Teacher of Science

Deadline for applications:  9.00am Monday 5th March

Interviews: will take place week beginning 12th March

THE SCHOOL

Balshaw's enjoys the privilege of being one of the most successful schools in the county and the most over-subscribed school in South Ribble with 930 students on roll.  We believe that this is deservedly so.

As a school rooted firmly in the Christian ethos, each student in our care matters deeply to us. However, as an authority controlled school we do not operate any entry criteria and the school is available to students of all abilities, interests and aptitudes. Nevertheless, in following the school motto: (non sibi sed aliis) ‘not for self, but for others’ we aim to create students whose actions reflect the love of Christ as we develop them into full and well-rounded young adults ready to make valuable contributions to our society.

Balshaw’s has a proud 234 year history of academic excellence for students. Many will go on to study at Runshaw College which was originally the Sixth Form of Balshaw’s or other post-16 providers such as Cardinal Newman and others will take up apprenticeships or employment.

As important to us as excellent results is the richness of opportunity available to students at Balshaw’s. Set in 21 acres of beautiful land, Balshaw’s staff provide extra-curricular opportunities that other schools could only hope for. The huge range of clubs and activities have taken many of our students on to careers in sport and media with a number of well-known alumni.

Those who come to teach at Balshaw’s will have fantastic opportunity to progress their careers and gain a wealth of experience. That said, Balshaw’s also enjoys an incredibly stable workforce and when you hear the phrase ‘Once a Balshavian, always a Balshavian’ you will realise it to be a truth. The school is only on its 14th headteacher in its 234 year history!

Balshaw’s is more than a school – it is a family. This post offers you the opportunity to become part of the Balshaw’s family where you will be able to make a difference to the lives of the young people who are our future.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

The Science Department consists of seven full time teachers, a dedicated Science teaching assistant and two lab technicians, one of whom is part-time.

The department is on two levels of the building, with three labs on each floor and a prep room and technician for each location.  We also have an IT suite for approximately 21 pupils which may soon be expanded.

At KS4 we have seven classes in each year group, sitting AQA exams, with one class studying separate sciences, and at KS3 we teach a mixture of classes.

We offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities within the department,  such as Science clubs for KS3 and various visits to enhance the curriculum, which the successful candidate would be expected to participate in.  You can see the range of activities we run such as Science Museum Trips, a trip to Iceland, Science Olympiad competitions, Lego Creator Competition, as well as the regular Science club and many more by looking at the news section of the school website.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Staff at Balshaw's have an hour per week dedicated to Professional Development on a Monday evening.  Balshaw's is also part of a number of local Teaching Alliance networks and staff both deliver training and are able to take part in training across this network.

Staff are provided with laptop computers, have a dedicated staffroom and kitchen as well as a separate silent staff working room.  Staff are able to benefit from the use of a fully equipped fitness suite.

Latest Ofsted Report

• "This is an outstanding school"
• "Students make outstanding progress from their starting points."
• "Students say how safe they feel and are particularly appreciative of the exceptionally personal support which the school gives them."
• "Students feel very safe and talk freely about the sense of community the school engenders."
• "Much of the teaching is outstanding and across the school it is consistently good."
• "Students, parents and staff are fulsome in their praise of the school."