Head of Biology

Closing date: 9th December 2024

Start date: Easter 2025 or September 2025

Contract type: Full Time (or a minimum of 0.8)

Contract term: Permanent

Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 2a (£3391)

We seek to appoint a well-qualified, professional, and versatile Head of Biology from Easter or September 2025. The successful applicant will work as Head of Biology and help oversee our successful Biology curriculum. This is an ideal first step into leadership and we welcome applications from established and recently qualified candidates. 

The Science department is larger than average with a team of around 25 staff (teaching and support). The Science department is in the top 20% nationally and are on track for continued improvement this year; the challenge is to continue this momentum and build on the foundations already in place. The Science leadership team consists of a Head of Department, 2 Senior Science Leaders and dedicated people leading Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Science is taught throughout the 11 - 18 age range and at all levels of ability. It is taught in mixed ability groups in Years 7 and 8, with some setting in Years 9 to 11. Triple Science and Combined Science are offered at Key Stage 4 as well as GCSE Astronomy. In the Sixth Form, students can follow courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Level 3 Applied Science. 

The Science Department (a member of the Professional Teaching Institute) is well resourced and is committed to extending and improving its range of opportunities for students. Practical experiments are a key part of the curriculum in Science, as we place great emphasis on enquiry in lessons. Our team is dedicated in maintaining curiosity and enthusing passion for our subject with all students. Teachers are well supported by our science technician team, and we have a successful mentoring programme within the Department for early career teachers. We have well established systems for tracking student progress, and all teachers benefit from being part of such a friendly and collaborative department.

Teaching

The successful candidate will be expected to be an excellent classroom practitioner. As a school we value highly the development of new and existing materials, and the post will involve the opportunity to work on the review of existing materials and the development of new ideas.

Above all else, the successful candidate should be enthusiastic about their work with young people and have a genuine concern for their development as individuals.

The school sees the form tutor as a key role in the support, development and welfare of the students and teachers are expected to undertake this role with the same standards and commitment as their subject role.

The school offers a bespoke CPD programme, research and development, links and networks with other outstanding schools as well as a plethora of extra-curricular and cross-curricular working opportunities.

Why come to Hinchingbrooke? 

This is a fantastic school to work in: on interview, we ask candidates for their impressions of the school and without fail they comment on how wonderful our students are, the positive team ethos amongst staff and how friendly and welcoming the school is. 

Staff Benefits:

·        O2 Staff discount

·        Free use of on-site leisure facilities including gym and swimming pool

·        Free car parking

·        Generous employee pension contribution scheme and death in service benefit

·        Day one entitlement to contractual sick pay

·        CPD access and support

·        Employee assistance package (counselling & advice)

·        Access to staff discounts from local suppliers

If you are an outstanding teacher, it really is worth applying for this post and joining somewhere special. We are seeking to appoint a candidate who is passionate about their subject area; a team player who will thrive on collaboration and teamwork; someone who really wants to make a difference! 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. 

Closing date: Monday 9th December (9 am) 

Interview date: Thursday 12th or Friday 13th December

Full details including application packs for all of our current posts can be found on the website visit: www.hinchingbrookeschool.net/jobs 

email: jobs@hbk.acesmat.uk

call 01480 420575 or dwarner@hbk.acesmat.uk for enquiries.

Please note, where sufficient numbers of applications are received, we reserve the right to close a vacancy before the advertised closing date. We therefore advise that you submit your application as soon as possible.