Lead Practitioner for Science

We are excited to offer this fantastic opportunity for an inspirational and ambitious Lead Practitioner for Science to join Grace Academy Coventry. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and inspiring Teacher of Science with the experience or clear potential to organise, manage, lead and develop the Department Team. The position is ideal for a teacher keen to gain, increase or bring experience of Department Leadership.

The Science Faculty is a friendly, hardworking and supportive team who inspire and motivate each other and our vision is to develop students with secure knowledge of the curriculum content which creates enthusiastic learners who are able to understand, appreciate and make sense of the world around them.

This intent has seen our outcomes shift significantly in previous years, eventually resulting in a progress score of +0.37 for the 2018/2019 academic year (with Pupil Premium students outperforming their peers, with a progress score of +0.47). This made Science one of our highest performing subjects and put the department above national average for outcomes.

We have a four-year upward trajectory of results whereby students leaving with two or more GCSEs has shifted from 27% in 2017, to 45% in 2018, 65% in 2019 and in 2022 91% of students received two or more GCSEs in science (with over 60% securing at least 2 grade 4s). Over the previous years we have built and embedded our 5-year Curriculum Map which has clearly sequenced lessons, building on pupils’ knowledge each year. The Curriculum Map ensures that in Years 7 to 9 students develop fundamental science skills and a broad range of knowledge on the fundamentals of science in preparation for Years 10 and 11. We assess the impact of this curriculum through a mixture of assessed extended writing tasks and exam style practice at key intervals, on which students receive regular feedback. Our aim is centred around the idea that students ‘knowing more’ allows them to ‘do more’.

We are a welcoming and caring community where our core values of Limitless Potential, Intentional Excellence, Mutual Respect, Genuine Integrity and Amazing Grace based on Christian values, run through all we do. It is central to our ethos, day-to-day curriculum, extra-curricular activities and pastoral structures. Here at Grace Academy we not only focus on the academic excellence of students but also work with students on supporting them to be the best human beings they can be.

We have high expectations for all those involved in the education of children. It is important that all students leaving Grace Academy have the qualifications they need in order to follow the path they have chosen; that students do not limit themselves and that staff and parents support them in raising their expectations and aspirations.

We pride ourselves on our caring ethos with a strong and genuine focus on staff wellbeing, putting development and wellbeing at the heart of our work. We work hard to look after our pool of talented staff who are encouraged to grow, develop and work collaboratively.

We offer:

●        A friendly, innovative and exciting community in which to work;

●       Access to an internal market for promotions within the growing group of TLT academies;

●       A vibrant learning environment where students are ready and focused on learning;

●       Teachers’ Pension scheme;

●       Use of the onsite gym and sporting facilities;

●       Free lunch when on duty and refreshments in the staffroom to access throughout the day;

●       Staff wellbeing/workload committees who help to support staff wellbeing and organise social events;

●       Access to our performance management system where a bespoke career development plan will be discussed to help progression and development;

●       Free eye care vouchers;

●       Free work laptop and use of up to date IT equipment;

●       Plenty of on-site parking.

The Trust schools have a shared vision and purpose: to deliver outstanding educational experiences that lead to inspiring outcomes. Each academy has a strong individual identity and tailors their educational provision to serve their local community. Academies within the Trust collaborate to share expertise and maximise opportunities and experiences for our students.

Tove Learning Trust is a fast moving and exciting place to work. Training and development opportunities will be offered - all staff are encouraged to study further and the Trust will actively support staff to obtain relevant further qualifications where possible.

Our policies can be seen on our website, including the Tove Learning Trust Recruitment and Selection Policy and the Grace Academy Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

How to apply:

Please read through the information in the pack carefully and please do not hesitate to contact the Academy if you would like to arrange a pre-application visit – we strongly welcome this. If you cannot make a visit, then please feel free to phone us to talk about the post.

Visits to the school or an informal confidential discussion can be arranged via Sarah McAdam (Principal’s PA) at sarahmcadam@graceacademy.org.uk or on 02476 589 000.

You should ensure that you have completed all sections of the application form. Please submit your letter of application with no more than two A4 sides, plus your application form to Sarah McAdam via email at sarahmcadam@graceacademy.org.uk by Monday 16th September 2024.

The Academy is committed to safeguarding children. The successful applicant will require an enhanced DBS check and will be required to disclose any previous spent convictions or cautions.

In line with the recommendation in KCSIE 2022, Tove Learning Trust adopts the policy of requiring all new staff who join to have a DBS check and immediately become a member of the update service. This requirement is a contractual obligation and further information will be provided to successful applicants.