full-time required from late August 2008

Please read in conjunction with Notes for applicants and Additional information for teachers of IB courses.

The post

The post is based upon teaching Chemistry on the International Baccalaureate Course and Science on the Preparatory IB course (Pre-IB).

Chemistry at St. Clare's

Higher level IB Chemistry is approximately equivalent to A2 level. Standard level is in between A2 level and (I)GCSE. Higher level classes have 4 hours/week of teaching, while Standard level classes have 3 hours per week in IB1 and 2.5 hours per week in IB2. Pre-IB Chemistry classes have 4 hours per week. Pre-IB Chemistry would be similar in standard to (I)GCSE single or double award Science. There are usually up to 9 students in each IB Chemistry class and up to 12 in Pre-IB Science classes. Science classes are a compulsory part of the Pre-IB programme. IB Chemistry is a very popular option with approximately 40 students choosing it each year. The IB Chemistry results are excellent.

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 academic 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 40 students are currently enrolled on this programme.

Science is also offered as part of the St. Clare's IB introduction and review courses in the summer. While teaching on this programme is not required, there are openings for members of the department to undertake this.

Science department

Currently there are five full-time members of the department, including the head of department. There are two biologists (one full-time and one part-time), two chemists (one full-time and one part-time), two physicists (one full-time and one part-time) and two full-time teachers for Ecosystems and Societies. Additionally one part-time colleague teaches Pre-IB Chemistry. One of the biologists also teaches Ecosystems and Societies, while the other biologist also teaches Chemistry. Both Ecosystems teachers also teach Geography. There are also two science laboratory technicians. Two members of senior management are also science teachers.

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. All laboratories are equipped with ceiling-mounted digital projectors.

Some information on subject content can be found here.

The person

Essential requirements

• degree and PGCE (or equivalent)
• experience of teaching your subject to IB level or equivalent
• an excellent and innovative classroom practitioner
• willingness to contribute to the life of a busy boarding school
• efficiency and flexibility

Desirable

• ability to offer another subject to IB or Pre-IB level
• experience of working in an international environment
• experience of working with students of different language / educational backgrounds

Terms and conditions

Salaries for full-time teachers are based on the St. Clare's pay scale (in excess of the main professional scale for maintained schools), according to qualifications and experience.

The academic year for IB and Pre-IB teaching is 35 weeks from the start of September until mid-June (with appropriate breaks that are largely synchronised with local schools).

Classes are timetabled between 09:00 and 16:15, Monday to Friday.

Teachers are provided with free lunch in the dining room or café on working days.

Pension: The teacher may be entitled to join the Teachers' Pension Scheme.  The teacher's contribution is 6.4% of pensionable salary, but the percentage is subject to review from time to time.

Life Assurance: If the teacher is a member of the Teachers' Pension Scheme the cover is three times the average salary less any lump sum benefits already paid.

Fee reductions are offered for children attending the College.

Applications

Please apply by detailed letter enclosing:

• a full CV to include a full employment history with names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of all previous employers where you have worked with students aged under 18
• details of three referees to include addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers (please ensure they know they may be contacted and will respond promptly)

to Tom Walsh, Vice Principal
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 applications: 17 March 2008

Appointments will be subject to CRB check and satisfactory references.

Please note that CVs without a suitable accompanying letter and/or details of referees with be discarded