Head of Chemistry

Arden is an exceptional school because it combines a strong family ethos with high academic standards, it sits at the heart of the community and is at the peak of academic excellence. Situated just minutes off Junction 5 of the M42 and only 3 miles from the town of Solihull, visitors will be welcomed by our confident, articulate, proud and caring students. Our recent Ofsted report spoke about the culture of ‘exceptionally high aspirations that permeate the school’ and ‘the positive relationships between staff and pupils’ where ‘teachers teach individuals, not classes’. Our focus is to provide opportunity and success for our students; so we are always striving for better.

Arden is the lead school in a hugely successful trust that will provide the applicant with many opportunities for collaboration and development.

We are seeking to further strengthen our Chemistry team as our success at GCSE and A Level continues to lead to increased demand. We are therefore seeking to appoint a highly impactful Head of Chemistry to promote the highest standards in chemistry. The successful candidate will have excellent subject knowledge and be able to motivate students through inspirational teaching.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented teacher to take a leadership role within the Science department to work with students who are keen to learn.

The postholder will have responsibility for ensuring the consistent development and implementation of Chemistry within the Science curriculum. The opportunity for personal development and progression is enormous. An active commitment to staff development through a strong and consistent focus and dialogue around teaching & learning pedagogy makes this an ideal position for candidates committed to being the best practitioner they can be.

Applicants should be able to teach to GCSE and a specialism in Chemistry is preferred. The ability to teach to A Level is desirable. If you do not have experience of teaching A Level, but are keen to develop that expertise, we can support you to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver engaging and challenging lessons at KS5.

The outcomes below are excellent and demonstrate the success and engagement in Science across Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5:

• A large uptake of pupils (typically between 35% to 45%) opt for single sciences at GCSE - around 50% of these each year go on to achieve grades 7, 8 or 9.
• We were equally delighted with our Science cohorts. Of our Combined Scientists, 14% achieved grades 99-77, every year some students achieve 99. Our triple Science uptake is usually around 100 students; their results are always excellent and our Biologists deserve special mention with a ‘value added score’ of +0.57 in the Summer 2024 examinations.
• We have a consistently high uptake of Science at A level: 81 students in Year 13 and 105 students in Year 12 are currently studying either Biology, Chemistry or Physics with two or three teaching groups for each subject in each year group.
• A Level results are outstanding and our students strive to achieve the highest grades. Last year 44% of Physicists achieved A*-B; we typically have 5-6 students gaining places at medical school and have supported many students to gain places at Oxford and Cambridge to study science-based degrees.
• Core Maths is offered to students in Year 12, many choose to take it in order to support their Science A Level.

In every way the Science Department mirrors the aims and beliefs of the school. All staff work hard, supported by a committed leadership team, to provide a safe and encouraging environment for learning. Arden students love to acquire new knowledge and skills. Our teachers relish the opportunity to deliver engaging, challenging lessons to committed students, supported by caring families.

The department currently has thirteen full time and six part-time members of staff. It has a wealth of experienced teachers who all work well together. Students study either AQA Triple or Double Science (Trilogy specification) at GCSE and A Levels in Chemistry, Physics and Biology are offered.

The school has an excellent record of success at GCSE and A Level:

GCSEs - In summer 2023, the school’s Progress 8 score was +0.66, with an Attainment 8 score of 50.29, which shows the excellent attainment of our school. 64% of our students achieved a grade 5 in both English and Maths, with 83% achieving this at grade 4. More than 35% of the GCSE grades awarded were grade 7 and above, with 20% being awarded at grade 8 & 9.

A Levels - In 2023 students achieved an average grade of a B. Our average points score of 39.38 demonstrates the excellent outcomes that our students achieve. 35.5% of grades awarded were A*/A and 66% of grades awarded were A*- B.

In return, we can offer you:

• A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors.
• Enthusiastic students who enjoy learning and engage positively in all aspects of school life.
• Access to high-quality continuing professional development and the opportunity for personal growth and development.
• A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity.

Commitment to Middle Leader Development through:

• Middle Leader cross trust training
• Middle Leader progress meetings with Associate Head teacher and Executive Head teacher.
• • Middle Leader support through highly effective SLT Line Manager
• A Senior Leadership team who is committed to promoting the best environment and outcomes for staff and students.
• Use of your own personal laptop.
• Teacher Pension.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Free on-site parking.

Children of staff who are permanently employed at Arden Academy are eligible for a ‘staff’ priority for our main school and Sixth Form admissions (please see Admissions on our school website for full details).

Further details are available to download below or from our school website: www.arden.solihull.sch.uk/vacancies/

Application forms should be completed in full and attached to a letter of application. CVs cannot be accepted as part of our Safer Recruitment guidelines. Please address all correspondence to Mr D Warwood, Associate Headteacher.

Closing date: 9.00am on Friday 11th October 2024.

Interviews: Tuesday 22nd October 2024.

Arden Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religion. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS Disclosure and, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, will be subject to a social media online search.