1 Full-Time and 1 Part-Time position from late August 2012

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

The posts

These roles represent an excellent opportunity for dedicated teachers of Physics to teach a timetable comprising their specialist subject at International Baccalaureate level. Class size is a maximum of 12 for IB Physics (due to lab size) and the students are invariably well-behaved and keen to learn. These are optimal conditions for a teacher to plan and deliver excellent lessons in a supportive and collegial environment.

There are two posts available. One is for a full-time teacher of Physics and the other is for a part-time teacher of Physics, both on International Baccalaureate courses. It is expected that the successful candidate for the part-time position would teach 9 to 11 hours of Physics. A full timetable at St. Clare's comprises 21 hours, so this is a substantial part-time post.

All IB students (about 240 students) must take a Group 4 i.e. Science subject. All Pre-IB students (30-40 students) take a Science course comprising of modules of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Systems usually taught by subject specialists.

Physics at St. Clare's

Higher level IB Physics 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 Physics classes have 4 hours per week. Pre-IB Physics would be similar in standard to (I)GCSE single or double award Science.

There are usually up to 12 students in each IB Physics class and up to 12 in Pre-IB Physics class. Science classes are a compulsory part of the Pre-IB programme. IB Physics is a very popular option with approximately 30 students choosing it each year. The IB Physics 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 and Biology are all offered at both Higher and Standard level. Astronomy is offered at Standard level only. 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. Up to 40 students are currently enrolled on the Pre-IB programme.

There are up to 12 students in Pre-IB Science classes. Pre-IB Science is taught on a modular basis and includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Systems modules. Pre-IB Science classes have 4 hours per week. Pre-IB Biology would be similar in standard to (I)GCSE single or double award Science. The syllabi for the Pre-IB courses are designed by St. Clare's teachers, so there is considerable scope for creative course design.

Science is also offered as part of the St. Clare's IB Institute, a programme of Easter and summer IB revision and IB 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.

Information on subject content can be found at www.stclares.ac.uk/ib/ibsubjects

Science department

Currently there are seven teaching members of the department, including the Head of Department. There are also two science laboratory technicians.

There are 4 laboratories for Science teaching: one each for Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Systems 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.

The Physics, Chemistry and Environmental Systems and Societies laboratories have recently been refurbished to a high standard.

The person(s)

Essential requirements

• Degree and PGCE (or equivalent)
• Experience of teaching your subject to IB level, A2 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 and/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. A full-time teacher with six years' experience can expect to earn in the region of £39,628. A teacher new to the profession can expect to earn in the region of £31,782. In both cases the salaries include £3,383 for the responsibility of being a Personal Tutor.

The academic year for IB and Pre-IB teaching is 35 weeks from late August 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.

Professional development – there is a generous professional development budget to allow teachers to keep up to date with educational developments and improve their classroom practice.

Pension - The teacher may be entitled to join the Teachers' Pension Scheme. The teacher's contribution is 7.6-8.0% of pensionable salary.

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. The College also provides additional cover of one times the average salary.

Fee reductions of 70% of day fees are offered for staff children attending the College. Children may apply for a scholarship or bursary to cover the remaining 30% of day fees.

A substantial relocation allowance will be available to defray costs of moving to Oxford.

Applications

Please apply by completing the application form, available on the ‘jobs' section of our website. This will include a detailed letter explaining how you would be particularly suited to this position.

Also included will be details of three referees to include addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers (please ensure they know they may be contacted and will respond promptly). Note that we reserve the right to contact any of your previous employers.

Please complete this APPLICATION FORM

Tom Walsh, Vice Principal
St. Clare's, Oxford
39 Banbury Road
Oxford OX2 7AL
Tel: +44 (0)1865 517368
Fax: +44 (0)1865 310002
Email: recruitment@stclares.ac.uk

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 2 May 2012.
Interviews will take place at St. Clare's, Oxford during the week starting May 14th 2012. Candidates who are short-listed for interview must be available to spend a day at St. Clare's during that week.

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