Assistant Curriculum Director Science

The Sir Robert Woodard Academy, an Ofsted ‘good’ rated academy and part of the Woodard family of schools, is a dynamic and popular 11–18 academy located between Worthing and Brighton, serving the students of Lancing, Sompting and Shoreham.   

Our aim is that every student is known and nurtured and is provided with teaching and learning experiences enabling them to fulfil their potential. We believe that students succeed when the environment is caring and orderly, with teaching that fires the imagination and brings learning to life. 

We are seeking an exceptional candidate to support the Curriculum Director for Science (head of department) from September 2025.  This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced science teacher with strong leadership skills to make a lasting impact in our school community. This is a permanent and full time position and attracts a TLR2A allowance. The successful candidate will work closely with the Curriculum Director to drive excellence in teaching and learning, support curriculum development and inspire both staff and students to achieve outstanding outcomes. 

The science department has maintained a positive trend in results in recent years, with students continuing to compete close to or above national average. SRWA has been recognised by STEM Ambassadors UK for our commitment to enhancing STEM subjects. The department leads in authentic student-led research projects, including those supported by the Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS). These have included;

●     Decoding the genome of the human whipworm in conjunction with the Sanger Institute, Cambridge.

●     Collaborating with the DT team building and racing a Greenpower electric motor racing car at Goodwood.

●     Independent research into the extraction of caffeine and synthesis of aspirin in our chemistry labs.

●     Collaborating with a former President of the Royal Society of Chemistry on a project investigating the synthesis of ionic fluids in our labs.

As part of the DNA Origami project, Year 13 science and DT students have modelling with DNA at the Bragg Centre for Materials Science Research, which involved students creating novel structures using DNA molecules in our labs.

Additional opportunities beyond the taught curriculum include Science clubs, STEM trips, visits and competitions including CREST Awards and the Young Science and Engineers competition, for which our students have won several awards.

The Academy is purpose built with outstanding facilities. The Science department is housed in a state of the art building with many classrooms having the NAWIS system (Ceiling Mounted Science Services) enabling more flexible practical learning opportunities. We continue to invest in resourcing the practical curriculum, for example, recently purchasing a new gel electrophoresis system to enhance the experience of A-Level students studying genetics. We currently have a fully staffed department with subject specialists teaching across all key stages, and a growing sixth form cohort in all three science subjects. Many of our sixth form students go on to study STEM subjects at leading Russell Group universities including Cambridge, reading subjects such as marine biology, biochemistry, astronomy, veterinary sciences, medicine and many more. 

At SRWA, our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with wellbeing support, coaching, mentoring and a wide range of top-quality training and CPD programmes delivered at every level up to senior leadership. 

The successful candidate will:-

• be able to demonstrate consistently good or outstanding class teaching in mixed ability classes of students aged 11-18.

• have a proven track record of raising standards in one or more Science discipline, for students of all abilities.

• have successfully led, managed, coached and/or mentored colleagues on pedagogy and practice, to support excellence across the team.

• be able to demonstrate high expectations and a commitment to inclusive education

• be experienced in leading either a key stage or discipline within Science. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a positive difference to the life experiences and achievements of our students. 

Quotes from full Ofsted inspection report October 2021: Rating of “Good” in all areas:

“The culture at this school is summed up by its motto, ‘Aspire to Achieve’. From Year 7 through to the sixth form, pupils learn to think ambitiously about their futures.”

"The school is a calm and orderly place for pupils to learn….Pupils treat each other with respect … low-level disruption is rare." 

"Pupils, parents and carers feel proud of their school…one parent told us ‘we are really impressed with the school, the ethos and the staff’.” 

A Staff Well-being survey commissioned externally in June 2024 revealed these were some of the areas considered ‘outstanding’ by our staff cohort:-

Staff morale, workload and job satisfaction

Appreciation of staff achievement/contribution

Opportunities for staff to develop. 

SRWA teaching staff benefit from the following:-

• a collaborative approach and strong collegial relationships;
• the opportunity to join and/or benefit from Action Research Groups;
• proven student progress and excellent student behaviour;
• an extensive CPD programme tailored to skills and experience;
• strong links with Brighton and Sussex Universities;
• free employee assistance programme, dedicated staff wellbeing space and 1-1 mental health booster sessions available;
• free use of the Academy’s fitness suite;
• free on site car parking and easy access to local public transport;
• cycle to work scheme;
• free flu vaccinations and subsidised eye test.