Responsible to A member of the College’s Leadership Group

We are looking for an exceptional and inspirational leader, who will work with our current team to develop and implement an exciting curriculum in which all students, whatever their background and abilities, will learn and thrive.

Ofsted came to inspect us in January and placed the College in special measures. Over recent years our students have not been making enough progress. Since then the leadership of the College has changed and we are on a journey of rapid improvement. Now is, therefore, an exciting and opportune time to join us to lead our development into an outstanding school over the next four years.

 Do you:

Have the ability to inspire, challenge and motivate others?
Have the ability to create a culture of challenge and support where students can achieve success and become engaged in their own learning?
Demonstrate optimistic personal behaviour, positive relationships and attitudes towards students, staff, parents, governors and members of the local community?

If you think you do and you are excited by this opportunity please apply by downloading an application form and emailing your completed form to jallsop@bideford.devon.sch.uk

To give you some background, the Science Department comprises 19 teachers and 4 technicians. There is a useful and exciting blend of youth and experience within the department and everyone is expected to contribute to the exchange of ideas and transfer of good and interesting practice, both formal and informal. There has been a College-wide drive to ensure that assessment data is put to good use in the setting of targets and in ensuring that students make progress and fulfil their potential. The Science Department are making good progress in this area and this is reflected in the upward trend in results over recent years. The quality of teaching is strong in the department and the team have been keen to embrace new practices in pedagogy, the setting of homework and independent learning and the routines of marking and student feedback. How best to share and promote the outstanding best practice that is seen within the team so that this becomes common to all members of the team will be a key development priority as the team consolidate their strengths in the next academic year.

Our facilities are second to none. The College buildings were new in September 2010 and the grounds in 2011. We were fortunate to have been granted both Science and Sustainability demonstration status by the DCSF during the new build programme, the only College in the country to achieve both. Science Department colleagues had a significant input into the design of the new facilities. This includes a 90-seat theatre, specialist laboratories and flexible learning spaces – both internal and external.

We have a strong team of 3 technicians and one senior technician who work hard as part of the team to ensure that resource needs are met. All the labs, like the classrooms throughout the College, are equipped with an electronic whiteboard and projector. In addition there is a plethora of ICT resources which are available to ensure high quality teaching and learning.

We regularly review the curriculum offer within the subject. All staff routinely evaluate their own practice to see how changes may make sure that the science ‘diet’ is accessible and meets the needs of the students. In the coming academic year, decisions about the KS4 curriculum will need to be made and robust plans put in place for first teaching in September 2016.

Sixth Form science subjects have always been very popular and successful. Psychology has 60 students a year starting the AS Level course; Biology usually between 30-45, Chemistry and Physics have grown to between 20-25 a year starting at the AS level. ALPs grades are improving year on year and staff are developing their teaching skills with regard to Year 12 and 13 students.

We are seeking someone who will take the department forward. The successful candidate would be expected to teach all areas of science at Key Stage 3. At Key Stage 4 and in the Sixth Form we usually deploy staff according to their specialisms, however, we are moving to a model where a teacher would be responsible for the complete delivery of core and additional science to a whole class.

The College is rigorously committed to safeguarding and, as such, expects all staff to honour that commitment. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS Records check.

We hope that you will find enough information here to help you decide if this is the right opportunity for you. If you require further information please do not hesitate to contact our HR team on 01237 477611.

Closing Date: 17th July 2015