Teacher of Chemistry

We are seeking a dynamic and inspirational teacher of Chemistry to join a thriving and Chemistry Department. This is a permanent, full-time role for a suitable, qualified and experienced Teacher of Chemistry. We are also open to considering able, newly qualified teachers (NQTs) and would welcome applications from those wishing to begin their career with us. Full support is given. Candidates must be registered with GTCS.

Staff

There are three full-time members of staff within the Department, two staff members who teach across the Chemistry and Biology Departments and a full-time Chemistry Technician. All full-time staff teach across the full age and ability range. Staff are encouraged to continue developing their subject knowledge and skills through both internal training and outside courses.

Curriculum offered

P7-S2:

The curriculum is taught as a combined Science course in P7 and as separate sciences from S1, with two periods of chemistry per week. Classes contain up to 20 pupils, with most in S1 and S2 having 16-18 pupils. Practical experimental chemistry is a significant component of the course and pupils also develop communication, IT and scientific report writing skills.

S3-S4:

Uptake of chemistry at this stage is very high. In each year, a minimum of 4 sets of pupils follow the SQA National 5 chemistry course. These pupils are taught for 3 periods per week. Pupils are presented for external examination in S4. Most pupils take at least two separate sciences at National 5.

S5-S6:

In S5, pupils can opt to take Higher. Typically 30-40 pupils take chemistry at this stage and are usually arranged into 3 Higher sets, on an allocation of 5 periods per week. Beyond Higher pupils continue on to take the SQA Advanced Higher in S6, timetabled for 5 periods of teaching per week. A significant number of pupils apply to University to study both medicine and related courses and also natural sciences, including chemistry and chemical engineering. Various optional chemistry based activities and help sessions are also available at lunch and after school, for pupils to take part in.

Accommodation and resources

The Chemistry Department is housed in the James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre. Members of the Department have their own teaching laboratory for most of their classes and the Department also has its own prep room and chemical store. Each laboratory has an Apple TV, a whiteboard and a desktop computer. All pupils have their own device (usually an iPad) in in junior years and increasingly senior students do too, with more opting for laptops.

The Post

The School operates a 34 period week and this post is likely to teach up to 24 periods of Chemistry, plus a contribution to the school’s co-curriculum. Dual qualified scientists are encouraged to apply as opportunities may exist to teach across the Science Department. The ability to offer a contribution to the co-curricular games programme will be seen as an added benefit.

Package Description

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members.

Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.

In addition to salary and teacher holidays, our reward package includes:

• Enrolment into generous DC pension
• Access to onsite gym
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Programme including discounts to a number of major retailers, holiday, electric car and cycle to work schemes, as well as health and well-being options
• Fee discount
• A three course lunch is provided during term time

Main Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities associated with all teachers at the Edinburgh Academy are:

1. To plan, prepare and teach lessons to all assigned pupils according to their educational needs.
2. To assess, record and report on t he progress of the pupils within the guidelines written in the Staff Handbook.
3. To engage with the wider School Curriculum in a manner which is consistent with the ethos of the School.
4. To carry out such administrative and other routine tasks as are outlined in the Staff Handbook.
5. To demonstrate a commitment to both individual professional development and to the developing curriculum in the School.
6. To carry out any other duties and to assume any other responsibilities as the Rector shall from time to time reasonably request.
7. To be conscious at all times of the importance of the external image of the School and to act in a professional and constructive manner with pupils, parents and external agencies.

Reporting

The Teacher of Chemistry will report to the Head of Department on all aspects of Department operation, examination performance and staffing. The successful applicant will report to the Deputy Rectors on matters of whole school commitments, professional development and personal absence.

The Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have the following qualities and qualifications

• GTCS registered (or ability to be) with an appropriate degree and relevant teaching qualifications to be able to teach from P7 up to a minimum of Higher Chemistry
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Be able to work as part of a team as well as under their own initiative
• Be proactive and imaginative in developing new ideas and resources as well as flexible in adapting to curriculum changes.
• The ideal candidate will have experience of teaching Chemistry to Higher level and be willing to teach Biology and Physics up to S3 if required to! .Be willing to get involved in the wider life of the school and participate in the co-curricular programme .
• Be committed to and fully conversant with the safeguarding, child protection and pastoral care responsibilities required of all teachers.
• Be committed to the Edinburgh Academy vision and values, embedding them in their day to day working life

About the school/organisation

The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.