Teacher of Science in Reigate

Dunottar is a vibrant, co-educational independent school set in extensive grounds of 15 acres on the outskirts of Reigate, Surrey. We have 460 pupils across years 7-13 and are part of United Learning's large and growing family of schools. We are a first-choice school for parents in the local area and operate a waiting list for admissions. Through excellent teaching and outstanding pastoral care, we aim to bring out the best in every pupil, enabling them to be the very best they can be. We believe that for pupils to succeed in the workplace of the future, they need a well-rounded education that goes beyond academics. Our unique Warrior Learning ethos encourages pupils to aim high, to challenge themselves and not to fear making mistakes, while also developing an excellent set of values.

We are seeking to appoint a high calibre and enthusiastic Science Teacher to join this successful and friendly department. The ideal candidate will inspire curiosity and foster a genuine passion for the sciences, while fully embracing the aims and ethos of both the Science Department and Dunottar School. The role will involve teaching all sciences at Key Stage 3, with a specialism in Chemistry considered advantageous. This is a fixed-term position for one academic year, offered on a part-time basis (0.4-0.5 FTE).

The Department has a well-established Science department. In Year 7 and 8 pupils are taught science; from Year 9, pupils commence their Science GCSEs taking AQA science in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. At A Level the AQA specification is followed in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The Science department has good facilities with six spacious, well-equipped laboratories and two preparation rooms. The Science Department organises and promotes Dunottar School Science Week and British Science Week annually in March, with activities such as a mobile planetarium and a House Science competition. Pupils are encouraged to participate in thought-provoking co‑curricular offerings such as our Café Scientifique Club, Dissection Club and Science Club to stimulate curiosity and an interest in science across all the key stages, as well as participating in the inter‑school SATRO Problem Solving Competition. Practical activities are the very basis of making our lessons as fun and engaging as possible and our weekly clubs reflect and reinforce this. The successful candidate will be expected to make a contribution to these initiatives as well as to the co‑curricular programme.

Main Responsibilities

• Have high expectations of pupils.
• Create a stimulating and positive learning environment.
• Show a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainment of the pupils, and that these have been taken into account when planning lessons.
• Attend staff and departmental meetings.
• Maintain up-to-date records of attendance, assessment, planning, reports and communication with parents.
• Contribute to curriculum planning, including the development of schemes of work.
• Contribute to the departmental co‑curricular and extra‑curricular programme.
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to new developments in the sciences.

Professional Qualifications and Skills

• A record of excellent academic achievement including a relevant honours degree.
• PGCE/QTS.

Personal Qualities

• High levels of personal and professional integrity.
• Self‑confidence, personal energy and dynamism.
• Personal warmth, good rapport with pupils, colleagues and parents.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent oral and written English skills.
• Appropriate levels of personal presentation.

Teaching and Learning

• Enthusiasm for, and an excellent knowledge of, the relevant curriculum.
• Evidence of creative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning including the appropriate use of ICT.
• Commitment to improving, monitoring and evaluating teaching and learning.
• The ability to teach all Sciences; with a Chemistry specialism being advantageous.
• An ability to make all pupils feel valued and involved in your lessons.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• To keep abreast of educational research and pedagogy so that lessons enable all pupils to make progress.

Philosophy & Ethos

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and conduct.
• Commitment to best practice in pastoral support and student welfare.
• Commitment to helping with extra‑curricular activities and curriculum enrichment.

The Package

• Salary: Appropriate point on the United Learning Teachers’ pay scale.
• Remission of fees: For permanent members of staff with children who attend a UL independent school (in line with the usual admissions policy) – currently 33% for the first child and 50% for further children, pro‑rata for part‑time staff.
• Continuous Professional Development: with Dunottar and United Learning.
• Employee benefits: A variety of benefits including gym, cycle and car lease salary sacrifice schemes; access to an Employee Assistance Programme which provides independent, confidential advice 24 hours a day; money back towards the cost of essential healthcare via Westfield Health Cash Plan; a range of discounts, including retail and entertainment discounts via Westfield Rewards.
• Dining: Free school lunch during term time.
• Sports and leisure: Use of the swimming pool, the Courtyard Gym and tennis courts (at specific times).
• Wellbeing: Staff access to school counsellor, inclusive and varied staff social events.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake additional duties as reasonably directed by the Headmaster. The organisation reserves the right to amend the content of this role, following appropriate consultation, to reflect changes in the nature of the position or the services provided, without altering its overall purpose or level of responsibility.