Senior School Science Teacher with a focus on Chemistry and Physics (local contract)

General 

The school seeks a passionate, enthusiastic and talented practitioner with qualifications and experience to teach across the Senior School age range (Y7 to 11). While the initial position would not include IBDP teaching at this stage, there will be the option to teach IBDP from August 2026.

About us:

St. Paul’s was founded in 1926 and was the first school in South America to receive accreditation from the UK government as a British School Oversees. Fully coeducational, with about 1,000 pupils, aged from 3 to 18, it is a school with history and tradition, but which embraces innovation, contemporary values and the latest in digital learning. We are a world-class school, and an international member of HMC and IAPS, and a member of COBIS and the LAHC. We are proud of our local, national and international reputation and we constantly strive to improve the opportunities for our pupils and staff. Our recent BSO inspection judged us as a leading British School overseas, and you can download the report from our website. Our exceptional facilities place teaching and learning at the heart of the school.

Watch a video of the school:

More details about the school can be found at www.stpauls.br.

The Science department is a strong and dynamic departments in the school, offering Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma, and pupils are routinely highly successful in public examinations.    

A full commitment to the life of the school is expected, as is a desire to pursue your own professional development, as an aspiration to help the school continue to develop and extend its reputation for excellence.

In addition to teaching duties, the successful candidate will have a pastoral role and may be asked to be a tutor to a group of 12 - 15 Senior School pupils. Tutoring is a significant part of a teacher’s responsibilities at St. Paul’s, both in terms of time devoted to it and its contribution towards the successful running of the school.  Participation in the enrichment programme will also be expected.    

Mission statement of the science department  

Our vision is to provide pupils with a high- quality, British based science education to prepare them for further education and future employment in Brazil or overseas. We aim to develop in every young person a wish to discover more about themselves and their world and an awareness of the importance of science and scientific principles in their lives and in the global society. We aim to develop recognition of one’s personal responsibilities within the local and wider community through science education. 

The science department

In the science department, there are currently 13 teachers who make up a highly motivated and caring team, with British, Brazilian and international teaching experience. Every classroom is equipped with an interactive Smart TV, whiteboard and Wi-Fi connectivity. The department has 10 fully equipped labs and is supported by a team of three science technicians and the resources for teaching science are comprehensive. All teachers are supplied with a Macbook for their use in school and for teaching. All Macbooks have connectivity with the TV through an Apple TV link. 

The academic performance of our pupils is excellent with pupils consistently outperforming other students across the world at both IBDP and IGCSE levels, and we are very proud to have seen many St. Paul’s pupils accepted into top UK and Ivy League universities.

In years 7 and 8, the pupils are taught in mixed ability groups of about 17-18 pupils and follow an accelerated, in house scheme that is based on the English KS3 National Curriculum.

In years 9, 10 and 11, pupils are loosely set by ability and follow the Cambridge IGCSE triple award syllabus, with an option to drop to coordinated science in year 11 as appropriate. Class sizes in years 9 to 11 are also small, containing between 13 and 18 pupils.

Nearly all our pupils remain in St Paul’s after their IGCSE examinations and enter our Sixth Form. All pupils study a science subject as part of their IB Diploma, and this can be at higher or standard Level. Several of our pupils opt to do a second IB science course if they intend to pursue science, engineering or medicine at university. The IB Learner Profile is at the heart of all activities done in the Sixth Form and the teacher we are looking to employ would act as a role model for promoting these principles particularly throughout the school. 

The role of the teacher at St. Paul’s is to always promote and in every possible way the pupils’ intellectual and social development and learning, including independent learning skills.  This role develops according to the age group, for which the head of year may give appropriate guidance.   

Main responsibilities 

Pupils’ development, teaching and learning 

• Academic learning (including, but not limited to):  

• Creating and monitoring lessons and learning activities that are appropriate to a range of learning styles and pupil abilities.    

• Provoking and developing pupil’s sense of curiosity and wonder about the world. 

• Social development (including, but not limited to):  

• Ensuring a safe, stimulating, ordered and supportive environment for learning. 

• Giving ethical direction and pastoral care. 

Professional/Self-development (including, but not limited to) 

• Participation in and keeping a record (portfolio) of personal goals, training and development initiatives. 

• With other teachers and staff (including, but not limited to):  

• Being a team player – supporting the work of other colleagues by participating in meetings, covering absent teachers, duties, etc. 

• Continual collaboration within department to create innovative and challenging schemes of work and resources that encourage pupil independent thought and problem solving.

• With parents (including, but not limited to): 

• Reporting on pupil progress, orally and in writing, as may be required by school procedure. 

    

Professional relationships 

Undertaking such other duties and responsibilities as the Head may reasonably direct from time to time. 

This job description will form part of the annual cycle of the staff review and development process and this will be an opportunity to refine certain aspects and functions listed in it. 

For the Subject Leader responsibility, the expectations can be discussed during the interview process. 

Applications will be considered as they arrive and the school reserves the right to appoint before the closing date.   

Our benefits

• Health insurance

• Dental plan

• Pension plan

• Onsite lunches

• Food card

• Transportation tickets

This post is for a local contract and the expected start date is end of January 2026.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. The offer of the role would be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks and other safeguarding checks (including Internet and Social Media profiles and exposure), an overseas check if appropriate and a pre-placement medical assessment. Proof of entitlement to work in Brazil is also required where necessary.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

St Paul’s is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the value of diverse environments and strive to promote a culture in which all pupils, staff and members of the school community are welcomed and supported to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair treatment, embarrassment, discrimination, bullying and harassment.

Person specification 

• To be a good honors graduate with excellent teaching skills, subject knowledge and a passion for education. Licenciatura in Science or an international teaching qualification is a requirement and at least 3 years of teaching experience in Physics / Chemistry / Science, between 11-16 age range. 

• To have fluency in written and spoken English. 

• To be professional in outlook and conduct. 

• To be flexible in attitude and approach. 

• To have the ability to motivate and inspire others: both colleagues and pupils. 

• To have the ability to work well with others in small teams. 

• To have the ability to manage a considerable workload and have a high degree of administrative efficiency with the ability to work to deadlines. 

• To have excellent inter-personal and communication skills. 

• To have the sensitivity to deal with difficult pastoral and staffing issues. 

• To have a positive approach to problem solving. 

• To have a proactive attitude towards participation in continual professional development and the school’s staff review and development provision. 

• To be resilient and cheerful. 

• To have strong ICT skills both in their teaching and for administrative purposes. 

Any additional information you wish to be considered please upload using the CV option. 

Terms and conditions 

This post is full time. Staff are expected to be in school from 7.30am to 4:00 pm during term time. With one hour for lunch. Teachers are expected to work the hours that are necessary to fulfill their responsibilities and meet the needs of the school.