We are looking for a highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic candidate to join our team in a thriving Religious Studies department. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate outstanding subject knowledge, believe in pursuing high academic standards and an ability to enthuse pupils of all ages. Activities designed to challenge pupil thinking and develop learning habits such as independent study skills are central to teaching at Bancroft's. This position reports to the Head of Religious Studies.,
* To deliver subject curriculum to pupils
* To inspire pupils to develop a passion for learning
* Teaching pupils through the School at Key Stages 3 and 4, including examined groups at GCSE
* Marking, assessment and grading within the department, always setting the highest standards
of personal organisation and administration
* Attending regular meetings of the department, both formal and informal, to discuss policy,
teaching methods, approaches to the subject and the sharing of common problems and concerns
* Adhering to departmental policies and to meet School deadlines insofar as it applies to the
department
* Attending an annual review
Responsibilities in relation to the pupils and to what is taught:
* Keeping abreast of developments in the subject, maintaining contacts with professional
associations
* Participating in discussion, within the department, on the development of appropriate
syllabuses and schemes of work at all levels
* Developing new teaching and learning resources and sharing them with pupils and colleagues
* Ensuring pupils are properly prepared for exams and entered for exams
* Participating in the setting and marking of internal exams and determining appropriate grade
boundaries thereafter
* Assisting with trips and other co-curricular activities in relation to the department
* Giving appropriate guidance to pupils who wish to study the subject at further levels
* Maintaining the image of the subject as an interesting and valuable one. Keeping learning
environments stimulating and interesting Responsibilities in relation to the School:
* Carrying out School policy, including the School safety policy, in the context of the
department
* Contributing to the co-curricular life of the school
* Communicating departmental matters to the Head of Department, discussing examination
results and raising issues of concern
* Setting and marking entrance exams and interviewing where necessary
* Supporting the increasing use of ICT within the department
* Presenting the department at Open Days etc. as the need arises and in prospectuses
* Ensuring that the facilities used by the department, including equipment and teaching areas,
are maintained in an appropriate condition All teachers are expected to contribute to our pupils' holistic development and the co-curricular life of the school, outside their timetabled day and beyond their curriculum subject. This may include events, training or rehearsals, for example, after school and at weekends, and running or staffing residential trips, as well as a standard expectation of regular clubs for both curriculum extension and the co-curriculum.
Education Have a good honours degree in a QTS/PGCE relevant subject Experience of teaching high Experience of teaching Religious ability students Experience Studies and/or Philosophy. Experience of teaching this subject at A level The ability to develop and maintain good relationships with students and colleagues The ability to use IT appropriately to support teaching and learning Skills Have a good understanding and Commitment to ongoing awareness of safeguarding procedures professional development Be willing to contribute to the cocurricular and pastoral life of the school Excellent communication skills Be enthusiastic Personal Be confident Qualities Be diligent Be creative
And yet, we strive to achieve so much more than just results. 'Being Bancroft's' is the name which we give to our holistic approach to developing our pupils. This is a rounded educational framework running through the school which guides pupils to take full advantage of the huge range of different opportunities on offer at the school; whether immersed in academic research, being out on the sports fields, taking part in charitable activities, acting on the stage, playing music or attending some of our numerous clubs and societies, we want our pupils to challenge themselves and learn by taking part wholeheartedly in school life. All teachers are expected to contribute to the co-curricular life of the school beyond their subject specialism. Bancroft's is a warm, forward-looking, modern school; a centre of excellence for the twenty-first century. We have a very diverse intake of pupils, valuing inclusivity of pupils and staff of different ethnicities, religions, sexualities, genders, learning needs and strengths. We value inclusion for all it can bring to each of us at Bancroft's as well as the school as a whole. Professional development and training is a fundamental part of working at Bancroft's. Our staff are supported and encouraged to continually reflect on their practice; together we want to ensure that each member of staff feels that they are being developed and able to help provide the very best educational and transformative experience for all our pupils., Religious Studies is a thriving and popular subject at Bancroft's, with multiple sets consistently running at both GCSE and A Level. It has an excellent record of achievement both at GCSE and A Level. The subject is situated in a school where the moral, religious and spiritual life of pupils is taken seriously by both staff and pupils alike. Pupils value the subject as a means of understanding themselves better, as well as a way to engage seriously with important moral and philosophical questions which affect both religious and non-religious people. Our student body is diverse and respectful of the religious beliefs of others and this is reflected in engaging and intelligent classroom discussion. At Key Stage 3, all students follow a course that covers the six major world faiths in a variety of ways as well as a range of philosophical and ethical questions. The AQA Religious Studies GCSE is optional, but attracts high numbers of students, who achieve consistently excellent results. In 2024, 100% pupils scored 9-7 Grades at GCSE, with 80% at Grade 8 and 9. GCSE students study Specification A, with Christianity and Islam as the two religions chosen for teaching. We teach the OCR A Level course, delivering Philosophy, Ethics and Developments in Christian Thought. The department work closely together, exchanging resources, experience and knowledge. The use of 1:1 devices across all of our Key Stages at Bancroft's reflects our forward-thinking and
Curiosity We want our pupils to take delight in the possibilities that the world has to offer and to develop an abiding curiosity about the world; to explore their imaginative and creative potential and to take pleasure in self-expression. Kindness We want Bancroft's pupils to be kind, to have integrity and the courage to pursue and protect what is good; to make wise decisions, based on compassion and empathy. Integrity We want our pupils to learn to understand themselves and others and develop a clear moral grounding for their lives. Courage We want our pupils to show courage and a spirit of adventure in all aspects of their learning; to confront challenges and try to overcome them. Balance We want our pupils to learn how to live balanced, healthy, productive and well-regulated lives and to learn to understand the different aspects that combine to create a secure framework for flourishing. Excellence We want our pupils to aspire to be the best they might be and to make the most of their talents and abilities; we want our pupils to form realistic and ambitious ideals for the future., This job description reflects the major aspects of the role. The successful candidate may be expected to assume some additional responsibilities as reasonably requested by the Head and to demonstrate a commitment to improving and developing the organisation's processes and facilities. The organisation reserves the right to alter the content of this job description after consultation to reflect changes to the job or services provided, without altering the general character or level of responsibility. In the event of a major incident or disaster, you may be required to provide assistance, in whatever capacity necessary and participate in any training to ensure the School is fully prepared for such events. Working at Bancroft's An attractive salary package is offered, according to experience and expertise. Bancroft's offers a generous benefits package to all staff, including:
* Competitive salaries
* Commitment to supporting ongoing professional development
* Outstanding support for ECTs
* Generous holiday allowance
* Optional subsidised private health care
* Use of school gym. Weekly swimming sessions for staff
* Friendly and welcoming common room, which organises regular social events
* Access to school counsellors and the support of a staff wellbeing team
* Complimentary lunches
There is generous CPD support and staff are encouraged to seek opportunities to develop their skills and expertise either to further their career or to support enjoyment of their role. We also have a staff group working on Diversity and Inclusion and the school is a founding member of the Schools' Inclusion Alliance.