Head of Biology

South Craven School, Holme Lane, Cross Hills, BD20 7RL

Head of Biology

MPS/UPS plus TLR 2:2 (£5,347)

Permanent, Full Time

South Craven School, supported by South Craven Academy Trust since May 2011, is an 11-18 mixed comprehensive school situated in a semi-rural location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales with easy access to Leeds, Bradford and Greater Manchester.  South Craven achieves strong results at both GCSE and A level and has an excellent vocational programme.

Learning is placed firmly at the heart of the South Craven School community. Our main priority is to ensure our students have the best opportunities for success and the highest possible aspirations for the future.  We are very proud of our excellent reputation in our local community, recognising our responsibility to provide young people with the skills and qualities to respond to the challenges of a fast-changing world.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Science Faculty for a well-qualified, inspiring and ambitious teacher to support the Head of Science and lead Biology.  The Science department is a large, successful and well-established department with a team consisting of 18 experienced full and part-time teachers, a Science specific TA and 3 technicians for each subject. There are 14 fully equipped Science laboratories and 3 dedicated prep rooms. Students are taught Edexcel Combined Science at GCSE, with selected students sitting separate Science GCSEs. Science is popular in the sixth form with many students selecting to continue with A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as L3 BTEC Applied Science.

We are looking to appoint someone who can lead Biology with confidence and real ambition.  Someone who can continue to develop and deliver a diverse and expansive curriculum that secures rich knowledge in our students and which expands our students’ passion for the subject.

The successful candidate will join the team in September 2024.

The main duties and responsibilities of this post include: 

• Leading the Biology curriculum across KS3 and KS4, experience of KS5 is advantageous.
• Monitoring of student progress in Biology including analysis of data; coordination of interventions; and monitoring teaching and learning across the department.
• Teaching all aspects of science at KS3 and KS4 with the ability to teach Biology to A level would be an advantage.
• Coordination of extracurricular events and trips to support the Biology curriculum.
• Developing and maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of the curriculum and relevant research.
• Supporting and developing other staff in the department as well as developing your own teaching practice.
• Contributing actively to the policies and aspirations of the school.

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate:

• An ability to lead biology across KS3 and 4 with support for delivery at KS5 if needed.
• An outstanding teaching ability and passion for the subject
• The commitment, skills and personal qualities to lead a team and develop the practice of others.
• Proven track record of securing the best outcomes for students.
• Knowledge and understanding of the science curriculum as well as demonstrating excellent classroom practice.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise.
• Personal ambition and the capacity for hard work

Please apply in the first instance by letter of Application enclosing a full CV.

If you wish to hear more about this exciting vacancy, please contact Liz Creasey Business Director on (phone number removed).

The closing date for applications to be returned is noon on Monday 8th April 2024, interview date to be confirmed.        

South Craven School is committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity.  We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults.  We have a robust child protection policy, and all staff will receive training relevant to their role at induction and throughout employment.  We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is subject to satisfactory reference and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service criminal records check for work with children.  An online search may be undertaken for shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process on information available in the public domain.  Candidates should disclose anything that may be relevant in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.