Teacher of Biology
We require a well-qualified graduate to teach Biology throughout the Upper School from September 2018. The successful candidate will be passionate about their subject, and willing to contribute to the wider life of a busy boarding and day school. This position may appeal to somebody entering the teaching profession, or an experienced teacher looking for a fresh challenge. The ability to teach elements of the A-level Psychology and/or GCSE Chemistry specifications may possibly be an advantage.
StaffThere are currently 5 members of staff in the Biology Department. The department offers tremendous support to each other and meets weekly to discuss departmental and school-wide issues and share good teaching practice. We all enjoy teaching Biology and our enthusiasm is conveyed to the pupils. All members of staff take a full part in the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school but appreciate that their primary role is teaching Biology.
FacilitiesThe Biology department has undergone major refurbishment to create a first rate teaching environment. There are five fully equipped teaching laboratories (one for each teacher), a small ICT suite and a lecture theatre. Technical support is provided by two full-time dedicated technicians. In addition to the teaching facilities within Biology, the Science School is equipped with a further computer suite, a wireless network and its own library containing over six thousand volumes.
CurriculumClifton College operates a one-week timetable with 40-minute periods. Year 9, 10 and 11 students have one double and one single lesson in Biology per week. In the Sixth form, students studying A-level have seven (L6th) or eight (U6th) lessons per week. All A-level teaching is arranged so that classes are shared by two teachers.
There are 8 sets in Years 9, 10 and 11, which all follow the AQA GCSE specification. The top 4 sets are entered for separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, while the lower 4 sets take the Combined Science route. Last summer, 82% of the Biologists scored an A/A* at GCSE. Sets sizes vary by ability but average at around 20 pupils.
At A-level we follow the Edexcel Specification A (Salters-Nuffield). Our numbers are consistently high and we generally have in the order of 55 year 12 and 45 year 13 students, with 4 sets in each year. Last summer, 71% of Biology A2 grades were A*-B. In addition, there is a strong track record of Oxbridge entry from the Science School, and the number of biologists gaining places in medical school each year is typically around 8. We offer preparation courses for Oxbridge candidates and those aspiring to read Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.
The PostThe successful applicant will be expected to teach throughout the age and ability range. Whatever the level of the teaching, an enthusiasm for the subject and the ability and energy to communicate it effectively are essential. A commitment to enriching the department’s resources and a working knowledge of ICT within the subject are also desirable qualities. This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful, thriving and friendly department. The salary will be in accordance with the Clifton College salary scale.
Applicants seeking further details of the post may wish to contact the Head of Department,
Dr Malcolm Grohmann, on .
MJG 24th February 2018