Teacher of Computing Science
The Edinburgh Academy
Edinburgh, City of
- New
- Salary:
- The Edinburgh Academy salary scale, commensurate with experience
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- August 2024
- Apply by:
- 21 July 2024
Job overview
We seek to appoint a well-qualified and experienced teacher of Computing Science to join this vibrant and growing Department. The role is available from August 2024.
Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, PVG membership approval and proof of right to work in the UK.
Computing Science Department Details
The Computing Science Department delivers Computing Science to pupils from Geits (P7) to 7ths (S6). For Geits to 3rds (S2) Computing Science is part of the core curriculum. The Department offers National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher Computing Science in 4ths (S3) to 7ths (S6).
Accommodation and resources
The school has excellent IT and Computing facilities. The school operates on a Windows 10 platform with our own Microsoft Office 365 tenancy. The School is currently transitioning to the use of Microsoft 365, including Teams, as well as using other market leading educational software services. The IT support department, led by the Director of IT, maintains the school IT provision. The Computing Science Department is co-located with the school IT Support team and they work closely with one another.
The main Computing Science teaching room has recently undergone a refurbishment and contains 20 desktop computers. In addition there is a large touch screen TV and whiteboard. Two other computer rooms are contained within the Department, each with desktop PC’s and large TV screens.
Learners in younger years all have iPads, with older years being able to bring their own devices.
Department curriculum and ethos
The Department is a growing, forward thinking, inclusive and innovative department that strives to educate pupils in the modern-day skills that are required for future success. In recent years, the department has invested in many new technologies and approaches to enhance the teaching of computational thinking, computer programming and digital literacy. The curriculum is ever evolving to ensure learners are challenged with real world scenarios, such as Cybersecurity and the growth of Artificial Intelligence. The curriculum for 2024 onwards has been significantly revamped, with the successful candidate playing a critical role in ongoing development.
Each November, learners will participate in the BEBRAS challenge, with a number progressing to the OUCC challenge in February.
Geits (P7): In P7, learners will be work through a series of topics, including the use of Sphero devices, expanding their understanding of Internet Safety, Computer Systems and Artificial Intelligence. This time is largely iPad focussed.
2nds (S1): As learners progress from iPads to Desktops, the department supports the school through delivery of Desktop and Office Skills, as well as learning about Web development using HTML and CSS, and the Development Process through use of Micro:bits.
3rds (S2): As learners progress towards course choices, the department introduces text-based programming in Python, as well as SQL for databases. This year also sees the return of Artificial Intelligence, with a clear focus on its place in the world of study and work.
4ths to 7ths (S3-S6): The Department takes pride in developing the academic potential of pupils, with a number moving on to study Computer Science related degrees at prestigious universities in recent years. To support this the Department currently offers SQA National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher Computing Science. The Department is also heavily involved in many whole school interdisciplinary projects as part of our academic enrichment program.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- To teach Computing Science and Digital Literacy to pupils across all ages and stages.
- To deliver a range of extra-curricular opportunities in Computing Science.
- To participate in cross-curricular, academic enrichment events and activities that the Computing Science Department is involved in.
- To assist the Head of Computing Science in developing and evaluating courses and schemes of work as appropriate.
- To assist the Head of Computing Science in preparing pupils for UCAS applications (including Oxbridge) for Computer Science related courses.
- To keep abreast of developments in Computing Science in an educational context.
- To promote safe and responsible use of computer systems throughout the school community.
- To promote and support initiatives across the school.
- To attend Departmental and committee/working group meetings as appropriate.
Short-listed candidates will be asked to plan and teach a lesson.
Qualifications/Experience:
- GTCS registered (or ability to be) with an appropriate degree - Essential
- Experience of delivering SQA certificate classes in Computing Science – Essential
- Should have drive, enthusiasm and a dynamic approach to the teaching of Computing Science - Essential
- Excellent organisational skills – Essential
- Able to work as part of a team as well as under own initiative – Essential
- Positive contributions to curricular development initiatives – Essential
- Proficient in using IT as part of classroom activity where appropriate, but also in communicating with colleagues, parents and students – Essential
- Take a positive approach to teaching, engendering a sense of achievement and accomplishment for all regardless of ability - Essential
- Willing to be part of the school’s Games programme, leading or providing coaching support to one of the teams (this includes weekend matches) - Desirable
About The Edinburgh Academy
The Edinburgh Academy
Introduction
The Edinburgh Academy is an academically selective, independent, co-educational day school for pupils aged 5-18 years with a reputation for being caring and friendly. It aims to provide co-educational excellence with a first-class all-round education to those of intellectual promise and academic potential, regardless of background, race or creed. The Edinburgh Academy aims to be forward-looking and progressive but also greatly values its long held traditions.
Although the School is not academically exclusive, the ability range of pupils is well above the national average. Great emphasis is placed on the pursuit of co-curricular interests alongside academic studies for all our pupils. The School has a strong reputation for individual attention and excellence in its pastoral care and co-curricular provision.
The School is oversubscribed at all entry points and this creates a competitive pressure on admissions places at the School.
School Background
The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School containing approximately 590 pupils and a Junior School containing approximately 390 pupils, and we have a Nursery department of around 100 pupils. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. Previously girls were only admitted in the Sixth Form (S5 and S6).
The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.
The School’s Place in Edinburgh
The School was founded in 1824 and has been regarded as a leading educational establishment within the City of Edinburgh and across Scotland ever since. Original Directors included the leading literary names of their age such as Sir Walter Scott. Robert Louis Stevenson and James Clerk Maxwell were also pupils at the School. More recent Former Pupils (Academicals or ‘Accies’) include: Nicky Campbell - radio and TV broadcaster; Guy Berryman - bass guitarist with Coldplay; Will Whitehorn – past President of Virgin Galactic - Space Tourism Company; Mike Blair - Scottish rugby; Dragon’s Den star, James Ingham.
The Senior School occupies a site in Henderson Row, less than a mile from Princes Street and at the northern limits of the Georgian ‘New Town’, of which it was designed to be a part. The buildings include an iconic school hall and the James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre, which was completed in November 2006. The playing fields are about half a mile from the main buildings – Raeburn Place (8 ½ acres) (shared with the Academicals - Former Pupils), New Field in Inverleith Place (20 acres) and a further five acres at the Junior School and Nursery, also at Inverleith, with a 400 metre grass running track.
An investment programme in facilities of over £15m has in the last 5 years seen a new Junior School library and classroom block, 2 floodlight all weather pitches, a Performing Arts Centre at Senior School and new sports pavilions. A bespoke climbing wall facility was officially opened in 2015. The School has further ambitious plans beyond this current phase of development, which will see a wholescale redevelopment on our Senior School site over the coming decade.
The Edinburgh Academy is a highly regarded school within the local community, across Edinburgh and beyond. Staff and pupils take great pride in this reputation, and the commitment from all is evident in the continuing success and progress of the School.
The Edinburgh Academy is committed to sharing its facilities with the local community and has established a series of projects that provides the use of its estates and premises for the public good.
Further details about the School and its resources can be found on the School website - www.edinburghacademy.org.uk
Classes and Assembly
7ths (S6) and 6ths (S5) classes are organised by tutor groups studying either Highers, Advanced Highers or GCE A-level. Across the Senior School no teaching group consists of more than 24 pupils and many are substantially smaller.
A School Assembly is held at 8.50am each morning, and is attended by the whole school. School Services for the whole school are held on several occasions during the session.
Exam Results
The Edinburgh Academy uses both English and Scottish examination boards. Nearly all subjects now present SQA National 5 and Advanced Higher examinations. Each year, a significant number of our 7ths (S6) have conditional places at very competitively sought universities on the basis of their Advanced Higher/A-level and Higher results.
Yearly academic results can be found on the School website.
Games and Activities
At the Edinburgh Academy, sport offers opportunities at all levels. The PE curriculum is varied, encompassing a wide variety of team games and individual sports. The School runs teams in a large number of major and minor sports and encourages pupils to represent the School at one or more sports at any age group.
In Music, there are about 20 performing groups including orchestras, choirs, wind bands, a big band and several chamber groups.
In Drama, there are usually three or four main productions each year. There is a fully active LAMDA qualification schedule in acting, reading for performance, mime, public speaking and Musical Theatre in place. This occurs at break time and lunchtimes. In addition, the Drama and Music department liaise to produce an annual musical, with potential to increase this.
All pupils currently join the CCF or The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 4ths (S3).
All members of staff are expected to play a full part in supporting the co-curricular life of the School.
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