Curriculum Leader Within Science (Leadership of either KS4 Combined Science or L3 BTEC Applied Science are negotiable)

Swanshurst is a large, outstanding school for girls aged 11-19 years. We offer excellent support and CPD for staff at all stages of their career. Ofsted (May 2024) described our school to be “an exceptional place for pupils to learn”. They described the curriculum as “exemplary” and one which "explodes into life in the classroom". In relation to staff wellbeing, they noted that “The school is conscious of staff workload and well-being and is committed to achieving excellence in a sustainable way.”. We are exceptionally proud to have been judged ‘Outstanding’ in two consecutive inspections. We are exceptionally proud to have been judged ‘Outstanding’ in two consecutive inspections. Our Ofsted report can be found here

The school is currently working with two local high-performing secondary schools to form a new Multi-Academy Trust. West Midlands Academy Trust (WMAT) is expected to ‘open’ in January 2025. As one of the three founding members, the school has been integral to forming the Trust’s mission:

·        Relentless focus upon delivering an excellent Quality of Education, resulting in strong progress and attainment for all groups of pupils.

·        Emphasis upon personal development and well-being for staff and pupils.

Hall Green School, Swanshurst School and Kings Norton Girls’ School are excited to be the founding schools of WMAT and looking forward to achieving more together.

We are seeking a well-qualified and enthusiastic science graduate to grow and enhance our large and successful science team.

The science department is a highly successful one, making a significant contribution to EBacc progress scores that are consistently significantly above the national average. In 2023 (lates validated data), KS4 science value added was significantly above national and in the top 28% of all schools. Attainment across all courses in KS5 is also strong, with Biology A level in the top 20% of all schools.

We would expect the successful candidate to teach all science disciplines at Key Stage 3 and in Key Stage 4 Combined Science and their specialist subject in KS4 Triple Science. We offer the full range of science courses in the sixth form and therefore applicants should have the ability to teach A level or BTEC level 3 Applied Science at Key Stage 5. We also offer GCSE and A level Psychology within the Science department.

The successful candidate will work closely with the leadership team of department to lead on the following areas:

• Quality assuring schemes of work and resources to ensure that the needs of all students are catered for, and that school and team improvement priorities are fully implemented and evaluated for impact, making recommendations for improvement where required
• Quality assuring teaching and learning
• Developing and delivering training to staff to develop subject knowledge and pedagogical subject knowledge
• Working in collaboration with other departments to share outstanding practice
• Engaging with and disseminating current educational research

The successful candidate will be an inspirational professional with:

·        A track record of good to exceptional teaching.

·        A track record of good attainment and progress in KS3, KS4 and/ or KS5 students

·        An eagerness to learn and develop their leadership skills and behaviours

·        A vision and passion for growth and development of colleagues at all levels

·        The skills to effectively lead and manage

·        A relentless commitment to outstanding support for youngsters

·        A driving ambition to make a difference to every child at Swanshurst

This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.

For further details and an application form please contact us at recruitment@swanshurst.org. Applicants requesting an online application form must also submit a signed copy of their application either at the point of being called for interview or as soon as possible after the closing date. Please submit all completed applications to recruitment@swanshurst.org.

Closing date: 12pm on Monday 7th December 2024 (Please complete the application form uploaded with this advert and not the TES general application form)

Swanshurst School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will require an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.