Teacher of Biology (AS/AL, IGCSE & AP)

Shenzhen College of International Education

WELCOME TO SCIE – STRIVING TO BE THE BEST

AS/AL, IGCSE & AP Biology

Enjoy teaching students who want to learn at the highest level 

Quality of life matters – teaching load only 50% timetable

Fully CIS & WASC accredited school founded in 2003

Position Profile

•        Direct UK teaching experience preferred

•        Minimum 2 years AL/IGCSE/AP teaching experience in the relevant area

•        Ability to teach high achieving students

•        Degree in area of expertise for teaching

•        Teaching qualification (PGCE, MEd or equivalent)

Specific Responsibilities of Teaching Position

• To plan and deliver lessons according to Scheme of Work using a variety of learning activities

• To create and conduct assessments according to departmental schemes of assessment and produce reports which meet the required standards in a timely fashion

• To regularly assess student performance, provide constructive feedback, and design appropriate evaluations to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement

• To collaborate with colleagues and contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment, sharing best practices and resources

• Possibilities for teaching AP Biology as our AP program expands

• Opportunities for teaching EPQ (projects) & GNT (Gifted and talented)

Brief Description of SCIE

UK curriculum high school (Cambridge International AS/AL & IGCSE) teaching through the medium of English to mainly Chinese students preparing for overseas universities.

We are expanding our provision with the introduction of an AP stream, hence there are opportunities for teachers interested in some AP teaching in various AP subjects.

The mission of the College is to educate Students in a Challenging, International Environment leading to academic achievement at the highest level, and to develop Social responsibility, Creativity, Independence and Enthusiasm, providing each student with the best preparation for future opportunities.

· Highly selective – English and Mathematics admissions tests

· Medium of instruction & communication – AS/AL English, with students functioning at first language level, mostly studying AS/AL English language or literature in A1/A2

·1800 students, High school only – UK Key Stages 4 & 5

· Accreditation – Fully accredited by Council of International Schools (CIS) & WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges in US) and regional members of FOBISIA & EARCOS

· Examinations – AS/AL, IGCSE (Cambridge International), GCSE&IGCSE (Edexcel) – English, Japanese, Drama & EPQ, and AP (CollegeBoard)

· Day & boarding school – teachers are not involved in boarding facility nor have evening or night duties

· Founded in 2003

Subject Department Introduction:

The Biology department is composed of passionate, knowledgeable professionals who work collaboratively. Currently, the department has 12 core Biology teachers and 4 dedicated technicians across 9 purpose-built Biology labs, including an advanced genetic engineering lab.

Teachers are assigned to a variety of year groups, from IGCSE level (UK years 10 and 11) to the Cambridge AS/AL levels (UK years 12 and 13), and AP Biology. The subject’s popularity has led approximately a third of the school cohort to choose Biology at the AS level. A significant number of students also pursue Biology-related subjects at prestigious universities globally, with many securing placements in Biology, Biochemistry, or Natural Sciences at institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. For the academic year 2023-24, around 35 A2 Biology students applied for Oxbridge courses, and our teachers provided consistent support throughout their application process.

The department seeks dedicated Biology teachers with significant experience across all year groups, including AP Biology, who can bring enthusiasm, adaptability, and a commitment to hands-on practical work. Experience in preparing students for pre-university levels and facilitating extension tutorials in Biology/Biochemistry or Biomedical Sciences is advantageous.

Students

· Highly motivated academic students

·Students complete IGCSE exams at end of G2, and then go on to 5/6 subjects at AS, and 4/5 at AL (including English)

·An AP curriculum is being introduced for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students will be given the opportunity to enter the AP curriculum after completing IGCSE exams in G2

· Average international exam results, grade A/A* across school

· 48 Oxbridge offers and over 90% students applying to UK achieve offers from top 10 universities in 2024 cohort

· US university offers including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Chicago, Johns Hopkins, Duke, Columbia, Cornell

· Students achieve success across range of subjects including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages, Science and Mathematics

· Class size maximum 26 at IGCSE and 24 at AS/A Level

· Huge range of ECAs with over 200 clubs, both staff led and student led

Schedule

· Working week: Monday – Friday 07:50 – 16:30 (with 07:30 start Mondays and early finish 15:00 Fridays)

· Normal contact teaching time – 24 x 40-minute periods per week (approx. 50% timetable)

· Personal time – 6 periods per week fixed in timetable when do not need to be at work.

· Extra-Curricular Activity – 1 hour per week ECA after school (16:30 – 17:30)

· CPD – large range of professional development available both online and face-to-face.

Holidays – 1 week for October China National Day holiday, 2 weeks Christmas holiday, 3 weeks Chinese New Year holiday, Chinese public holidays, mid-June to early August Summer holiday.

Pastoral

•Form tutor role – most teachers will take on a form group of 20 students with daily mentoring time on the timetable as well as teaching weekly additional period of PSHE. This role attracts an additional allowance

•Pastoral CPD – mandatory safeguarding training as well as other pastoral CPD available

Benefits

·Published fixed salary scale (reviewed annually) based on years of teaching experience and annual progression at SCIE

·School provided accommodation (Expat apartments adjacent to campus)

·Full international medical cover (self + dependent)

·Annual flight allowance (self + spouse)

Dedicated staff gym in campus

Application Process:

Apply by letter with CV to jobs@scie.com.cn

Application deadline by December 31st 2024 for the 1st Round of recruitment, and online interview by December/January.

References will be taken up including direct contact with your current, or most recent employer for a safeguarding reference check and to confirm clearance from contract commitment.

Please find more information for our school on the official website：

https://www.scie.com.cn/