Teacher of Computer Science

Accountable to: Head of ICT & Computing

National Sixth Form Colleges Association Pay Spine and Conditions of Employment for teaching staff. This is a permanent, full time contract to start Wednesday, 22nd August 2018.

Main Purpose of Post: Teach A-level Computer Science and BTEC IT

Background to Post

Birkenhead Sixth Form College is an outstanding provider of sixth form education, (Ofsted 2017) and the current (TES) Sixth Form college of the year winner (2018), the college is also the best provider for A levels in Wirral (Gov.Uk, February,2018).

Computer Science and Information Technology are popular courses at the college with over 150 students enrolled. The Computer Science course follows the OCR syllabus which is a linear specification with no entry for AS-level offered. The Information Technology course follows the Edexcel BTEC Extended Certificate and Diploma pathways. All students are expected to complete a full two year course in order to be awarded with their A - Level or BTEC qualifications.

We are looking to appoint a dedicated individual who will predominantly teach on the Computer Science qualification. We have a strong team ethos and the successful candidate will become an integral part of the team, working in collaboration with other IT teachers to support this area of the curriculum. The successful candidate will be encouraged to organise interesting enrichment activities and will contribute to the high quality educational experience of all learners.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURE

1. Please complete the Teacher Application Form - which is available on the College website: www.bsfc.ac.uk
2. Last 3 years of examination results (If appropriate - if you are an NQT please skip this part of the application procedure)
3. On a separate sheet answer the following specific questions:

Each question should be answered separately with each answer being no more than 150 words.

1. Aside from your stated qualifications, please outline what you believe makes you academically suited to the position applied for.
2. The College does not operate a gifted and talented programme as we believe all students should be assessed on current performance and expected to improve on that. What is your view on this approach? 
3. Please identify one or two skills or techniques you have used in the classroom to drive learning.
4. The College rejects the use of target grades on the basis of prior attainment data (ALIS, ALPS etc). Target grades are set on teachers assessment of the student. What is your view of this practice?
5. You should have provided an accompanying sheet summarising the results you have achieved over the last three years. Is there any context or background you would like to give to these?

The required documentation is to be returned via email to: hrdept@bsfc.ac.uk

Application Form can be downloaded from the College website: www.bsfc.ac.uk

Closing Date: Midday Monday, 18th June 2018.

General Information

Birkenhead Sixth Form College has a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If you are invited for interview, your suitability to work with children will be explored as well as your suitability for the post.

All posts are subject to Enhanced Disclosure Clearance through the Disclosure & Barring Service.

The College is an Equal Opportunities employer and all members of the College have a personal responsibility to implement the policy, to carry out their responsibilities in accordance with it and to maintain an equality of opportunity for all.

The Governors and staff of the College take their duties under the Equality Act 2010 very seriously. They will ensure that all reasonable adjustments are made to ensure that disabled people are treated fairly and that they are not placed at any substantial disadvantage. The College is committed to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the post and to consider them on their abilities.

Reference Checking

On the application form, you are asked to provide details of two employment referees (preferably your line manager from your current and previous or most recent employer/s), who can comment on your suitability for the post. References from relatives or individuals writing in the capacity of friends will not be accepted.

The College will seek references on short-listed applicants before interview, and will approach previous employers for information to verify suitability for the post, dates of employment, particular experience or qualifications, punctuality history and details of any disciplinary offences.

In addition, if you are currently working with children or young people, on either a paid or voluntary basis, your current employer will be asked about your suitability to work with children and any disciplinary offences relating to children or young people. This will include any offences for which the penalty is time expired (that is where a warning could no longer be taken into account in any new disciplinary hearing for example) and whether you have been the subject of any child protection concerns, and if so, the outcome of any enquiry or disciplinary procedures. If you are not currently working with children but have done so in the past, that previous employer will be asked about those issues.

Please note providing false information is an offence and could result in your application being rejected, or dismissal without notice if you have been appointed and possible referral to the police.