Brighton College is seeking to appoint a Teacher of Physics, to start in late August 2025.
The Department
Since January 2020 the department has been based in Brighton’s new £55 million School of Science and Sport. Amongst a host of other world-class facilities, the building includes six dedicated physics laboratory spaces, and ample administrative and technical workspace for staff. The department has a well-resourced preparation room with its own dedicated technician. In recent years PASCO wireless data logging equipment has been purchased to aid with practical work and demonstrations.
The team consists of 8 members of staff (including the Head of Department, and a Deputy) from a diverse range of backgrounds, including research and industry. The subject is taught as a separate science at KS3, and all pupils study all three sciences at GCSE, with the vast majority on the separate science pathway. We currently have 142 pupils studying the subject at A-level. At present we follow the Edexcel 9-1 syllabus for GCSE and the AQA syllabus for A-Level. Results in recent years have been excellent, with pupils achieving 98% Grades 9-7 at GCSE and 98.4% A*-B at A-Level, with 85% Grades 9-8 at GCSE and 87.5% A*-A at A-Level in August 2024.
The department also has a comprehensive Oxbridge programme, where pupils have secured 15 offers in physics and related subjects in the past 3 years. The department aims to achieve the highest academic standards and results by instilling a desire to understand and question the complexities and workings of the universe.
By taking pupils beyond the constraints of the syllabus, the department aims to develop their problem solving and analytical skills in preparation for the rigours undergraduate study. In recent years, pupils have achieved an abundance of awards in the British Physics Olympiad competitions and have represented the UK at the International Physics Olympiad. The department also offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as a weekly Science Club, SCUBA physics and an annual trip to CERN.
The Role
The successful candidate will be expected to teach physics across the curriculum, from Year 7 to A-level.
An ability to contribute towards the department’s extension programme, including a willingness to support pupils with applications to leading universities (including Oxford and Cambridge), will be a distinct advantage. All teachers within the department are expected to assist in the development of schemes of work, through the creation of teaching resources and the compilation of content for our Microsoft OneNote Notebooks and SharePoint.
Additionally, all teachers at Brighton College are expected to contribute to the school’s pastoral system, generally as a tutor in one of our 15 houses (of which six are boarding houses and nine are day). There is also an expectation that all teachers will contribute to the co-curricular life of the school, through the extensive Games programme, and/or through the leadership of one of almost 100 school societies. Candidates are encouraged to point to interests and enthusiasms as part of their application.
All staff have the opportunity to contribute to our super-curricular Masterclass programme; this a is a series of sessions focussing on an area of personal academic or cultural interest. These have included subjects such as Magical Realism, Cuisine and Culture and Great Debates in History.
All teachers joining Brighton will have the benefit of guidance by an experienced mentor, whose role it will be to provide support during their probationary period. Thereafter, all teachers are expected and supported to participate in continuous professional development, throughout their time at the College.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
• This role will involve daily contact with pupils and you will be engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
• All staff and volunteers have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for who you are responsible and with whom you come into contact.