What skills and experience we're looking for
The Downs School is looking for an energetic, enthusiastic and inspiring classroom practitioner with a real passion for Physics. We offer an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and motivated team where your skills and determination will play a pivotal role in positively impacting the lives of our students and share in our vision of ‘educating today’s students for the world of tomorrow’. ECTs will be welcomed as well as those from more experienced teachers.
Our highly successful and forward-thinking Science Faculty is comprised of expert scientists who are united in their commitment to constantly improving their teaching practice. Our commitment to CPD and inspirational teaching and learning is a stand-out feature of both the department and the school. The team has been working closely with the education expert Adam Boxer to further improve our excellent science outcomes (“red hot” ALPS 2 / 3 across all Sciences at both KS4 and KS5 in 2024). Adam runs Carousel Learning and delivers CPD nationally and internationally. The successful candidate will join their colleagues in taking a lead role in the pursuit of ever-improving practice designed to accelerate student progression.
About the Role: As a successful candidate, you will:
• Motivate and Inspire: Bring your enthusiasm for physics into the classroom, igniting curiosity and a love for learning.
• Collaborate: Contribute to the success of our science faculty by working closely with a dedicated team of teachers.
• Build Relationships: Create positive and trusting connections with students while making learning exciting and challenging.
• Embrace Innovation: Be open to creative and innovative teaching methods.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a dynamic environment, handling challenges with flexibility.
About Us
The Downs School and Sixth Form is a successful, oversubscribed, and popular school serving the stunning Downs area of West Berkshire. Our results demonstrate the impact of our commitment to outstanding teaching and learning. We lead all schools in the county for attainment and are ranked 199th out of nearly 7000 schools nationally for our Progress 8 last summer.
Application Details
We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy if sufficient applications are received. To apply, please apply via TES. For more information, visit thedownsschool.org or contact Sarah Townsend, HR Manager or recruitment@thedownsschool.org. We welcome pre-arranged visits to the school.
Closing date: Monday 20th January 2025
The Downs School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants
will be subject to social media checks, an Enhanced Disclosure Check through the DBS and provide evidence that they have a right to work in the UK.
What the school offers its staff
What we offer: In return, you’ll enjoy:
• Caring Environment: Our positive ethos prioritises staff well-being and recognition.
• Empowerment: Work alongside ambitious, dedicated colleagues who are committed to developing the whole child.
• Exceptional Students: Engage with children who love being at school, exhibit exceptional behaviour and have a strong attitude towards their learning.
• Professional Environment: Join a stimulating and collaborative workplace in a school Ofsted labelled as ‘exceptional’ in October 2024
• Professional Growth: Access extraordinary professional development and support to enhance your teaching skills.
• Flexible Work Options: We value work balance through the availability of flexible working, our ‘Time for you Tuesdays’, commuted INSETs and Employee Assistance Programme.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.