Teacher of Science (Chemistry)

We are seeking a teacher of Chemistry who is dedicated, enthusiastic and able to work in the Science team here at Queen Elizabeth’s High School to commence as soon as possible. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for someone to join an already successful department and to continue to raise and develop the profile of Science, and to contribute to the development of this flagship curriculum area of QEHS.

The role would ideally suit an individual who, along with the appropriate qualifications, is extremely motivated and enthusiastic with highly developed teaching skills. The ability to teach up to and including A Level is essential.

The Science Department

The QEHS Science Department comprises a team of teaching staff who teach within and across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Teachers are ably supported by a highly professional and dedicated team of Science Technicians.

The department will be led by the Head of Science supported by a Head of Biology, a Head of Chemistry, and a Head of Physics. Each Head of Department oversees their own specialist area, which affords staff the opportunity to work in small teams as well as being part of the larger Science Department.

Science is a large, forward-thinking department, with the unique ability to offer specialist teaching to our students. We are a friendly and supportive team and have recently secured the Platinum Science Mark. Across both teaching and technical teams, we have a wealth of experience, as well as staff earlier on in their career.

There are twelve laboratories across the school site, many of which have been through a programme of renovation to develop state of the art facilities. Three of these labs were brand new for 2022. We are very well resourced for both practical work and digital resources to support our students with their learning.

As a department we plan strategically to best support students in our care, as well as each other. All staff new to the team are well supported and are provided with a comprehensive training programme to ensure competence in all areas of the science curriculum and to ensure familiarity with wider school life at QEHS.

Subject reviews and lesson observations consistently show teaching and learning to be good, or better. Planning and policy is open to review and feedback from all stakeholders, and takes into consideration well-being and work life balance.

The Science Curriculum

It is the intention that the Science curriculum at QEHS provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This is achieved in our Schemes of Learning through:

• Building challenge, awe and wonder into our lessons
• Giving students responsibility to make their own discoveries so they feel the ‘wow’ of science
• Striking a balance between substantive and disciplinary learning, allowing time for students to develop the skills of a scientist

Years 7 & 8

Students follow Schemes of Learning that have been developed and resourced in-house to meet the aims and objectives of the National Key Stage 3 Programme of Study as well as to prepare them for GCSE. All students have their own copy of the Oxford KS3 Science text book for each science subject, and are taught in mixed ability groups. To support Transition, Year 7 students are taught Science usually with only one or two teachers delivering all three subjects. In Year 8 students have Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons taught by specialist teachers.

Years 9-11

Students follow the AQA Trilogy and Separates GCSE courses. Schemes of Learning have been developed in-house and are also supported by the Collins suite of material, and students have their own copy of each science subject’s textbook. Students are grouped into sets with those who are most passionate about Science taking Separate Sciences. Outside of these two classes, students are taught in mixed ability groups. All classes across all three sciences are delivered by specialist teachers.

Sixth Form

We offer A Levels in OCR Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Science subjects are popular and always in high demand post-16. Many students each year go on to study sciences at top universities. We have thriving groups across all three subject areas. Classes are shared between two specialist teachers.

Extra-curricular

The Science Department takes the lead on extra-curricular STEM provision through the popular STEM Society. Through this society, as well as through the curriculum, students have many opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities. 

How to apply

We believe that QEHS is a great place to work. Please read the information in this booklet, the relevant job description and have a look at our website. Should you wish to apply, application details are available on our school website (www.qehs.lincs.sch.uk) or by emailing a request to recruitment@qehs.lincs.sch.uk.

A letter of application is required to accompany the formal application form. This letter must be limited to two sides of A4 paper and is an opportunity for you to explain how you believe your own experience equips you for the post and for you to outline how you would approach this role at QEHS.

You are also welcome to telephone 01427 612354 if you have any questions about the post and / or if you would like to arrange a visit to the school.

Completed applications should be submitted by email to recruitment@qehs.lincs.sch.uk by 08.00am on Friday 17 January 2025. We will contact your referees for a reference before the interviews and, for shortlisted candidates, the references will be taken into account in deliberations at the conclusion of the final panel interviews.

The school reserves the right to end the recruitment process early in response to applications received.