Lead Practitioner of Chemistry

To support the Science/Chemistry Department with ongoing strategies in creating a bespoke, knowledge-rich curriculum and lead on developing teaching and learning within the department to achieve excellence in all areas., Leadership and management

• Enable all teachers in Chemistry and Science to achieve expertise in teaching and planning, through coaching and support, through the provision of CPD and inset training days


• Assist the Director of Learning in monitoring, evaluating and continually improving the quality of planning, assessment and classroom practice of all members of the Science team


• Develop strong partnerships and ensure regular communication with parents and carers


Improving Teaching & Learning

• Model outstanding teaching and lead collaborative planning and development, including the sharing of resources and best practice within the department


• Monitor the work of the department through the learning walk and coaching programme, work scrutinies, and provide detailed, constructive feedback


• Use data to inform teaching and learning, identify areas for intervention and provide feedback to students, staff and families in order to promote progress and outcomes


• Manage behaviour effectively to create a safe, respectful and nurturing environment so that students can focus on learning


• Promote strong links to our feeder-schools by attending relevant meetings, and, as appropriate, delivering training and sharing best practice with our Middle School colleagues.


• Work with colleagues, students and families to develop a strong school community


This job description is not an exhaustive list and you will be expected to carry out any other reasonable tasks as directed by your line manager.

Our ideal candidate will be an experienced practitioner in the field of science, with a specialisation in Chemistry. The successful applicant will possess a deep understanding of current advancements in science education and relevant examination standards. They will excel in delivering engaging and impactful lessons while maintaining high expectations for academic achievement and conduct. Collaborative teamwork, effective communication, and the ability to inspire learners are essential qualities for this role., Person Specification: Lead Practitioner of Chemistry

Qualification Criteria

• Qualified to teach in the UK


• Degree in Chemistry or related subject


Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable commitment to raising attainment of all pupils in a challenging classroom environment


• Experience of having designed, implemented and evaluated effective, imaginative and stimulating schemes of work and of leading successful enrichment programmes


• Experience or knowledge of improving the quality of teaching and learning through the development of progression plans, schemes of work and high quality resources


• Experience leading a team and/or working to support the significant success of others


• Experience of interpreting complex student data to drive lesson planning and student progress


• Be or demonstrate the potential to become an outstanding teacher of Chemistry


• Mastery of and enthusiasm for Chemistry


• Effective and systematic behaviour management


• Knowledge of the national secondary education system, examinations and curriculum


Behaviours

• Genuine passion for and a belief in the potential of every student


• A robust awareness of keeping children safe, noticing safeguarding and welfare concerns, and understanding how and when to take appropriate action


• Excellent interpersonal, planning and organisational skills


• Resilient, motivated and committed to achieving excellence


• Reflective and proactive in seeking feedback to constantly improve practice


• Commitment to regular and on-going professional development and training to establish outstanding classroom practice.


• Commitment to and understanding of professionalism in line with the National Teaching Standards


Other

• Right to work in the UK


• Commitment to equality of opportunity and the safeguarding and welfare of all students


• Willingness to undertake training


• This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check
  
  Ferndown Upper School is a very special place to work because we have well behaved students, who allow their teachers to teach, we focus on work life balance to ensure that staff spend their time on the activities that actually make a difference and we have a friendly and supportive staff body.


The Ferndown Upper School Science Faculty aims to create a centre of excellence for STEM. We have a strong reputation and a full team of experienced teachers. The Science Faculty is a friendly, collegiate team, who work hard together to achieve high standards and have achieved excellent results. It is a strong faculty with high levels of recruitment and success at A Level, with many going on to take these subjects at University. There are four teachers of biology in the department, four physics teachers and four chemists.

We have a sophisticated range of STEM enrichment in place, including the EPQ, green powered car and careers events. To further enhance our provision we are now running 'Triple for All', which means all our students will be entered for triple science GCSE. At FUS, we only teach our students in separate sciences and believe that they should have access to teachers with specialisms and high quality subject knowledge.

What Ferndown Can Offer You:

• Great students who behave - you can make a difference to their learning.


• The opportunity to work with outstanding colleagues.


• Tight, robust behaviour systems.


• Centralised detentions, including homework detentions (you do not need to


organise/run/chase), helping to underpin our excellent behaviour, so you are free to

teach.

• Ongoing 'no-stakes' feedback, helping you to continuously develop.


• We believe that trusting our staff with autonomy helps to develop a strong staff culture.


• Centralised, shared units of work and resources.


• Excellent, ongoing CPD, career development and promotion opportunities.
  
  A tax efficient Childcare or Car Lease Scheme through salary sacrifice.


• Private Healthcare Plan including 24/7 access to a GP by phone, gym discounts and cashback for optical, dental and other appointment expenses for employees and their


children.

• Access to the staff benefits and discounts portal through Dorset Council.