Teacher of Religious Studies and Philosophy (1 Year maternity cover)

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding Teacher of Religious Studies and Philosophy on a one year maternity cover.

The Religious Studies and Philosophy Department comprises of six full-time subject specialists and one part time subject specialist who enjoy teaching to all Key Stages. Our staff thrive in a busy department which delivers two A level subjects, a popular and engaging optional GCSE course and compulsory RS to Years 7-9. We are a Department that prides itself on collaboration and excellent teaching, and this, coupled with staff enthusiasm for their subject, has led to the Department growing in size over recent years and attaining consistently excellent public exam results.

As with the other humanities, in Years 7-9, pupils have three 50-minute RS lessons per fortnight. The course is designed to be rigorous and challenging, covering aspects of the six world religions, philosophy and ethics. At GCSE we offer AQA syllabus A, studying Christianity and Buddhism for the World Religions paper. Religious Studies GCSE is popular among pupils and results are consistently some of the best in the School. At A level, we teach both Philosophy and Religious Studies with multiple sets in each subject. Philosophy follows the AQA course, covering topics of Moral Philosophy, Metaphysics of Mind, Epistemology and Metaphysics of God. RS follows the Edexcel qualification and covers papers in Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and New Testament Studies. Each year, several pupils leave to read Theology, Philosophy or related degrees at university.

In recent years the Department has contributed to the School’s rich co-curricular life in a variety of ways, for example through participation in various societies offered to pupils by members of the Department. Each year pupils also enjoy trips to the London Buddhist Centre, St Paul’s Cathedral and various Sixth Form conferences. The successful candidate will no doubt wish to work collaboratively with other members of the Department to find new and exciting ways of promoting the subjects beyond the confines of the academic curriculum.

In common with all Forest School departments, the Religious Studies and Philosophy Department is well-resourced and teachers are accommodated in characterful classrooms in the heart of the old School building. 

Teaching experience is a positive attribute, but the successful candidate might well be new to the profession. We have previously employed unqualified teachers and there is a wealth of support within the department and through the School’s Professional Studies programme, which has allowed those looking to begin a career in teaching to thrive. 

The Forest School Ethos

Forest is a humane, open-minded school with both feet on the ground, in which the pupils’ all-round personal development is outstanding and academic attainment is high. It is, above all, a happy school which understands the rich inter-relationship between the curricular, the co-curricular and the pastoral. There is boldness in the School’s character, a readiness to be forward-thinking and adaptable, with pride in what we are and excitement for what lies ahead.

Our Values

GROWTH HARD WORK RESPONSIBILITY COMMUNITY LEARNING DIVERSITY WELLBEING

About Forest

Forest is a large, vibrant school, with more than 1,430 boys and girls in equal proportion, from 4 to 18. Our traditional House structure means that each pupil is treated as an individual, of whom we have the highest expectations, while our size enables us to offer breadth and depth of opportunity.

Location

Forest is a city school set within 50 acres of grounds surrounded by Epping Forest, within easy walking distance of Snaresbrook Central line tube station and Wood Street Overground station.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:             

• Generous CPD budget            
• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system            
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme    
• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day            
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13            
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre          
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme     
• Contribution towards private medical insurance fees            
• Membership of a pension scheme

Don’t just take our word for it

What the Good Schools Guide say:

“Forest is a power-house with a heart. The pupils exude purpose – modern, dynamic youngsters with an eye on what’s happening next”

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

Applications close on Monday, 11 April 2022, 11:59pm

Interviews will be held on 21 and 22 April 2022

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.