Teacher of Computer Science

An inspirational Teacher of Computer Science is sought to join our thriving, selective London independent day school. Applicants who can demonstrate a passion for teaching Computer Science, maximising pupil progress, along with an ambition to promote the subject at all levels will be at an advantage.

The person appointed will join a successful Department and play a highly visible, strategically important role in the development of Computing teaching and will be required to teach at all Key Stages, as well as making a full range of contributions to the life of the school. The department currently teaches the OCR GCSE in Computer Science and the AQA A-level.

Flexible working will be considered. This role is permanent and can be offered as part-time or full-time. We welcome applications from candidates who are new to the profession and offer a well-developed and formative programme of support, coaching and guidance for PGCE and ECT candidates.

Computer Science is taught as a discrete subject in Year 7 and 8 and then pupils can opt to continue with this subject to Year 9 at a higher level. This year there are 69 students taking Computing in Year 9, 30 in Year 10 and 22 in Year 11. Currently we have smaller numbers in A Level set (15 at A Level), but we are optimistic that these will grow substantially in the coming years.

Results in the Department have been strong and are steadily improving in the context of an academically selective and highly ambitious school. In 2022, 40% of candidates achieved A*-A Grades, with 100% at A*-C. At GCSE, 60% of candidates achieved Grades 9-8 with 76% achieving 9-7. Each year several Foresters go on to read Computer Science at top universities, with students pursuing degrees at Cambridge, Imperial and at other Russell Group faculties.

As one of the largest day schools in HMC, Forest abounds with opportunities for professional and career development. Teachers at Forest are rarely just confined to their subject area and the majority play a full and active role in Forest’s enviable super-curricular and co-curricular programme, with opportunities to lead in clubs and activities as diverse as Model United Nations, Extended Project Qualification, Jedi Warrior Lightsabre Fencing, Chapel Choir, Music Technology and Cricket, to give but a few examples. The ambition, richness, and distinct nature of the integrated curriculum at Forest offers our staff with an unparalleled experience of a modern and holistic education in our beautiful London setting. As our Good Schools Guide Review (2023) suggests Forest is a ‘flourishing, successful and well-led school in a glorious, green setting with consistently strong results that don’t require pupils to sacrifice happiness or wellbeing on the way to achieving them… an education that’s so genuinely rounded you could make hoops from it.’

Forest invests heavily in the development of pedagogy and teaching strategy, with all teachers expected to engage in an ambitious Professional Learning Programme which includes seminars and contact with leading minds in the teaching and learning space; most recently, Forest welcomed Tom Sherrington who presented on curriculum strategy and design. In addition, we are immensely proud of our culture of formative, ongoing and developmental peer observation through our Teaching and Learning Communities. Teachers are also encouraged to liaise regularly with our team of Lead Teaching Practitioners and benefit from coaching and constructive critical feedback and reflection on their practice.

We would expect the successful applicant to teach the full range of Computer Science at Forest School, from Key Stage 3 to A-Level and Oxbridge preparation. A history of examining would be desirable but is not essential.

About Forest

Forest is a large, vibrant school, with approximately 1500 pupils from 4 to 18. Our traditional House structure means that each pupil is treated as an individual, of whom we have the highest expectations, while our size enables us to offer breadth and depth of opportunity. 

Location

Forest is a city school surrounded by Epping Forest, within easy walking distance of Snaresbrook Central line tube station and Wood Street Overground station.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:    

• Generous CPD budget               
• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system               
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme       
• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day               
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13               
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre             
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme        
• Contribution towards private medical insurance fees               
• Membership of a pension scheme

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

Applications close on 06 June 2023, 08:00am

Interviews will be take place on 14 June 2023