BrentwoodCountyHigh School
The Faculty of Science
Full-time Teacher of Science
(1 year maternity cover)
TMS
Required for September 2010 (or earlier)
Thank you for your interest in this post.
The post will involve teaching Science at least to GCSE level across the whole ability range through Years 7 to 11. For a suitably qualified candidate, there will be the opportunity to teach AS or A2 in Biology, Chemistryor Physics, offered in the Sixth Form. This post would be equally suited to a new or experienced teacher, for whom the salary would be negotiable.
The successful candidate, in addition to being suitably qualified, will possess energy and drive and the desire to enthuse and inspire young people. You will be joining a successful, dedicated and mutually supportive team of specialist teachers of Science, who are committed to achieving high results in well-equipped and pleasant laboratories.
The School operates a 50 (one hour) period two-week teaching cycle and the teaching time involved will be about 40 student-contact periods.
The Faculty continually seeks to invigorate and innovate the teaching of Science across the whole school and we see this as an important appointment in the pursuit of this goal. The successful candidate will be expected to make a contribution to the work of the faculty and to work as part of a team. In return, you can expect to enjoy considerable job satisfaction. As a school we are concerned to support and promote the careers of our staff.
Staff accommodation may be available [part share in a house] for a candidate fulfilling the appropriate criteria.
Some details about the faculty and its organisation are enclosed. I hope that you will find these useful. Should you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school.
My direct e-mail address is
Andrea Crombie
Leader of Faculty
March 2010
Brentwood County High School
The Faculty of Science
The Faculty Aims
The Faculty aims to promote opportunities for all students to:
- develop a positive attitude to science in a manner that encourages confidence, enjoyment and perseverance
- develop an understanding of the part which science plays in the world around them
- develop an understanding of the language of science and the ability to think scientifically – precisely, logically and creatively
- develop the knowledge , skills and understanding needed to apply a range of scientific concepts to situations which may arise in their own lives
- read science, and write and talk about the subject in a variety of ways
- develop a feel for number, carry out calculations and understand the significance of the results obtained
- use science as a means of communication with emphasis on the use of clear expression
- appreciate the place of science in society, including historical and cultural influences
- develop the ability to apply science to other subjects across the curriculum
- acquire a firm foundation appropriate to the further study of science and of other disciplines
SpecialistCollege Status
The School was awarded Specialist College Status in September 2004, for Science, Mathematics and ICT. As such we work closely with our feeder primary schools, the wider community of Brentwood and our Partner Secondary School. We have also been lucky enough to secure funding for specialist equipment and so the faculty is extremely well resourced. Specialist School activities take place within school and these often involve students from neighbouring schools alongside our own students.
Accommodation
The Science accommodation consists of a suite of 12 laboratories serviced by four preparatory rooms. Each laboratory is equipped with an interactive whiteboard and the faculty is wireless networked for the use of 2 dedicated student laptop trolleys. There are two faculty offices and these provide ample space to allow all teachers their own desk and working space. We endeavour to keep each teacher in their own laboratory for the majority of their lessons and as such we are able to take control of our individual learning environments.
The Science Curriculum
At Key Stage 3 students are set according to ability into 9 groups. The students follow either a two or three year key stage three curriculum. The accelerated students then have the opportunity to study triple science GCSEs over three years (AQA). The students who follow a 3 year Programme of Study either study Core and Additional science at GCSE (AQA) or OCR Nationals. We are also considering offering Applied Additional GCSE for some students in the future.
At Key Stage 5 the faculty offers AS and A2 courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science and Psychology.
This is an exciting and busy time for the faculty as we are currently choosing new courses and reviewing schemes of work for Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Emphasis is being placed on planning lessons that are challenging and exciting for students. We see APP (Assessing Pupil Progress), the development PLTS (Personal Learning and Thinking Skills) and opportunities for independent learning as key factors to help us achieve these aims.
Extra-curricular activities
We are an ‘open’ faculty with a commitment to helping and supporting students whenever the need arises. As such, colleagues are often to be found with students at lunchtime discussing work and helping them to sort out any problems. There is a thriving Science Club for students in Years 7 and 8, which meets on a weekly basis. Students are also actively involved in many science competitions run by external organisations.