Head of Physics

Location

Oxfordshire | United Kingdom

Job description

THE VACANCY

The Head of Physics will teach across the full range from 11-18 and lead the Physics Department. The post holder will be expected to teach approximately 32 one-hour periods over a two-week timetable, in addition to head of department responsibilities. The Head of Physics also contributes to the leadership of the Science Department in collaboration with the heads of Biology and Chemistry.

THE PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

The Physics Department comprises three full-time staff undertaking teaching over the full range of ages from 11 to 18. Physics is a popular subject at GCSE & A-Level. Examination results are consistently good & engineering is a popular choice for students to study at university, so the person appointed would be expected to help students with their applications and interview preparations. We follow the CIE syllabus at A level, and at AQA GCSE. Our top sets take three separate science GCSEs with the remainder taking double award. In order to facilitate this, we teach the GCSE course over three years. In the Lower School (years 7 & 8) we follow an in-house course in foundation physics & science skills.

The department is housed in the Thompson building. There are three specialist modern Physics laboratories and a Physics preparation room which is run by a very experienced full-time technician. The department is very well resourced and practical work in all year groups can be performed individually.

All laboratories have interactive whiteboards, and all students and staff have laptops to support Teaching & Learning.

As a department we have a great love of the subject which we share with our pupils and aim to make the subject interesting, relevant and fun. We hope the person appointed will be equally enthusiastic.

A willingness to play a full part, both curricular and co-curricular, in the busy & full life of a boarding school is essential. Salary will be on the Bloxham scale according to the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. All applicants invited for interview will be required to teach a lesson as part of the selection process.

KEY INFORMATION

Start Date: September 2024

Accountable to: Deputy Head (Curriculum)

Working Hours: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Bloxham salary scale, dependent on experience

Closing Date: Wednesday 13th March

BENEFITS

• Enrolment in the Teacher's Pension Scheme (Currently undergoing Governors’ consultation with potential change to pension provision for September 2024).
• Tea, coffee and lunch provided during working hours.
• Free parking on site.
• Access at no charge to the school’s sporting, swimming and fitness facilities, including gym and tennis courts.
• Strong, supportive staff community with a school counsellor available.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development.

• To excite children about physics, inspiring a passion for learning in the subject.
• To lead and manage the physics teaching and support staff.
• Ensure that a safe working environment is maintained within the physics department.
• To maintain existing resources and explore opportunities to develop new resources (including the management of budgets).
• To utilise the departments accommodation to create an effective and stimulating environment for the teaching and learning of physics.
• To promote physics throughout the school and engagement with outreach programmes, open days etc, as required.
• To lead the teaching and learning of physics through example to ensure high value-added results for students studying physics (at all ages) and a love of the subject.
• To robustly track student progress & ensure interventions, where appropriate, to ensure student outcomes.
• To lead curriculum development to ensure both knowledge and skill acquisition as students progress through the school.
• To work closely with the heads of chemistry and biology in running and developing the science department.
• To ensure accountability for the highest standards at all times from staff and students.
• To promote physics on the wider school and community stage.
• To participate in the pastoral and broader curriculum programme

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Excellent academic qualifications (including a degree in Physics or a closely related subject and PGCE qualified or equivalent).
• Experience of Physics at KS3, KS4 and KS5.
• A passionate and innovative approach to student learning, and the ability to stretch our brightest students whilst engaging students of all abilities and raising attainment for all.
• The ability to develop a strong positive rapport with students.
• Good classroom management which promotes student learning.
• Confident user of IT to enhance learning both within and outside the classroom.
• A commitment to continued professional development and to the development of classroom pedagogy.
• To be in alignment with the ethos of Bloxham School, including a commitment to the broader curriculum.
• A high-level communicator with the skills and ability to work with colleagues as part of a team and to liaise with pupils, parents, teachers and support staff.
• A well-organised and self-motivated individual.
• Desirable: The ability to teach KS3 biology and chemistry

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this role please complete the Bloxham School teaching staff application form. Applications will be assessed upon receipt, and we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.

Therefore, an early application is strongly advised.

For further information please visit the Bloxham School website.    If you have any queries, please contact the HR Department on 01295 724379 or at [email protected].

We look forward to receiving your application.

Job tags

Salary