Teacher of Science

The Sir Robert Woodard Academy, an Ofsted ‘good’ rated academy, one of the ‘happiest’ schools in the country (The Sunday Times, 2025) and part of the Woodard family of schools, is a dynamic and popular 11–18 academy located between Worthing and Brighton, serving the students of Lancing, Sompting and Shoreham. Our aim is that every student is known and nurtured and is provided with teaching and learning experiences enabling them to fulfil their potential. We believe that students succeed when the environment is caring and orderly, with teaching that fires the imagination and brings learning to life.

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Science Teacher with thorough subject knowledge to join the Science department from September 2025. This is an incredible opportunity to join an excellent team of practitioners who are very excited about the future outcomes of their students. We welcome applications from colleagues with QTS, particularly ECTs, who are committed to raising achievement in Science. This is a permanent and full time position.

About the Science Department

The Science department has maintained a strong trend of positive results in recent years, with students performing at or above the national average. We have been recognised by STEM Ambassadors UK for our commitment to enhancing STEM education and providing exceptional opportunities for students.

Science Projects & Achievements

Our department leads on a number of authentic, student-led research projects, including collaborations with the Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS). Recent projects include:

● Decoding the genome of the human whipworm in partnership with the Sanger Institute, Cambridge.

● Working with the Design Technology team to build and race a Greenpower electric car at Goodwood.

● Completing the Gold CREST Award through a STEM partnership with Ricardo Engineering.

● Participating in the DNA Origami project with the Bragg Centre for Materials Science, where students created novel DNA structures in our labs.

We also offer a wide range of enrichment activities, including science clubs, STEM trips, visits, and further CREST Award opportunities.

Science Curriculum Innovation

We are currently developing a brand-new Key Stage 3 Science curriculum based on Wicked Problem-Based Learning (WPBL). This innovative approach contextualises the National Curriculum through project-based learning focused on critical thinking, problem-solving, and building science capital.

At Key Stage 4, we are refining our curriculum using a mastery model supported by Ark Curriculum Plus.

At Key Stage 5, we are continuing to develop the curriculum through links with Hurst College, and invest in University level practical resources.

In addition, Science has recently been selected to pilot the Sparx Science platform from September 2025, building on its successful use in Maths.

Science Facilities & Resources

Our Academy is purpose-built with outstanding facilities. The Science department is located in a state-of-the-art building, where many classrooms feature Ceiling Mounted Science Services that enable flexible, practical learning. We invest annually in new resources, most recently acquiring an Edvotek Edge electrophoresis system.

Student Progression in Science

Our Science department is fully staffed with subject specialists teaching across all key stages. Our sixth form continues to grow across all three sciences, with many students progressing to STEM degrees at leading Russell Group universities, including Cambridge. Degree choices have included marine biology, biochemistry, veterinary sciences, astronomy, medicine, and more.

At SRWA, our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with wellbeing support, coaching, mentoring and a wide range of top-quality training and CPD programmes delivered at every level up to senior leadership.

SRWA teaching staff benefit from the following:-

• a collaborative approach and strong collegial relationships;

• the opportunity to join and/or benefit from Action Research Groups;

• proven student progress and excellent student behaviour;

• an established STEM group including work with RICARDO Engineering, a world leading company supporting SRWA

• an extensive CPD programme tailored to skills and experience;

• strong links with Brighton and Sussex Universities;

• free employee assistance programme, dedicated staff wellbeing space and 1-1 mental health booster sessions available;

• free use of the Academy’s fitness suite;

• free on site car parking and easy access to local public transport;

• cycle to work scheme;

• free flu jabs.

Quotes from full Ofsted inspection report October 2021: Rating of “Good” in all areas:

“The culture at this school is summed up by its motto, ‘Aspire to Achieve’. From Year 7 through to the sixth form, pupils learn to think ambitiously about their futures.”

"The school is a calm and orderly place for pupils to learn….Pupils treat each other with respect … low-level disruption is rare."

"Pupils, parents and carers feel proud of their school…one parent told us ‘we are really impressed with the school, the ethos and the staff’.”

A Staff Well-being survey in June 2024 revealed our staff consider these areas ‘outstanding’:

Staff morale, workload and job satisfaction

Appreciation of staff achievement/contribution

Opportunities for staff to develop.

The successful candidate will:-

• demonstrate the skills of a good teacher

• be able to interest, encourage and engage students

• provide appropriate levels of challenge so that all students make good progress

• use methods and resources that enable all students to learn effectively

• use assessment information effectively to plan the next steps in students learning

• make effective use of their time

• secure consistently high standards of behaviour from students

• be able to demonstrate a proven track record of recent and successful class teaching in mixed ability classes of aged 11-18 students (or of successful completion of initial teacher training if applying as an ECT).

Safeguarding Recruitment Statement and Commitment to Equality of Opportunity

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, including volunteers, to share in this commitment.

All applicants are required to fully complete the Academy’s standard application form, giving declarations, a full employment history, with gaps explained, and details of professional referees for current and most recent posts. CVs alone will not be accepted.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal record self-declaration form and to consent to an online search carried out against their name.

All offers of appointment are conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check, incorporating a Barred List Check. Therefore, individuals on the Children’s Barred list (and Adult’s Barred list, where relevant) should not apply. There is a six month probation period for all new post-holders.

The Academy is fully committed to equality of opportunity. We positively welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Closing date: 22/6/25*

*Please note we reserve the right to interview and appoint any strong candidates applying before the deadline has passed and to close the advert at any time before the deadline date, should a strong applicant come forward If you are interested then you are advised to apply early.