Head of Science

Position: Head of Science

Hours of Work: Full Time

Contract terms: Permanent

Contract type: Term Time

Ideal Start date: 24/04/2025

Place of Work: Rookwood School, Weyhill Road, Andover SP10 3AL

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, inspiring, committed and well qualified Head of Science to lead our well-established Science department and contribute to its excellent results at all levels.

As our Head of Science you will be responsible for overseeing all science teaching at Rookwood School. This involves supporting the development of schemes of work and lesson delivery for Years 5 and 6 in the Prep School, as well as leading on Science in the Senior School. The successful candidate will be expected to teach and provide learning opportunities for pupils from KS1 – KS5. The ability to teach Physics and/or Biology up to and including A Level would be desirable.

Nestled on a leafy site in Andover, Rookwood School is a happy and thriving learning environment for pupils aged 2 to 18. At the heart of our ethos is strong pastoral care, where every individual is treated with respect and dignity. Our school motto, ‘Sapere Aude,’ translates to ‘dare to know’ or ‘have the courage to understand’, perfectly capturing the essence of our identity. We encourage our pupils to question, explore, and achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Science is a popular subject both at core and examination level. Students at GCSE follow the AQA Syllabus and take either the Dual award or separate Sciences. Physics, Chemistry and Biology are all offered at A Level and follow the AQA syllabus. 

We are looking for a Head of Science who can:

• Provide professional leadership, direction and management of the Science curriculum in order to secure high quality teaching, the effective use of resources and improved standards of learning and achievement for all pupils.
• Lead on the development of excellent teaching and learning of Science across the whole school. 
• Line manage teaching and support staff within Science, including involvement in the appraisal process and staff induction, when appropriate.
• Monitor teaching, learning and pupil progress within Science in order to promote excellent outcomes for all pupils.
• Co-ordinate the Science curriculum across the whole school in order to ensure continuity of learning and an appropriate level of challenge for all learners.
• Be responsible for the examination courses at both GCSE and Post-16, including all moderation, standardisation and verification.
• Co-ordinate the school’s STEM week and facilitate STEM outreach and challenge sessions for all students.
• Be an ambassador for the department and to actively raise the profile of Science within and outside the school.

In return we will offer you:

• A professional, hardworking and supportive team of staff with the capability and desire to raise student achievement even further
• Enthusiastic students who are willing to learn and are proud of their learning environment
• Opportunities for further professional development
• Employee assistance provision
• Access to reduced educational fees for qualifying children
• A caring and supportive working environment within a vibrant school community

Applications are invited to be submitted via our online application portal: https://applicant.website/i/65A755/vacancy-info/0000000654

The closing date for application is – 5th December 2024

The full Job Description can be obtained directly from the vacancies section on our school website - www.rookwoodschool.org/vacancies.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the date advertised.

Rookwood School is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, right to work in the UK, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment and two satisfactory references.

All positions which involve working with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).