Teacher of Science (Biology Specialist)

If you are looking to work in a dynamic, fast-paced and innovative school then look no further! We are always keen to find enthusiastic teachers to join our thriving and successful mixed 11-18 school of 1350 students (250 in the Sixth Form).

Thank you for your interest in applying for a post at Yateley School. We hope that the information online will help to support your application. However, a school visit, or an informal conversation by telephone can be equally helpful, so do feel free to get in touch.

We are proud of our school – exemplary teaching and determined, resilient students. The challenge of providing a rigorous and challenging curriculum, alongside the need for breadth and skills development is taken seriously, as is our resolute insistence on giving and expecting the best. An ethos of high standards and high expectations underpins everything that we do. We work hard to create a caring and challenging learning environment where every individual can strive, enjoy and achieve and be supported to do so. The curriculum is broad and engaging and our accomplishments in cultural and sporting activities are truly inspirational. Ofsted (2018) noted that the ‘curriculum offers pupils the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects to suit their interests and aspirations.’ No child is left out and it is a matter of pride for us that whatever a child’s need, we can bring both our resources and individual care and attention to bear to ensure that every young person can thrive. ‘Pupils invariably behave well in lessons and around the school site, having respect both for each other and for adults alike.’ (Ofsted 2018). Alongside vast opportunity within the curriculum, our superb House system ensures that all students can and should participate from the first day and play a full part in the success of both House and School We have superb provision both within and beyond the classroom and we are confident that the preparation for adult life offered at Yateley School is second to none. The school occupies a very pleasant and partially wooded site in excess of sixty acres. We have larger than average playing fields; a sports hall; a full commercial gym and swimming pool with day time school use and preferential rates for staff; a dance studio; specialist music rooms, a theatre with a dedicated audio/lighting facility; dedicated ICT suites, a community hall, dining halls and specialist teaching accommodation for Technology, Mathematics, Science, English, Humanities, Modern Foreign Language, Performing Arts and Physical Education. We are co-located with the Yateley Town Library which significantly boosts the provision on offer to our students as well as providing a vital community function.

Yateley School serves a mixture of rural and urban housing in and around the small town of Yateley in North East Hampshire. The Hart district of Hampshire is broadly quite affluent and nearby Fleet has been rated best in UK in a quality of life index. Yateley School’s catchment is truly comprehensive and serves a broad mix of social and economic backgrounds. The school is well served by the nearby M3 and M4 motorways and there are railway stations in Blackwater (2 miles) and Farnborough (6 miles).

The large towns of Reading (12 miles), Basingstoke (13 miles) and Guildford (15 miles) are all within easy reach. The centre of London is only 35 miles away.

Opened in 1968 as Hampshire’s first community comprehensive school, in purpose-built accommodation, Yateley School was and still is truly innovative. It has an on-site nursery, a sports centre, the town library and adult and community learning all co-located within the large and attractive site. It is now one of only four schools in Hampshire to retain a Sixth Form and this semi-autonomous part of the school is hugely successful and adds a vital dimension to the character and strength of the organisation.

Curriculum and Timetable. The Yateley timetable is made up of 4 x 75 minute periods each day with a daily tutor time made up of 20 minutes. The curriculum in Key Stage 3 follows a broad range of subjects and is 3 years in duration. GCSE options are taken in Year 9 where diversity and choice are extended still further with additional subjects available for KS4 at the start of Year 10. In KS3, after an initial settling in period, we run a timetable model based on two blocks each made up of 3 or more mixed ability tutor groups. The Arts and Humanities are taught in tutor groups, whereas Maths, Science, Languages and PE classes are set within the two blocks. English and Technology organise their classes in the same ½ year blocks using mixed prior attainment (not tutor groups) to organise their classes. Setting continues in core subjects at KS4. We work to offer the broadest curriculum possible at KS4 and ensure a Progress 8 curriculum for all learners. This range and breadth of subjects is widened still further at KS5 with a range of courses designed to fit the needs of all learners. We retain a Performing Arts ethos by offering courses in Music, Music Tech, Drama, Dance and Art. This has attracted accreditation including Accreditation includes: Arts Mark, Design Mark, Sports Mark and Investors in Careers. The 2018 Ofsted report noted that “the curriculum is broad and balanced” and “offers pupils the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects to suite their interests and aspirations. Creative, technical and performing arts are particularly strong” and “pupils are supported and guided well to ensure that they follow appropriate courses for their ability” This is complemented further by extra-curricular provision which provides a wide range of experiences across many areas, significant sporting success at district and county level. Arts continue to thrive with high participation rates in all areas. Continue to enhance our curriculum offer with a wide range of trips, visits and other events. “The extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities are highly valued by pupils.” and “(the extracurricular activities) help pupils to develop their skills further beyond the taught curriculum”. Ofsted 2018

The school offers high-quality support and guidance. Four Heads of House coordinate the work of their tutor teams and to some extent operate a small school within a big school, developing a strong ethos and purpose amongst their students. Tutor Groups are by house and by year group. Positive tutoring, a detailed tutor programme and personal mentoring are regarded as the cornerstones of the ethos of the school and underpin all we do; tutors are the first port of call for students and parents.

Thank you again for your interest. Please contact us if you have any questions or to arrange a visit. We look forward to hearing from you and to receiving your application.