EXPIRED

Head of Science

Walsall Studio School, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 1RL

This job expired on 21 February 2025 – see similar jobs

• Job start date

  28 April 2025

• Closing date

  21 February 2025 at 9am

• Date listed

  5 February 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Head of department or curriculum
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 4
• Subject: Science
• Working pattern: Part time: Permanent Post, Part Time 0.6 FTE/19.5 Proposed hours (per week). 52.14 Proposed working weeks. (Full-time may be considered)
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: Class Teachers Main Pay Scale – Upper Pay Scale
• Additional allowances:

  TLR 2B (£5,835pa (1.0 FTE) to be pro-rata according to hours)

What skills and experience we're looking for

Studio School and Sixth is looking to recruit an enthusiastic, hardworking individual to join our Science Team. (Full-time may be considered)

The successful candidate will:

• Ensure that there is high quality teaching that leads to strong student progress and excellent outcomes across the Science department.
• Ensure the smooth and effective running of the department on a day-to-day basis, including the support of trainee teachers and ECTs within the department.
• Support the leadership and delivery of the Department improvement priorities that are an integral part of the School Improvement Plan.
• Have a strong and deep understanding of the structure and sequencing of the curriculum from year 10 to year 13 ensuring that prior learning in KS3 is integral to the curriculum design.
• Provide strong and inspirational leadership to the department.
• Lead the curriculum implementation of Science through the embedding of the Accelerated Learning Cycle and to also champion key strategies to improve literacy and oracy.
• Maintain strong links with families, enabling them to support their children with their learning.
• Ensure that the subject is accessible and enjoyable to students of all abilities.
• Lead whole-school CPD focusing on oracy and literacy strategies.
• Contribute to the vision and ethos of the school through the delivery and promotion of academic, vocational and personal excellence.

Curriculum:

• To select and sequence appropriate programs of study and exam board syllabi for the Science Department
• To coordinate the writing and updating of medium-term plans and schemes within the Science Department
• To ensure that curriculum and lesson plans are adapted to meet the needs of all students
• To liaise with the SENDCO as appropriate to ensure all staff in the Science Department know and understand how to adapt their lessons to meet the needs of those pupils in their classes
• To use assessment to track progress throughout all key stages.
• To ensure that there are multiple opportunities within the curriculum to develop students’ literacy including opportunities for speaking and listening.
• To manage any underperformance within the Science Department swiftly and appropriately to minimise the impact on student learning.
• To lead on teaching, learning and assessment within the Science Department and to develop all those within the team such that there is a culture of sharing good practice and a continuous cycle of reflection.
• To oversee the planning and preparation of all teachers in the Science Department, providing support and guidance where necessary
• To lead Curriculum Implementation sessions with the department.
• To work with other Heads of Department to share good practice and improve the standard of Teaching and Learning across the school.
• To develop good practice in assessment, standardisation and moderation within the Science Department
• To have a clear home learning policy that makes good use of online learning platforms as well as providing students with opportunities to deepen their understanding and develop their mastery.
• To provide leadership to the team of teachers within the Department, including providing guidance and coaching and modelling best practice in teaching and learning.
• The complete quality assurance activities within the Science department in support of school and departmental priorities, to include lesson observations and book trawls.
• To oversee the professional growth activities within the Science Department, including mid-year reviews.

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in a Science related field.
• Hold QTS/ QLTS, or be working towards, a Postgraduate Certificate of Education or equivalent teaching qualification in secondary education
• Passion for their subject and an eagerness to motivate, engage and inspire students
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion and representation; across the school and within the teaching of their subject
• Well-developed IT skills to enhance and enrich the teaching and learning experience of students
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; a team-player who works towards the collective goals of the department/ school.
• Well-developed IT skills to enhance and enrich the teaching and learning experience of students
• Willingness to contribute to academic excellence and wider ethos of the school by making a significant contribution to the whole school extra-curricular (Studio Plus).
• Commitment to developing well-rounded ‘young professionals’ by supporting the academic, vocational and personal growth of individuals
• Willingness to be involved in the pastoral life of the school by acting as a form tutor and contributing to a diverse, supportive and family-orientated school culture
• Knowledge, understanding to effectively uphold safeguarding policy and procedures in relation to children and young people.

What the school offers its staff

Join our Science Team

Our outstanding Science Department is an exceptional place for both new and experienced teachers to develop their careers and achieve their goals. Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should join our team:

First and foremost, we have a wealth of excellent resources that allow us to deliver an enriched Science curriculum that inspires and motivates our students. From our state-of-the-art laboratories to our cutting edge technology and software, we have everything you need to create engaging and dynamic lessons that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Secondly, our team is known for being a happy and collaborative group of professionals who work closely together to achieve our goals. We believe in supporting one another, sharing ideas and resources, and working together to create a positive and productive learning environment for our students. As a new teacher, you will be welcomed into this supportive and collaborative culture, where you will have the opportunity to work with experienced colleagues who are committed to helping you succeed.

Thirdly, we are committed to delivering high-quality continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for all of our teachers. We believe that learning is a lifelong process, and we are dedicated to providing our teachers with access to the latest research, best practices, and professional development opportunities. As a member of our team, you will have access to a range of CPD opportunities, both within our school and as part of our Trust-wide offer, giving you the tools you need to continue to develop your skills and knowledge.

Finally, our commitment to delivering an enriched Science curriculum and our year-on-year improving results and outcomes for our students are testament to our dedication to providing the best possible education for our students. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to be part of a culture of excellence, where we are always striving to improve our practice and achieve the best possible outcomes for our students.

Overall, joining our outstanding Science department is an excellent opportunity for any teacher who is passionate about Science education and eager to develop their skills and career. With our excellent resources, happy and collaborative team, both within the school and across the Mercian Trust, commitment to CPD, enriched Science curriculum, and track record of improving results and outcomes for our students, you will have everything you need to be the best teacher you can be.

About Studio School & Sixth

Established in 2013 and located on the edge of Walsall Town Centre, Studio School and Sixth is a unique school that offers high-quality academic and vocational curriculum to 14–19-year-olds across the Black Country.

Students choose to join our school in year 10 (expanding their opportunity to study a personalised set of KS4 GCSE and vocational options) or in year 12 (choosing to immerse themselves in one of our specialist pathways); creating a community of likeminded young professionals who are keen to express their aptitude, aspiration, and passion for ‘what we do’.

As a working studio, our students benefit from:

• Hands-on experience: Students gain practical experience by working on authentic projects alongside experienced teachers and industry professionals.
• Relevant education: Our curriculum is tailored to the creative, health and digital industries, providing students with the skills and knowledge that are relevant and in-demand.
• Industry connections: Students build relationships with a wide range of industry professionals, adding true value to their learning experience and future job opportunities.
• Access to equipment and resources: As a studio, students have access to a wide range of equipment and resources to support learning and enhance skills.
• Career preparation: By working in a real-world environment, students better prepare themselves for careers in their field and understand the expectations and demands of their chosen profession.

By having the opportunity to study with us at the beginning of their Year 10 or 12 journey, students develop a competitive advantage for the following reasons:

• Personalised approach: Although able, not all students want to be limited by traditional EBacc subjects, and would prefer a choice to select a personalised range of option choices
• Balanced education: By promoting the benefits of strong academic, vocational and personal curriculums, students follow a balanced educational approach that prepares them for a variety of careers.
• Career focus: Our specialist approach allows students to develop skills and knowledge in their chosen field and gain a better understanding of their future career options.
• Early specialisation: By choosing to study at a specialist school at the end of year 9, students can start specialising in their chosen field earlier, which can give them a competitive advantage

Our Offer to You:

• A superb staff team committed to doing their absolute best for all in our school community.
• Small cohort of students meaning better work life balance
• Support from our Trust central teams and other schools in our Trust to ensure you have the tools to deliver success (our schools are all located close to one another, and we work better when we are working together).
• A wealth of support for your ongoing continuing professional development, including a Trust-wide programme for staff drawing on expertise from across the Mercian Trust and external professional coaches.
• A comprehensive employee assistance and staff benefits package including Simplyhealth (cash-back health plan and 24:7 video call and telephone access to GP and counselling), and discounts portal (ranging from gym membership to discount cards and vouchers for online and high street retailers).
• There will never be a dull moment; we never stand still, every day offers new challenges and opportunities within an ambitious, forward-thinking team.

Application Process

All applicants interested in this post must complete our Trust application form.

CVs will not be accepted.

Studio School and Sixth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of our ‘Safeguarding Policy’ is available to view or download by logging onto our School website: Walsall Studio School & Sixth Form (studioschoolandsixth.org)

This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check (formerly CRB) under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Further details regarding this check are available from the school or by visiting www.crb.gov.uk.

Closing date for applications: Friday 21st February (0900am Close)

Interviews: Week Commencing Monday 24th February 2025

Commitment to safeguarding

Studio School & Sixth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of the ‘Safeguarding Policy’ is available to view or download by logging onto the School website: https://walsallstudio.school/

This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check (formerly CRB) under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Further details regarding this check are available from the school or by visiting www.crb.gov.uk.

This job post has expired.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Head of Science Advert - 03.02.2025.docx - 356 KB (opens in new tab)

JD Head of Science - Studio School.docx - 353 KB (opens in new tab)

About Walsall Studio School

• School type: Free School, ages 14 to 19
• Education phase: Secondary
• School size: 179 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 14 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Walsall Studio School website
• Email address: lara.bridgett@merciantrust.org.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/walsall-studio-school

Studio School & Sixth is a specialist 14-19 non-selective school and founding member of The Mercian Trust.

Located in the heart of Walsall town centre, our unique small school and sixth form offers an immersive professional experience; supporting academic, vocational and personal excellence for students starting Year 10 or Year 12 who seek a creative and digitally rich curriculum.
Vocational learning is really important here, but it would be wrong to think that this means our students focus purely on practical work. There’s plenty of theory to learn and we strike a good balance between the academic and the vocational. Above all, we challenge our students to be the very best they can be in their chosen fields.

Back in the Renaissance, more than 400 years ago, ‘apprentices’ studied under the guidance of ‘masters’ and it’s this model that has influenced the way Studio Schools operate today. Of course, much has changed and now, thankfully, those ‘masters’ and ‘apprentices’ are just as likely to be women and girls as men and boys.

Studio School & Sixth has almost 300 such ‘apprentices’. It’s one of only a handful of Studio Schools in the country and opened its doors in 2013. Its students go on to universities, conservatoires and high-quality apprenticeships. The school focuses on the creative, health and digital industries, which means students have careers as paramedics, therapists, software engineers, actors, dancers, teachers and much else besides.

Arranging a visit to Walsall Studio School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email lara.bridgett@merciantrust.org.uk.

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