Teacher of Physics

A highly effective teacher with excellent academic qualifications and a passion for the subject is required to teach Physics to A Level.

Applications from newly-qualified teachers are welcome.  The successful candidate will have the ability to teach all three sciences at Key Stage 3 and/or 4, if required, and Physics up to A Level. Flexibility in existing staffing allows us to offer the post as part time (approximately 0.8) or full time for a suitable candidate.

A suitably qualified and experienced candidate would be appointed as Teacher in Charge of Physics, reporting to the Head of Science.

The specifications currently followed are the Edexcel course for Sixth Form, and AQA 9-1 Science in Years 9, 10 and 11.  Top set pupils take all three sciences separately at GCSE, the specification for Physics being the AQA 9-1 Physics.  Pupils begin the GCSE course at the start of Year 9.  Pupils in Years 7 and 8 follow a course preparing them for GCSE, based on national recommendations and modelled on the AQA course.

There are four full-time and two part-time members of the Science department working in the Senior School, and they are supported by a part-time technician.  A full time specialist delivers Science to the Prep School.

Food and Nutrition is taught within the Science department .  We offer the Leiths Introductory Certificate in Food and Wine in Sixth Form and GCSE Food and Nutrition.  Food is taught throughout the Senior School and Prep School.

Science subjects are popular options at A Level, and the department has among the strongest results in the school, particularly at GCSE.

The main responsibilities of the post are to:

• teach Physics and/or all sciences to Years 7 and 8, GCSE Physics or Biology and/or all sciences in Years 9, 10 and 11 and A Level Physics in Years 12 and 13
• ensure that the lessons taught are accessible to all students; challenging the able and providing meaningful development for weaker students
• provide opportunities for pupils to develop critical skills, helping them to learn independently and giving clear opportunities for reflection, developing the capacity of pupils to think and write logically, cogently and clearly
• foster good working and learning habits in pupils
• regularly assess and record pupils’ work, progress and attainment to inform strategies for improving pupil achievement
• provide a stimulating classroom environment
• promote tolerance, respect and understanding, and engagement with challenging ideas
• share good practice within and between subject areas through planned collaboration
• encourage the uptake of science subjects at A Level
• generate and implement ideas, promoting the success of the department
• attend departmental, staff and parents’ meetings as and when required
• contribute to subject-specific assemblies
• keep abreast of professional and subject developments
• participate in professional meetings and training programmes (CPD) and share benefits with colleagues
• participate actively in the school’s performance management programme

Contribution to the wider life of the school:

• take on pastoral responsibilities including form tutoring or roles within the House system
• contribute to the extra-curricular enrichment programme in the school
• carry out regular duties and supervision, on a rota, during the school day and after lessons as appropriate
• carry out such duties as are allocated by the Deputy Head or other senior management colleagues, including cover for absent colleagues and examination invigilation
• attend school and year group assemblies, events and Inter-House competitions, supervising pupils when needed
• model high standards of personal presentation, punctuality and commitment, and command similarly high standards of behaviour and attitude from pupils

It should be noted that the above list of duties is not an exhaustive statement of the responsibilities of the post.  It is intended to give an overall view of the position and should be taken as guidance only.  The post holder may be required to undertake any other reasonable task requested by the Head for a teacher which falls within his or her capabilities and which are in accordance with the usual practice of an independent boarding and day school.

Person specification

Essential

• a highly successful teacher, or the potential to become one if newly qualified
• strong interpersonal skills
• excellent academic credentials
• diplomatic and patient
• well organised, efficient and able to manage competing priorities
• collaborative, reliable and resilient
• a willingness to contribute to the wider needs of the School community
• highly effective communication skills, in person and in writing
• integrity and discretion
• inspiring confidence in others
• understanding of and support for the Catholic ethos of the School, although there is no requirement or expectation that the post-holder be a member of the Catholic Church

Pay and benefits

Starting salaries are based on a teacher's qualifications and teaching experience, according to the Rye teachers' pay scale.   A management allowance is available for the Teacher in Charge of Physics.

All teachers are entitled to membership of the Westfield Health health cash plan.

All salaried staff, full or part-time, are entitled to a fee remission, 50% for full-time staff and pro rata for part-time staff.

At specified times, staff may use the school’s Fitness Suite, and during Trinity Term staff may use the swimming pool at the advertised times. Lunch is provided in the school dining room, and refreshments are provided in the Staff Room at morning break and teatime.  There is car parking on site, and the School is easily accessible by bus.

How to apply

Applications (application form, accompanying letter and full curriculum vitae with contact details for two referees) should be addressed to the Head, Miss Joanne Croft, and sent by email to the Human Resources Manager, Ms Ellen Phelips (ephelips@ryestantony.co.uk; 01865 762802).

Applications will be accepted only from candidates who have completed the application form in full. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 15 January 2021.  The school reserves the right to appoint before the closing date, and therefore early application is advised.   Interviews may be held via Zoom.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Candidates must be willing to undergo Child Protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.