Teacher of Girls' Physical Education

We wish to appoint from September 2024 a well-qualified, enthusiastic and committed female Teacher of Girls’ Physical Education who can deliver high quality Physical Education across all key stages. A strength in delivering hockey and netball would be an advantage.  The post is full-time and permanent.  The position would suit an ECT or experienced teacher. 

This is an excellent opportunity to join one of Oxfordshire’s largest and most successful schools. Effective administrative systems support the two sites. Students are well-behaved and motivated, and there is a strong sense of community in Thame, with a committed parent support base.

We are exceptionally strong in terms of pastoral support for all students and have the highest expectations for individual achievement whatever the starting points. Outside the classroom there are wonderful extra-curricular activities for all. Students leave the school successful and well-rounded individuals. There is a ‘buzz’ about learning in the school and our students are fortunate to be supported in their learning by dedicated teachers and support staff. Staff training and professional development are always a developmental priority and many of our staff move on to promotions in other schools.

The School

The school is the only school serving the market town of Thame and surrounding villages. It is a popular school and always oversubscribed. It is a split site school – Years 7-9 on our Lower School site and Years 10 -13 on our Upper School site. There are around 540 students in our Sixth Form and we attract many students from other schools, post-16. Teamwork is a key feature of school life and so is partnership with our feeder primary schools. There is a strong drive to establish powerful curriculum links cross phase with teachers collaborating on a range of projects.

The Physical Education Faculty

Physical Education is a major strength at Lord Williams’s School; the school has a deserved reputation for sporting excellence both locally and nationally. The Physical Education Faculty comprises twelve highly qualified and experienced specialists, led by a Head of Faculty and Co-ordinators for Key Stages 3 and 4. We were designated as a specialist Sports College from September 2001, developing strong and well established links with partnership schools and the local community. There is administrative support for the Physical Education Faculty and two Technicians. 

The faculty structure is as follows:

Head of Faculty

Team Leader of Key Stage 4

Team Leader of Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3 there is a broad and balanced programme providing equal access and opportunity. All staff teach the whole programme to single sex and ability-set groups. Pupils follow a modular based programme covering a variety of games, athletics, gymnastics and fitness activities. Students are taught OAA which is supported by the Year 8 residential camp. This is lead and organised by the Physical Education Faculty during the summer in the Alternative Curriculum Experience week.

Key Stage 4

All Key Stage 4 students have two lessons of core Physical Education. The Year 10 and 11 programmes follows a similar modular curriculum to Key Stage 3. This allows our pupils to develop their experiences and attainment. Students may also choose a full GCSE course as one of their options. Pupils will follow the AQA syllabus and will have a combination of theory and practical lessons.

Health Education is taught as part of Physical Education throughout the school.

Key Stage 5

The subject is a popular choice at A level. The students study the OCR specification which covers the following topics: socio-cultural and contemporary issues, psychology, anatomy and physiology, biomechanics and acquiring movement skills. 

Extra-Curricular Activities

Lord Williams’s School has many teams and clubs in both traditional and minority sports and activities. We aim for a high quality inter-school fixture list and to prepare our students to compete successfully. A willingness to participate in extra-curricular work throughout the week including residential trips is essential, this may include some weekends.

Facilities

Lord Williams’s School has outstanding facilities creating exciting, challenging and appropriate learning environments for its students. Facilities include an astro turf pitch, swimming pool, two sports halls, two gymnasiums and extensive fields.