Teacher of Sociology and Psychology

SEPTEMBER 2023, FULL TIME (would consider part time)

Psychology at Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School (TWGGS) is a thriving and extremely popular A Level option which has achieved outstanding results for many years. There are approximately 180 pupils taught in Psychology and Sociology across the two years with 5 groups in each year, a significant number of whom go on to study Psychology/Sociology and related degrees at university, with notable success. This post arises as a result of a member of staff’s internal promotion.

We are very fortunate to teach in a brand new architecturally designed building which is specifically adapted for A Level teaching and learning, also housing the two Sixth Form common rooms and an ICT suite designated for Sixth Formers’ independent study, as well as a bookable ICT room. The Hazell Building is aesthetically pleasing with state-of-the-art technology and first class resources, providing a stimulating educational environment for TWGGS pupils, and some Sixth Form students from the neighbouring Skinners’ School who study these subjects at TWGGS. In addition to these facilities, there is a well-resourced and spacious library, and further ICT rooms in the main school building.

The successful applicant will be an integral part of the department which teaches and caters for the needs of a range of grammar school abilities, including a high percentage of gifted and talented pupils. We follow the AQA specification which covers a wide variety of topics with a strong emphasis on Research Methods at A2. We also aim to challenge, enthuse and extend our pupils to maximise their motivation and enjoyment of the subject. The department offers opportunities for Sixth Formers to attend conferences, and extra-curricular enrichment is provided through visiting specialist lecturers. Sociology and Psychology Prefects are also invited to engage younger pupils through lunchtime clubs which provide activities and debates.

The person we are seeking will:

• be passionate about Sociology/Psychology and have the desire to share that passion with students;
• be an innovative and inspiring classroom teacher;
• be able to work collaboratively in a dynamic as part of a team
• be reflective and eager to develop their teaching skills.

TWGGS is an 11 – 18 selective school of about a thousand pupils, where pupils are encouraged to be as active beyond the curriculum as they are within it. Trips, visits and extra-curricular activities are strong, but, more importantly, it is an amazingly happy, positive community to be part of. The prospectus is on the school’s website which may be found at www.twggs.kent.sch.uk; the school prospectus and website will, we hope, give you a feel for the atmosphere and ethos of TWGGS.

The post offers an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and innovative candidate to be part of a highly successful, committed department, building even further on its success. We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about the subject(s), committed to maintaining and enhancing the current high standards in the department and to working in pursuit of success for students. The ability to inspire pupils to develop their skills in Sociology and Psychology to the highest level is very important. The school prides itself on the number of extra-curricular clubs and opportunities available, and members of staff offer a range of activities in areas of personal interest; an enthusiasm for such involvement in the wider life of the school would be an advantage.

Having read about the post, we very much hope that you would like to apply: please complete the school application form and write a supporting letter, identifying your strengths and skills and showing how you feel you are well-suited to the post. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday 5 December. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

If you have not heard from us by Friday 9 December, please assume that, unfortunately, your application has not been successful. We would like to wish you well in your future career whether at TWGGS or elsewhere.

Mrs Linda Wybar Executive Headteacher

Mrs Katie Marchant Associate Headteacher