Appointment of a Full Time Teacher of Biologyfrom September 2016 – Information for Applicants

King’s High School

A message from the Head Master

I am delighted that you are taking the time to find out more about joining the King’s High community.

This brochure can only give you a glimpse of our wonderful school; however, I hope it conveys the exciting opportunities offered at King’s.

As a leading school for girls, we take pride in offering a broad and well-rounded education. The girls here are characterised by their commitment to their studies, the enjoyment they take in pursuing their extra-curricular interest to the full, and the important contributions they make to the local and wider community.

King’s is an exceptionally dynamic and vibrant environment in which to work. Our expert staff show great commitment to the girls both in the classroom and in their wider endeavours, delighting in their many and varied successes. I therefore very much hope that you will be inspired by what you discover about us and that you will wish to be a part of this exciting community; I look forward to receiving your application.

Richard NicholsonHead Master

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Job DescriptionThe AppointmentWe are seeking a well-qualified and inspirational teacher of Biology to A Level to join this very successful department from September 2016. The ability to offer Chemistry to GCSE would be an advantage. Applications from experienced or newly qualified teachers are equally welcome. We would envisage that the successful candidate would wish to contribute to the development of this strong department, in both its curricular and extra-curricular dimensions, with confidence, energy and flair.

We are also looking to appoint someone who would be able to coordinate our new Dual Award provision. This would attract a salary enhancement. Please make it clear in your application whether or not you are also applying for this additional post of responsibility. The job description for this role is included with this application pack.

It is expected that the successful candidate will play a full role in the life of the school, including acting as a form tutor.

The SchoolFounded in 1879, King’s High School provides independent, single sex, day education for approximately 610 girls aged 11 to 18. The school is renowned for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, founded on a distinguished academic tradition tailored to individual girl’s needs by a highly qualified and motivated staff. We pride ourselves on the outstanding academic and creative performance of our pupils.

We value friendship, involvement, intellect, creativity, spirit and maturity. Girls are encouraged to follow their interests and excel in subjects they enjoy. Our aim is for our girls to develop into happy, confident and compassionate young women with the ability to reason, analyse, learn independently and exercise good judgement.

The school has remained on the same town site in the heart of Warwick for 136 years. The main building, Landor House, is of historical interest. It is the birthplace of the writer Walter Savage Landor and remained in his family for 80 years before being given to the school in the late 19th Century.

Recent enhancements to our school site are: • the Sixth Form Centre and St Mary’s Building (opened by

Dame Judi Dench in 2006)• the Creative Arts Centre (opened by Old Girl Catherine Bott

in 2009)• the Dining Room (opened by Miss Prue Leith in 2011).

In September 2012, we were pleased to begin using our newly refurbished food technology facilities and a new, additional, science laboratory.

King’s High School is part of the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, alongside Warwick School (boys 7-18) and Warwick Preparatory School (boys and girls 3-7; girls 7-11).

You might like to find out more about the school from our website: www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk

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The Science Department The science department provides a high quality education that stimulates curiosity, interest and enjoyment of science in addition to enabling the girls to achieve their full potential. We explore the relevance of science, challenge the strengths and limitations of it as a subject and equip students to compete in any technologically strong environment.

The value added achieved by the department is outstanding – attainment being higher than that of comparable schools. At GCSE the department follows the Edexcel IGCSE Separate Science specifications. Our expectation is that the majority of girls will be entered for all three science subjects and obtain A* - C grades with at least 75% gaining A or A*. From September 2016, it is envisaged that a small number of girls will opt for dual award science instead, enabling them to select an additional alternative GCSE.

Science is very popular at King’s with almost 70% of pupils studying at least one science subject in the Sixth Form. About 30 girls opt for each of Chemistry and Biology each year. The pupils are bright, enthusiastic and keen to be successful. In 2015, approximately 80% of the grades obtained at A2 in Chemistry and Biology were at A* - B. Many of the girls will go on to study science, engineering or medicine at university. Regularly girls are successful in gaining places to study science at Oxford or Cambridge University. In 2014, one member of Year 13 was selected to attend the Weizmann Science Institute in Israel.

Girls are taught the sciences post-16 in groups normally no larger than 14 and often smaller. Each girl will have two teachers per science subject and eight science periods a week. The girls need to have good independent learning skills as preparation for university and so they are encouraged to spend time on personal research, reading or preparing material for a subsequent lesson. Chemistry and Biology both follow the AQA specifications at A Level and, in 2016-17, the girls will sit examinations only in June of Year 13.

The curriculum in each science subject is designed to be accessible, challenging and relevant. Practical work, ICT, games, models, debate and discussion and role play are used as much as possible to promote learning and understanding.

The department currently consists of seven full-time and six part-time teachers. The timetable is flexible and allows considerable scope for science staff to teach a second science subject. Most of the department will take up this offer at some stage during their teaching career at King’s. It is seen as an excellent way of promoting closer curricular links between the science subjects.

We are fortunate in having a wide range of resources and extensive practical equipment, including class datalogging hardware. ICT is perceived to be an outstanding teaching tool in terms of bringing science to life and is used widely within the curriculum, for example use is made of the internet for independent learning and multimedia software and simulations are used to aid understanding and to encourage critical thinking. The department is wireless networked and laptop computers are available enabling a broad range of learning activity. In addition there are five bookable school ICT suites.

The department consists of ten laboratories of various sizes and design, several of which have been recently refurbished. All of the laboratories have an interactive whiteboard, computer and projector. We are looking to extend both our ICT provision and accommodation further. There is also a central science work area.

Technical support is excellent. Three technicians provide a real breadth of support, providing equipment and chemicals for lessons, helping with Health and Safety issues and devising new experiments. The technicians are encouraged to work as a team and so will often be involved in activities outside their subject specialism. Their work is considered paramount to the success of the department.

During Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, the girls are taught in mixed ability groups of about 20. In Year 7, they are taught science and the curriculum aims to engender enthusiasm as well as to teach necessary skills. From Year 8 onwards, all girls study the three science subjects taught separately by specialist science teachers. In Years 8 and 9, they receive two periods per week in each subject. The three science subjects have four periods each per week in Year 10 and 11 for separate sciences and three each per week for dual award.

The extent and variety of opportunities in science outside of the classroom is continually growing. An extensive programme of trips and visits has occurred with the aim of bringing science alive. Recent excursions include participation in the Physics Big Quiz at Birmingham University, Royal Society Summer Exhibition and the Salters Chemistry Festival. In 2014-15, our “Top of the Bench” Chemistry team reached the regional finals and, during 2015-16, Year 11 girls won competitions organised by Warwick University and the Institute of Biology. Several girls have attended Smallpeice Engineering courses and entered, and were shortlisted finalists in, the Talent 2030 competition.

Use is made of peer teaching within the department. S.S.S. (or Solving Science with Sixth Formers) runs twice a week and aims to encourage Sixth Formers to help younger girls with science questions, problems or misconceptions.

Sixth Formers also participate in a collaborative venture with Warwick School undertaking practical work not normally found as part of the A Level curriculum. There is also a joint Journal Review Club with Warwick School. There have been several lectures, held after school, in collaboration with Warwick School including Sir Alec Jeffreys on genetic fingerprinting, Sir Brian Follett presenting his Human Body Clock lecture, Professor Steve Jones discussing evolution, Lord Krebs on the question of choice and Professor Dame Ann Dowling, DBE, on the Silent Aircraft Initiative. The science department has a comprehensive induction programme in place. It has also had PGCE students from Warwick University on first placement over recent years.

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Additional DetailsThe Employer is the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation.

Staff LunchesAll staff are invited to partake of our school lunches, free of charge.

Salary The Warwick Independent Schools Foundation has its own salary scale and salary will be determined according to qualifications and experience. There is a generous fee discount of 50% for staff whose children are educated in one of the three Foundation schools.

PensionThe school participates in the Teachers’ Pensions Scheme.

Children ProtectionThe school’s Child Protection Policy is included in this pack. An interview will include questions about safeguarding children. The appointment will depend on satisfactory DBS clearance at the enhanced level and other statutory checks.

The Warwick Independent Schools Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any concerns should be reported in accordance with the Foundation’s Child Protection policy.

SafeguardingAll staff are required to:• adhere to the School Policy on safeguarding and undertake

training as required• ensure the safeguarding and well-being of children and

young people at the school, in accordance with School policies.

Appointment Timetable1 February 2016 deadline for submission of applications (12 noon) (on the standard application form please)

ASAP thereafter notification of outcome to short-listed candidates & interviews

Appointment MethodInterviews and lessons observations.

The Application FormThis must be completed in full before the application can be considered. Any discrepancies or anomalies in the information provided or issues arising from references will be discussed at the interview.

If you have any queries about the completion of the form, please contact Mrs Ralphs (Head Master’s PA) d.ralphs@kingshighwarwick.co.uk.

Enclosures• Application Form• Foundation Job Description for an Assistant Teacher• Equal Opportunities Policy• King’s High School Child Protection Policy• Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Statement• Job description for Dual Award Science coordinator

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Person Specification

Qualifications

Experience

Skills

Knowledge

Personal competencies and qualities

Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

EssentialThese are qualities without which the Applicant could not be appointed

• A highly qualified graduate in a relevant subject• Qualified Teacher Status

• Outstanding classroom practitioner • Writing and evaluating Schemes of Work*• Teaching at least one science successfully to GCSE Level*

• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, pupils and parents• Strong skills of analysis and evaluation• Firm but fair behaviour management strategies• Differentiation• Ability to prioritise and make decisions• Excellent time management and organisational skills

• Subject knowledge of the highest order • Up to date knowledge of specifications and pedagogy in the specialist subject• Understanding of the factors that influence girls’ learning

A wholly professional attitude to include:• Commitment to high standards and achievement and to raising these standards• Commitment to own professional development• Commitment to extracurricular activities, school life and events• Commitment to collaboration with other schools in the Foundation• An enthusiasm for the teaching of science• Support for school aims and policies• Ability to be positive and enthusiastic• Ability to cope with pressure/workload• Vision/imagination• Tact and discretion• Loyalty• Initiative• Confidence• Dependability• Soundness of judgement• Time management• Ability to make decisions• Ability to prioritise• Ability to organise self • Ability to listen• Ability to work in a team

• Understands their role in the context of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults

• Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people

DesirableThese are extra qualities which can be used to choose between applicants who meet all of the essential criteria

• Additional qualifications at a higher level

• Teaching in a selective academic school• Teaching Biology at all levels to A2 Level and Oxbridge• Background of teaching very able pupils with significant success• Experience of teaching girls.• Teaching Chemistry to GCSE• Monitoring and reviewing pupil progress*• Identifying key actions to support students*

• Use of ICT in the classroom and the ability to develop resources

• Understanding of how to use Assessment for Learning to develop pupils into independent learners

• Up to date knowledge of ISI requirements for subject departments

• Proficiency in ICT

Method of assessment

• Contents of the Application Form• Copies of qualifications

• Contents of the Application Form• Interview• Professional references

• Contents of the Application Form• Interview• Professional references

• Contents of the Application Form• Interview• Professional references

• Contents of the Application Form• Interview• Professional references

• Contents of the Application Form• Interview• Professional references• Successful DBS Clearance

Coordinator of Dual Award Science: Job DescriptionResponsible to the Head of Science

Main responsibilities to include:

(Much of this will naturally be in collaboration with Head of Science and/or Heads of separate science subjects.)

• Advise on the most appropriate specification for Dual Award Science.

• Oversee the preparation and development of schemes of work by the individual Heads of Subject.

• Monitor delivery of the schemes of work throughout Years 10 and 11 including organisation of end of topic tests and school examination papers.

• Monitor of student progress with associated intervention strategies.

• Report to the Head of Science on the progress and successful fulfilment of intervention strategies.

• Oversee and assist in the preparation of teaching and learning resources such as pupil advice booklets, topic checklists, revision lists, and common holiday work.

• Review of internal and GCSE/IGCSE examination performance: collation of marks, completion of analysis and action plans for the Deputy Head (Academic).

• Supervision of and contribution to suitable support/action plans for students, as necessary.

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Independent Day School for Girls 11 – 18 yearsKing’s High School, Warwick CV34 4HJt: 01926 494485 f: 01926 403089e: enquiries@kingshighwarwick.co.uk

www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk