Teacher of Science and Psychology

We wish to appoint from January 2025 a well-qualified, enthusiastic and committed Teacher of Science and Psychology. The post is full- or part-time and permanent. The position would suit an ECT or experienced teacher. 

This is an excellent opportunity to join one of Oxfordshire’s largest and most successful schools. Effective administrative systems support the two sites. Students are well-behaved and motivated, and there is a strong sense of community in Thame, with a committed parent support base.

We are exceptionally strong in terms of pastoral support for all students and have the highest expectations for individual achievement whatever the starting points. Outside the classroom there are wonderful extra-curricular activities for all. Students leave the school successful and well-rounded individuals. There is a ‘buzz’ about learning in the school and our students are fortunate to be supported in their learning by dedicated teachers and support staff. Staff training and professional development are always a developmental priority and many of our staff move on to promotions in other schools.

The School

The school is the only school serving the market town of Thame and surrounding villages. It is a popular school and always oversubscribed. It is a split site school – Years 7-9 on our Lower School site and Years 10 -13 on our Upper School site. There are around 540 students in our Sixth Form and we attract many students from other schools, post-16. Teamwork is a key feature of school life and so is partnership with our feeder primary schools. There is a strong drive to establish powerful curriculum links cross phase with teachers collaborating on a range of projects.

The Science Faculty

Most teachers work mainly on one site, but have a programme which includes teaching across the whole school. The faculty structure is currently:

· Head of Faculty

· Second in Faculty

· Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator

· Key Stage 4 Co-ordinator

· Team Leaders in Biology, Chemistry and Physics

· Subject Leader in Psychology at Key Stage 5

· Subject Leader in Health and Social Care at Key Stage 5

There are fifteen laboratories, six at the Lower School and ten at the Upper School. Four of the laboratories at Upper School have been replaced as part of a newly completed £1.3M building project. The level of equipment and resources is good. 

Teaching Programme

At Key Stage 3 students are taught in balanced tutor groups by one science teacher. The schemes of work have been written by the staff and are based around the National Curriculum. There is continuing development with an emphasis on providing a well differentiated curriculum for students. Faculty staff also use classroom strategies to promote assessment for learning.

At Key Stage 4 there is some setting by attainment but most classes are mixed ability; each group is taught by two teachers, whose specialisms are complementary. 

All students follow AQA GCSE Trilogy Science. Last summer 85% of our students achieved a grade 4 or higher and 33% achieved a grade 7 or higher.

The Science faculty offers A Level courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology and Health and Social Care (Cambridge Nationals). Within the Sixth Form, Psychology consistently proves to be one of the most popular subject choices. We teach AQA A-Level Psychology and BTEC in Applied Psychology using schemes of work and resources that have been developed within the team over several years. Student performance is good with most students achieving on or above target.  

At all levels we aim to meet the needs of all students. The co-operative teamwork of the staff in sharing expertise and ideas plays a major part in our efforts to achieve this.