Teacher of Religious Studies and Philosophy

Forest is seeking to appoint a well-qualified, dynamic, and dedicated Teacher of Religious Studies and Philosophy to join an exceptionally successful and talented department.

The Religious Studies and Philosophy Department comprises of seven full-time subject specialists who enjoy teaching to all Key Stages and where possible an even split of boys’/girls’ classes. 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 doubling in size over recent years and 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, thus giving pupils an insight into the breadth of theological study.  The success of our course lies in the fact that it builds on pupils’ own interests and questions, moving quickly beyond fact learning to critical engagement with the subject. 

At GCSE we offer AQA syllabus A, studying Christianity and Buddhism for the World Religions paper. The GCSE course is popular as it allows pupils to engage in real world issues in the Themes paper, applying a range of religious and secular viewpoints, as well as giving a strong theological grounding through the World Religions paper. Religious Studies GCSE results have been some of the best in the School and last year our first cohort of pupils studying the new specification did fantastically well; 46% of pupils achieved a grade 9 and 92% of pupils achieved between a grade 9 and a grade 7.

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. For RS we take the Edexcel qualification, choosing papers in Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and New Testament Studies. Results are strong and reflect the School’s average of A*-B grades. 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 external essay prizes and 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.

The RS and Philosophy Department offers an exciting opportunity to work within a large, passionate and forward-thinking team of colleagues and the multi-cultural entry makes Forest School an exciting School in which to teach this subject.

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

Excellence, Diversity, Community, Heritage

About Forest

Forest School is an independent school for boys and girls aged 4-18yrs established in 1834; benefiting from a tremendous location on the edge of North-East London. London’s only diamond structure school, Forest combines both single-sex and co-educational teaching on a single site as pupils move up the school. Our 1,395 boys and girls are taught together until the age of seven, separately from seven to 16, before coming back together again in a joint Sixth Form. This diamond structure offers all the academic benefits of single-sex teaching with all the social benefits of a co-educational school. The best of both worlds.

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

• 18 weeks holiday and our own salary scale with salaries above those paid in the maintained sector

• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day

• All teaching staff currently enrolled in the national Teachers’ Pension Scheme

• 50% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13

• Free membership of the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre during school hours and heavily subsidised membership outside those hours

• Free death in service cover and subsidised AXA PPP healthcare insurance

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”

Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Key Findings (November 2017):

“The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent…The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent”

For more information on our CPD, training and ethos please visit our career site. 

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 24 April 2019 

Interviews will take place week commencing Monday 29 April 2019

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.

To apply for this job please click on the quick apply button or alternatively apply via the Schools website.

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.