Teacher of Physics

Physics is a highly popular subject at Epsom reflecting the College’s distinguished tradition in science education. We follow the Edexcel IGCSE specification at GCSE and A-level students go on to study the AQA Physics specification.

The Year 7 and 8 curriculum introduces Lower School pupils to the world of physics with the aim of developing an understanding across the electricity, energy, forces and motion topics that prepare them to enter the M4 (Year 9). In these formative years we also encourage pupils to develop their investigative skills with a key focus on practical skills. The introduction of the lower school also enabled us to introduce an innovative curriculum across the sciences with the use of Surface Pros.

M4 (Year 9) students follow a common syllabus which prepares them for the breadth of material studied at IGCSE. We place great emphasis on students developing their understanding of core Physics concepts as well as developing their analytical, mathematical, practical and problem-solving skills. This is designed to give all pupils a good grounding before embarking on their IGSCE course through years 10 and 11.

Typically, up to 40 students opt to further their study of Physics each year at A-level. There are, currently, three Physics sets in the Lower Sixth Year and three in the Upper Sixth.  Results are consistently high, with many students going on to read Physics or Engineering at top universities including a number who gain places at Oxford or Cambridge. As part of our Sixth Form curriculum we also run a biannual trip to CERN (Geneva) to visit the Large Hadron Collider.

The Department is situated in the heart of the College in its own building consisting of seven modern laboratories and an ICT suite; the Department comprises seven full time teachers and we also have the support of two dedicated full time Physics technicians. We are extremely well resourced with practical equipment, this includes the most recent wireless PASCO data logging suite, enabling us to incorporate the development of practical skills as a key part of our teaching and learning.

Departmental Principles and Aims

• To encourage a genuine enjoyment and interest of and appreciation for Physics that fosters a desire to investigate Physics beyond the curriculum. 
• To enable pupils to develop an understanding of concepts that they can test using experimentation and form conclusions backed up by analysis of experimental data.
• To develop pupils’ problem solving-skills allowing them to answer questions whilst demonstrating an understanding of a wide range of mathematical skills.
• To enable pupils to accurately and fluently, express themselves mathematically.
• To develop pupils’ ability, to write clearly and accurately, enabling them to explain scientific concepts and theories using key vocabulary precisely.
• To develop pupils’ personal, social, cultural and historical awareness and understanding through their study of the Physics curriculum. 

 Characteristics of the Department

• The department has been at the forefront of developing new uses of technology in the classroom and pioneering approaches to assessment and feedback.
• As a core subject, we aim to develop literacy and numeracy skills across all pupils in support of the wider aims of the College.
• There is a purposeful atmosphere of collaboration in the department in which all colleagues work together and support each other to review and refine schemes of work and teaching practices.
• As a department, we pride ourselves on the wealth of opportunities that we provide for our pupils, both inside and outside the classroom. The opportunities include: academic support sessions, collaboration with Biology and Chemistry to arranging and running the annual science appreciation week, arranging further cultural hour and subject related talks, taking a lead in running STEM activities and our biannual CERN Physics trip.

The successful applicant for this post will be expected to:

• Teach a full standard timetable allocation (currently 21 lessons of 50 minutes over a six-day timetable);
• Contribute to the successful teaching of the subject in years 7 to 13, adapting and reassessing lesson plans to meet specific student needs, liaising with the Academic Support Department as necessary;
• Be responsible for the processes of assessment, recording and reporting for the pupils in their charge;
• Assess pupils’ work frequently in line with Departmental and school policy and use the results to inform future planning, teaching and curricular development;
• Be familiar with school assessment and reporting procedures and prepare and present informative, helpful and accurate reports to parents both in writing and at parent consultation evenings;
• Enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the Department and wider College through sharing resources and good practice, lesson observation, collaborative teaching, mentoring and active participation in continuing professional development;
• Consolidate and extend learning, encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their own learning;
• Set high expectations for all pupils to deepen their knowledge and understanding and to maximise their achievement;
• Use positive management of behaviour in an environment of mutual respect that allows pupils to feel safe and secure and promotes their self-esteem;
• Make a positive contribution to the efficient running of the Department, including setting and marking examinations, writing Schemes of Work, attending departmental meetings, and undertaking administrative and other tasks as delegated by the Head of Department;
• Play an active role in the co-curricular life of the Department, including contributing to support sessions, extension programmes, competitions, trips, open days and prep school events;
• As requested by the Assistant Head: Total Curriculum, contribute fully to the school wide co-curricular programme outside of purely academic areas, across all three terms and the six day working week.  This could include assisting with coaching and running a sport team, training with the Combined Cadet Force or DofE programmes, delivering high quality and innovative activities across a range of age groups, assisting with whole school events and contributing to the Total Curriculum in whatever way is best required by the College;
• Work as a tutor in either the Lower School, or in a day or boarding house as requested by the Deputy Head: Pastoral & DSL.
• Adhere to, and promote, all College policies and procedures;
• Undertake any other reasonable task as directed by the Head, Deputy Head Academic or Head of Department.

This job description is indicative of the expected duties and responsibilities of a teacher at Epsom College.  Given the dynamic and evolving nature of teaching and learning this job description is fluid and would expect to alter as the College’s teaching and learning strategy and academic developments evolve.

Epsom College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment

Essential

• Possess an excellent degree in Physics or related subject;
• Demonstrate the ability to teach GCSE and A Level;
• Demonstrate an innovative and imaginative approach to teaching and learning, showing the capability to deliver inspirational and informative lessons to a variety of age ranges and abilities;
• Display a willingness to be involved in all aspects of departmental development, be a dedicated team-player who strives for excellence and leads by example;
• Be able to demonstrate a positive and authoritative rapport with all pupils, showing excellent and effective classroom management skills;
• Show excellent communication skills to enable effective dialogue with pupils, parents, staff and visitors;
• Be organised and self-motivated, with a proven record for meeting targets and deadlines;
• Demonstrate a sharp and progressive vision of the subject and of teaching and learning in a successful and dynamic school;
• Display an ability to perform well and remain professional whilst under pressure, be tactful and discreet, whilst mindful of observing Safeguarding and professional standards;
• Be committed to boarding school life and willing to engage in a range of co-curricular activities;
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to personal continuous professional development;
• Display a smart and professional appearance, representing the College in a positive manner.

Desirable

• Demonstrate an ability to teach a further science or Maths at GCSE level
• Provide evidence of an impressive track record of GCSE and A Level results;
• A demonstrable interest in aspects of Physics, both on and off the syllabus and in recent and forthcoming curriculum developments in the subject area.

In order to arrive at a decision, the selection panel may enhance any or all of the desirable criteria and we reserve the right to appoint at any time during the recruitment process.

The College has its own competitive salary scale, offers a generous flexible pension scheme along with a private health care plan, fee remission for the sons and daughters of staff and accommodation may be available.

The offer of the role would be made subject to receipt of references, proof of relevant qualifications, Teaching Regulation Agency and other relevant checks for teaching positions in the UK, obtaining a letter of professional standing from the professional regulating authority for teachers who have worked outside the UK where appropriate, a check of online search engines and websites of publicly available information that does not identify the candidate as potentially unsuitable to work within a school setting, sighting of birth certificate, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check, an overseas check, if appropriate, and pre-placement medical assessment that are all satisfactory to Epsom College.  Proof of entitlement to work within the United Kingdom will be required. Prior to interview, an online search of internet search engines, websites and other publicly available and publicly accessible platforms to ascertain applicant’s suitability to work within a school environment will be undertaken on applicants that have been shortlisted.

All employees are required to ensure that all duties and responsibilities are discharged in accordance with the College’s Health and Safety Policy.  They should take reasonable care for their own Health and Safety and that of others who may be affected by what they do or do not do.  Staff should correctly use work items provided by the College, including personal protective equipment in accordance with training and instruction.

Anyone wishing to discuss these details further may contact Mrs Becky Brown, Deputy Head Academic rebecca.brown@epsomcollege.org.uk or Mr Jeremy Dodd, Head of Physics, jeremy.dodd@epsomcollege.org.uk.

Candidates are asked to complete Application Form available from our website www.epsomcollege.org.uk or TES along with a letter of application and submit these as soon as possible.  Applications will be assessed in order of receipt and interviews and subsequent offer may occur at any stage after applications are received. We therefore invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Please contact Vikki Stroud, Recruitment and HR Manager, with any queries regarding the application process Vikki.Stroud@epsomcollege.org.uk

Closing date   9am Monday 24 February 2024