Head of Chemistry

What skills and experience we're looking for

Our Science Department are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated and dedicated Head of Chemistry with a love of education to join a great team, encouraging all pupils to make progress in this subject no matter their ability. There are currently nine highly committed teachers who strive for excellence, enjoying a range of traditional and progressive methodology and contributing to the academic life of the school.

The Science Department is a well-resourced department, with a team of science technicians in its own dedicated building. The department runs a variety of trips for all year groups each academic year such as ‘GCSE Science Live’ and Winchester Science Museum. The team also run a variety of STEAM activities both in school and with supplementary trips through the excellent links that they have made with businesses and organisations.

We are looking to appoint a

Head of Chemistry who will

• Oversee the planning, delivery and quality of Chemistry teaching across the department, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning.
• Work closely with the Head of Science to support the strategic development and effective running of the Chemistry provision, contributing to departmental planning, curriculum development, quality assurance and the implementation of whole-department priorities.
• Ensure all teaching and learning resources are of a high-quality.
• Support and advise non-specialist Chemistry teachers and student teachers on placement, helping to build their subject knowledge, confidence and teaching practice.
• Provide regular updates on progress, pupil outcomes and areas for improvement through the analysis of assessment.
• Raise the profile of Chemistry across the school by organising relevant educational trips, visits and enrichment opportunities that bring the subject to life.
• Engage, enthuse, motivate and challenge pupils through inspiring and effective teaching, fostering a passion for Chemistry and enabling all learners to achieve their full academic potential
• Have excellent subject knowledge
• Be willing to teach across the full age range of pupils; year 7 to year 11
• Teach a standard timetable allocation
• Make a positive contribution to the efficient running of the Department, including, setting and marking examinations, attending departmental meetings and undertaking administrative and other tasks as delegated by the Curriculum Leader
• Actively safeguard and promote the welfare of children
• Support the schools’ aims and objectives for teaching and learning
• Adhere to and promote all school policies and procedures

Person Specification

• Good degree in a directly related subject (desirable)
• Thorough knowledge of the (11-16) subject Curriculum up to GCSE
• Recognised teaching qualification, such as a PGCE, or equivalent experience
• Awareness of Safeguarding requirements and good practice
• Good level of IT literacy
• Be capable of delivering inspirational and informative lessons to the full age and ability range of pupils at the school
• Be able to demonstrate a positive and authoritative rapport with pupils
• Excellent and effective classroom management skills
• Have excellent communication skills to enable effective dialogue with pupils, parents, staff and visitors
• Be organised and self-motivated, with a proven record for meeting targets and deadlines
• A good sense of humour

What the school offers its staff

• Access to an exceptional Professional Studies Programme from extensive in-house CPD, to a wide range of external courses
• To be part of a school which has a real ‘team approach’ where you will be valued and supported
• A well-resourced curriculum area including your own laptop
• Contribution to the Teacher’s Pension Scheme
• Lifestyle discounts through our employee ‘Lifestyle Savings Platform'
• Access to free staff wellbeing service via our provider ‘HA Wisdom Wellbeing’
• Onsite parking
• A dedicated Teaching and Learning training room
• A staff room with complimentary refreshments and food provided on whole school events such as Parents’ Evenings

Commitment to safeguarding

Cove School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check as well as other relevant pre-employment checks.