Senior School Physics/ Science Teacher (with possibility for a Subject Leader)

General

The school seeks a passionate, enthusiastic and talented practitioner with qualifications and experience to teach across the Senior School age range (Y7 to 13). 

Physics and wider Science are strong and dynamic departments in the school, offering IGCSE and IB, and pupils are routinely highly successful in public examinations.  

Experience of teaching IB diploma is preferable but not essential for this role. 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 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.  

The science and physics departments

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 apple air play, 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 whiteboard through an Apple TV link.

The academic performance of our pupils is excellent and in 2024, half of our pupils sat the science triple award IGCSE with 100% achieving A*-C and 55% achieving A*/A. At IB level, pupils consistently outperform other IB pupils across the world, and we are very proud to have seen many St. Paul’s pupils accepted into top UK and Ivy League universities. The average IB score was 35.6. The average Science IB score for 2024 was 6.2 for higher level and 5.1 for standard level.

In years 7 and 8, the pupils are taught in mixed ability groups and follow an accelerated version of the English KS3 National Curriculum, based on the Oxford University Press Activate Science Scheme and online textbooks.

This builds on the science education of our Prep School pupils who follow the International Primary Curriculum (which embeds the English KS2 National Curriculum) and ensures that a smooth transition is achieved when pupils move into the Senior School. A typical class in years 7 or 8 contains 17 pupils.

In years 9, 10 and 11, pupils are set by ability and have the option to follow the Cambridge IGCSE triple award syllabus or coordinated science, dual award syllabus. Class sizes in years 9 to 11 are also small, containing between 12 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):

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

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

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

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

o   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):

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

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

o   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.

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.

• A university degree Physics / Science, with recognised teaching qualification (e.g., Licenciatura or PGCE from the UK).

• High proficiency in English.

• Strong curriculum knowledge and subject expertise.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital teaching tools.

• Excellent time management and organisational skills.

• A proactive, dynamic, and enthusiastic approach to teaching.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.

• Resilience under pressure and a commitment to high standards.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-achieving school with a strong commitment to language education. If you are passionate about inspiring young linguists and leading change within a dynamic department, we encourage you to apply.