Teacher of Psychology

The Post

You will join a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers with a very positive mentality; if you share our growth mindset approach to both learning and life then we would love to hear from you!

We are looking for someone with a genuine and infectious passion for their subject, who will enthuse and engage the students they teach; someone with high expectations for all students whatever their prior attainment.

The post is suitable for candidates who are able to teach Psychology at GCSE and A Level. Sixth form classes may be held at Didcot Girls’ School or our partner senior school in Didcot; St Birinus School. Further details about Didcot Sixth form can be found here

We welcome applications from experienced teachers as well as those new to the profession and currently in training.

The Psychology Department

The Psychology Department is led by a dynamic, talented and supportive Head of Department.  

Outcomes 

Results at all levels are very strong. Last year, Year 11 students significantly outperformed national averages: 7-9 (44% in 2023) and 9 - 4 (81% in 2023). Disadvantaged students perform just as well as non-disadvantaged students in Psychology and we are very proud of this achievement. A Level Psychology is very popular with strong results each year with around 82% of students achieving A*-B grades. Many students continue to study Psychology at university. 

Accommodation 

There are two dedicated Psychology classrooms with projectors and whiteboards. In addition, there is an office and kitchen facilities that are shared with Computer Science. 

Curriculum 

GCSE Psychology begins in Year 9 with students following the new Edexcel GCSE Specification. Psychology is very popular at Key Stage 4, with four classes in most year groups.  

Psychology A Level is also a popular option in the Sixth Form, with two classes in each year group; we offer the AQA Specification. 

Extra-Curricular Activities 

We have many enrichment opportunities for our students including trips to Psychology conferences, opportunities to take part in research, Psychology peer mentoring and externally run competitions. 

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic teacher to join our department.

The School

Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In November 2022, the school was judged as continuing to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff:

‘Leaders support staff very well. They have established a collaborative and respectful working environment. With the trust, they provide highly valued training and leadership programmes. Staff are exceptionally proud to work at the school’.

Ofsted also noted the high standards within the school and commented that:

‘Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary’

We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration.

We are committed to continuous professional development and have wide-ranging training and development opportunities. We are also mindful of the competing demands people face in their lives and make every effort to accommodate flexible working.

Summer 2023 GCSE results were superb with 85% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 71% doing the same at 5+.  Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong with 34% of grades awarded as A* or A and 66% achieving Grades A*-B. These results place us as one of the highest performing schools in the county. Didcot Girls’ School has also been named as one of the top ten comprehensive schools in south-east England by the Sunday Times Parent Power performance table for 2023-24.