This is a rare opportunity to undertake a vital role at one of the most sought after schools in the South West. We are seeking an outstanding teacher to lead our Maths Department on a full time basis from 4 January 2022. Backwell School is a large comprehensive school with over 1700 students of which over 350 are in the Sixth Form. Judged by Ofsted as Good in January 2020, the school has an excellent reputation in the local area and is oversubscribed. Our latest Ofsted report can be read here.
The successful candidate will be able to teach Maths at all key stages as well as to lead and manage the Curriculum Area and its staff. Our Maths Department comprises 12 talented, specialist mathematicians who teach in modern purpose-built classrooms with wonderful countryside views!
The successful candidate will have a proven track record of providing excellent outcomes for students and developing staff to improve the quality of education. We are looking for a leader, confident in their knowledge and experience of nurturing success in Mathematics and with the ability to take staff with them.
Students at Backwell School enjoy Mathematics and the Department produces excellent examination results. Maths and Further Maths are very popular choices at A Level and many students then move onto Maths-based higher education courses, including Oxbridge. We would welcome the fresh ideas of a new Curriculum Leader on how to build on this success and, in particular, to ensure that those less confident in Maths make the progress that they should.
The post includes responsibility for leading teaching and learning within the area as well as managing three TLR holders, other staff, resources and budget, modelling and ensuring participation in school initiatives and processes. The Curriculum Area includes Computer Science, however this team of three is led by its own Subject Leader (currently the Deputy Headteacher) and is organised, roomed and resourced independently from Maths.
This is an exciting time to join our school as a Curriculum Leader. Our school development priorities focus on establishing a shared ‘toolkit’ of research-based pedagogy, effective use of assessment, the progress of vulnerable students and a whole school ethos around anti-discrimination. The successful candidate should be excited by the prospect and challenge of developing a curriculum and culture which enables pupils of all abilities to excel.
Backwell School offers its staff a vibrant and stimulating teaching environment and there is a broad range of professional support available for new members of staff both within the department and in the wider school. At Backwell School, we prioritise staff wellbeing; planning time is generous with full time teachers teaching a maximum of 51 lessons out of 60. We also provide a fantastic benefits package to our employees including a contributory pension scheme, a broad employee assistance programme and benefits, cycle to work scheme and on-site parking.
The school has thriving extracurricular activities in all areas, and staff are encouraged to play a full part in the life of the school. Backwell School students take part in regional and national mathematics competitions supported by department staff. Teachers are encouraged to run clubs for students around either personal interests or subject areas and the school has a wide range of these taking place. All members of teaching staff are expected to act as tutors within the pastoral system.
Backwell School is part of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership. This offers us curriculum collaboration and support opportunities with Chew Valley and Gordano School. We also have a Trust wide Professional Development Team organising a wide range of staff training and development.
Before making an application candidates are asked to match their qualifications, experience, skills and abilities against the criteria listed on the job and person specification below. You are also strongly advised to read the supporting documents attached to this vacancy. Visits to the school prior to the application can be organised; details on requesting a visit can be found in the role information document.
To make an application please use our online application on e-teach.
The closing date for applications is 9 am on Monday 4 October 2021 and interviews will be held in the week beginning 11 October. Those who are successful following shortlisting, will be contacted regarding interview arrangements.
Backwell School and the Lighthouse Schools Partnership are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.