Teacher of Science

West Buckland is a school founded in 1858 intended to offer an excellent education based on Christian values. It stands in nearly 100 acres of grounds, surrounded by farmland, near the western edge of Exmoor. Its rural location is outstandingly beautiful. The school is now a leading, multi-cultural community for boys and girls across North Devon and beyond.

The school is fully co-educational and has grown considerably in recent years. In total there are just under 650 boys and girls aged, 3 to 18 years, with 140 in the Sixth Form. There are also over 140 boarders and, following the substantial investment, there has been an increased demand in this area. The school has its own co-located, Preparatory School and Nursery, with pupils aged 3 to 11.

Academic standards at the school are high and, for many years, West Buckland has been one of the most consistently high-performing schools in the South West at GCSE and A‐level. Recent performances for A‐level results typically exceed 75% A* to B and 50% A* to A at GCSE. There is considerable emphasis on extracurricular activities at the school, with a focus through five pillars in Outdoor Education/CCF, Performing Arts, Academic Extension, Sport & Service.

Our Science Departments sit as independent subject area facilities, each with a Department Head and specialist support from a technician. The departments have purpose‐built laboratories with projection and wi-fi access. All students have been issued with devices which support collaborative and external delivery. Laboratories are well equipped and practical work features strongly in the schemes of work for all year groups. There are currently 10 teaching staff working across the three departments.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic teacher of science who is capable of motivating students and working collaboratively across the three subject departments. The successful candidate should be able to teach at least one of the three science subjects to GCSE and teach the other two sciences to KS3 standard. The opportunity to teach A-Level may be available to a suitably experienced applicant. In Years 7 and 8 the Activate courses form the basis of the schemes of work across all three science subjects and encourages the independent thinking and learning skills which are crucial for GCSE specifications. At GCSE, the school prepares candidates for AQA specifications (8461, 8462, 8463) in each separate science, with the vast majority of students taking the Higher Tier papers. There has been some consideration regarding the implementation of Dual Award Science although this has not yet been implemented. It is intended that the school will be working in partnership with schools internationally to deliver both teaching workshops and online A-Level teaching in a limited suite of subjects, including Sciences and the opportunity to participate in this project may be a further option. A very healthy number of students continue sciences to A-Level and these are among the most popular Alevels within the school. Students follow the OCR Chemistry A syllabus, Biology and Physics follow AQA specifications. We also offer BTEC Applied Science which has produced excellent results.

West Buckland School has its own salary scale and pensions package which can be discussed at interview. Other benefits include; meals on duty, fee remission, free access to fitness suite & pool, cycle to work scheme.

If you would like to discuss the position with the Deputy Head Academic please contact him by email: RJP@westbuckland.com

For further information on West Buckland School please visit the school website at www.westbuckland.com

Please complete the TES application form, or schools application form, and return in line with the detail in the job specification document (both available on the school website).

Application closing date: midday 3rd March 2023

Interviews will be held either online or at the school on week commencing 6th March 2023

Applications can be emailed to recruitment@westbuckland.com Emailed applications are welcomed, but please do not also post.

West Buckland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service. The post is defined as being within the scope of Regulated Activity.