Teacher of Biology (Maternity Cover)

Required: February 2025

Line Manager: Head of Science

Hours: Full Time

Contract Term: Up to 1 Year Fixed Term

Closing Date: 5th November 2024, 12:00 noon

Interview Date: 14th November 2024

The Role

The Headmaster is seeking to appoint an inspirational and high-achieving teacher to join the Science Department of The King’s School, Gloucester – one of the country’s leading HMC Independent Schools – as Teacher of Biology on a one-year maternity cover basis. For the right candidate there may be opportunity to take on the additional role of Head of Biology. This role would suit an experienced or newer teacher alike; the Head of Biology would also be an exciting opportunity for a motivated teacher looking to take the step into middle leadership.

The successful candidate will have a genuine enthusiasm for Biology and be well-placed to generate and sustain a high degree of motivation and achievement in both pupils and colleagues.

The School

The King’s School, Gloucester has a rich academic tradition dating back to its founding in 1541. It houses the longest-serving classroom in Europe and is held in high esteem amongst the local and wider community, winning Gloucestershire Independent School of the Year in 2020 and 2021, and being Highly Commended again in 2022 and 2023. Following the 2022 ISI Inspection, King’s was proud to be declared ‘excellent in all areas’.

The Department

The Science Department at King’s is an energetic, supportive and innovative environment. It consists of the Head of Science, along with three subject Heads, and six subject-specialist teachers. They share the teaching of all Science pupils from Years 7 to 13, with opportunities to deliver lessons to our Junior School and enrichment sessions to our scholars. The teachers are supported by three technicians who ensure practical activities are fully-resourced.

King’s represents an opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department that understands that Science can be engaging and fun as well as inspiring curiosity in all learners. In a society driven by technology, understanding the core principles of Science is not only a necessity; it is a gateway to innovation and problem-solving; it encourages independence, critical-thinking and teamwork; it empowers individuals to plan, create, and analyse; it fosters the skills that will allow pupils to thrive in our ever-evolving world.

Timetable, induction and training

The School operates to a ten-day timetable cycle, consisting of 60 periods. Full-time members of staff teach 48 periods per cycle. Early Career Teachers receive a 10% minimum reduction in their allocation in their first year for training and induction – this reduces to 5% in the second year of induction.

The King’s School has a strong record of training and developing teachers in situ, and there are opportunities for further development at every level.

Main Duties

• First-class, innovative teaching throughout the School in a manner appropriate to students' ages and abilities;
• Assessing and recording students' progress in accordance with departmental and School policies;
• Attending and contributing to Biology & Science departmental meetings;
• Developing and sharing teaching and learning resources;
• Monitoring the work and progress of pupils, including those with specific learning needs;
• Initiating and promoting links with Junior School, as well as other external Schools and organisations where appropriate;
• Promoting the awareness of relevant career opportunities and experiences for students;
• Coordinating lesson observations and assisting in the monitoring of Teaching and Learning standards of staff, and any subsequently identified monitoring of targets, coaching and/or mentoring;
• Maintaining professional skills through INSET and the School’s Continuing Professional Development programme;
• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact;
• Taking part in the pastoral life of the School as a Form Tutor or Cover Tutor;
• Any other tasks or responsibilities that may reasonably be assigned by the Headmaster.

The additional role of Head of Biology also entails:

• Leading, line managing and developing the teaching practice of members of staff in the Biology Department;
• Leading Biology departmental meetings and attending and contributing to Science departmental meetings;
• Preparing Oxbridge and Competitive University candidates, and supporting them and others with subject-related University tests;
• Liaising with the Deputy Head (Academic) and Admissions to provide suitable testing for scholarship students in your subject area;
• Attending Exam Review meetings (internal and external);
• Organising and attending overseas trips to enrich the learning and immersion of pupils in your subject area;
• Managing the Department’s annual budget, including providing justification for its assignment.

Personal Profile

• A degree related to Biology, or experience in the field of Biology;
• Experience of teaching and raising attainment at KS3-5;
• Enthusiasm and passion for the subject, the School and the pupils;
• Dynamic, effective teaching strategies that engage all learners;
• Initiative and resourcefulness; ability to produce excellent teaching plans;
• Excellent written and oral communication, numerical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent organisational skills, able to work under pressure, plan and prioritise own workload and remain professional at all times;
• Ability to deliver high standards, accuracy and attention to detail, meeting all deadlines;
• Willingness to undertake further professional development;
• Further post-graduate qualifications, experience relating to Biology and/or Leadership and PGCE/QTS are desirable.

Benefits 

• A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
• Generous fee remission for children at King’s;
• Before / After School Care for children at King’s;
• Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
• Staff Wellbeing Programme;
• Cycle to Work / Car scheme;
• Lunches;
• Parking.

Applications

Candidates should apply through TES. A CV is not required.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 5th November 2024 at 12:00 noon, with interviews taking place on Thursday 14th November 2024. Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the published closing and interview dates, if appropriate.

For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk.