits.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.