Job Description
Please see Notes for Job Applicants for
general background information on St. Clare's
and Additional Information for Teachers on pre-university courses.
Sciences at St. Clare's
The Head of Science takes responsibility for the Science teaching on the International Baccalaureate and pre-IB courses. The post is available due to the retirement of our Head of Science who has taught at St. Clare's for over 25 years. As a biologist the Head of Science will teach Biology to IB students. S/he will also teach some Science to pre-IB students.
Sciences are an integral part of the IB programme. All IB students must take at least one Science subject, though many opt to take two. Physics, Chemistry, Biology are all offered at both Higher and Standard level. In addition, Ecosystems and Societies (a transdisciplinary subject) is offered at standard level either as a Science or as an Individuals and Societies subject.
The pre-IB course is a College-devised programme which offers up to one year of preparation in subjects and English language (as necessary) to students not yet ready to begin the IB programme. While some students come for the whole year, others join the programme for one or two terms. We also accept a number of students, principally from Brazil , who are taking a study break from their own schools, to which they will return to complete secondary education. Up to 36 students are enrolled on this programme.
Science is also offered as part of the new IB Institute, a programme of Easter and summer revision and preparation courses for students from all over the world. While teaching on this programme is not required, there are openings for members of the department to undertake this.
Science department
Currently there are eight members of the department, including the head of department. There are two biologists (one full-time and one 0.76 who also teaches Ecosystems and Societies), two chemists (one full-time and one 0.5), one physicist (full-time), one Ecosystems and Societies teacher (full-time) who also teaches Geography, and two members of senior management who teach some Biology. There are also two science laboratory technicians.
There are 4 laboratories for Science teaching, one each for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Ecosystems and Societies. The labs are small (as are our class sizes) but well equipped. In addition there are two Science prep rooms. The Chemistry lab is equipped with a ceiling-mounted data projector. We plan to install such equipment to other labs in the future.
The Head of Science is a member of the Academic Steering Group, a head of departments committee, which meets regularly on academic management and administration of pre-university courses.
The Head of Science
Essential requirements
- degree and PGCE (or equivalent)
- an excellent and innovative classroom practitioner
- experience of teaching IB or equivalent
- willingness to contribute to the life of a busy boarding college
- leadership skills
- efficiency and flexibility
Desirable
- previous management experience
- ability to offer another subject to IB level
- experience of working in an international environment
- experience of working with students of different language / educational backgrounds
Terms and Conditions
Currently, teaching takes place on 175 days per year, and an additional 10 days are assigned for administration, parents' days, professional development etc. Weekend attendance is required for some of these activities. Teaching takes place on bank holidays falling within the term time.
Currently teaching takes place between 09.00 and 16.15, Monday to Friday (15.15 on Wednesday) with attendance at staff meetings scheduled after teaching on some days.
All teachers are expected to contribute significantly to the life of a busy boarding college environment e.g. leading and participating in extra-curricular activities and/or residential duties with students each year.
Salary is based on the St. Clare's salary scale. The basic salary will be £31,005. This post will also carry a responsibility allowance of not less than £5,688 (a larger allowance may be made available to a particularly experienced or exceptionally able candidate.)
Pastoral responsibilities as a Personal Tutor may be required and receive additional payment of approximately £2,250.
Free lunch is provided during term time.
Fee reductions are offered for children attending the College.
Residential accommodation may be available, but only in conjunction with appointment as a resident house warden.
Recruitment information
Post advertised on 21 April and 28 April 2006
Please apply by sending:
- a full CV, with names, addresses and telephone numbers of two professional referees (Please ensure that the CV gives a full account of all time since leaving secondary school)
- a letter of application
to the Vice Principal, Tom Walsh
St. Clare's, Oxford, 139 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7AL
Tel: +44 (0)1865 517368
Fax: +44 (0)1865 310002
Email: recruitment@stclares.ac.uk
Closing date for receipt of applications: 10 May
Interviews will be held during the week 15-19 May
Appointments will be subject to enhanced CRB check and satisfactory references
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