Teacher of Physics

The school

Haberdashers’ Adams is a selective state grammar school with academy status situated in the small market town of Newport in rural Shropshire. It is a boys school with co-educational Sixth Form. There are currently just over 900 pupils on roll; approximately 100 of these are boarders. The Sixth Form has about 330 students of whom about 90 are girls.

The physics department 

The department consists of two full-time and one part-time member of staff; two other teachers also contribute to physics teaching. It is located in a modern science block which includes three well-equipped laboratories, a departmental office and a large preparation room. 

All three sciences are compulsory for all pupils in Year 7 to Year 11 in this school. In Years 7 and 8, students follow a bespoke physics course that establishes the basic principles of this science, whilst instilling enthusiasm through regular practicals. We start the GCSE physics course (leading to AQA GCSE Physics 8463) with Year 9, using the extra year to harmoniously blend theory, practical tasks and assessment to better consolidate the understanding of all students. We are very proud of our record with GCSE examinations and physics is therefore a very popular subject in the Sixth Form – typically with about 75 students in three sets for each cohort. We follow the AQA A-level physics specification 7408.

Recent specification change at A-level has been successfully navigated. As a result, all schemes of work, resources, and practical endorsement arrangements are now firmly embedded. We are now making only minor adjustments to our courses in the light of recent exam experience.

The extra-curricular side of school life is important. The physics department runs an annual Sixth Form trip to CERN, takes part in the Institute of Physics’ British Physics Olympiad, and teaches Edexcel GCSE Astronomy after school to a group of 16-18 very able Key Stage 3 and 4 students. Members of the department also have the opportunity, should they wish to do so, to become involved in the school’s wide range of extra-curricular activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.  

The candidate

The department is looking to recruit an outstanding teacher of physics who can teach from Year 7 through to the Upper Sixth. Although a full-time post is available, we could accommodate a suitable candidate who wishes to be part-time down to approximately 0.8 FTE.

A suitable candidate for this post will have the opportunity to teach other sciences in Key Stage 3 if they wish to do so, although lack of interest in doing so will definitely not be a hindrance to applicants. In essence, we aim to appoint the very best candidate and will adapt their timetable to suit their academic strengths.  Applications are welcome from experienced teachers, and also NQTs who feel confident enough to teach physics A-level to both Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth students.

Job description and person specification

Please see the attached job description and person specification that apply to all main scale teaching posts at Haberdashers’ Adams.