Teacher of Science (Chemistry or Physics specialist)

Teacher of Science (Chemistry or Physics specialist) Reporting to: Head of Department Location: Didcot Girls’ School & Didcot Sixth Form Salary/allowances: MPS/UPS scale point. Suitable for Early Careers Teacher Job type: 0.8 preferably, not working Tuesdays but full time possible (can be discussed at interview) Contract: Temporary position Start date: 1st January 2027 The Post We are looking for someone with a genuine and infectious passion for their subject, who will enthuse and engage the students they teach; someone with high expectations for all students. You will join a team of hard-working and enthusiastic teachers with a commitment to science education. If you share these values, we would love to hear from you! The post is suitable for candidates who are able to teach KS3 and KS4 Science and there may be possibility of KS5 Science. We welcome applications from experienced teachers as well as those new to the profession and currently in training. Didcot Girls’ School is an accredited teaching school with a significant track record for successful fast-track career progression, leadership development and excellent CPD. The school is also part of Ridgeway Education Trust, a growing multi-academy trust, which provides the opportunity for school improvement and leadership work across schools in the future. For further information about the department, please email Ian Briggs, Head of Science on DGS Science Department The science department at DGS is a dynamic and exciting place to work. The department is an enthusiastic, committed and supportive team of 19 teachers, 4 technicians and a Stem Co-ordinator with responsibility for trip organisation and Science club. The department leadership structure consists of the Head of Science and Heads of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and a Key Stage 3 co-ordinator. The department is well organised, with fully resourced curricula and schemes of work across all key stages. The department achieved excellent outcomes in 2026. Achievement on Combined Science was outstanding, with a 9-4 pass rate over 83%. Single Science 9-7 pass rates were at least 72% in each science. Achievement at A-level is consistently good and is improving year-on-year. The department is teaching and learning focussed, with time set aside to share best practice and collaboratively evaluate and develop lesson resources. We believe that science lessons should be engaging and purposeful and we work hard to develop well-rounded scientists who are also very well prepared for their GCSE examinations. Science students at DGS follow a carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich curriculum extending from year 7 through to 13. All students cover the same content in years 7, 8 and 9. At the end of year 9 approximately a third of the cohort is invited to take the AQA Single Science courses and will begin this programme of study in Year 10. The remainder of the cohort study AQA Trilogy: Combined Science. Science options are very popular in Didcot Sixth Form where Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons are taught in conjunction with teaching staff from St. Birinus school. We work collaboratively across the two sites, with shared schemes of work that are carefully designed and delivered. The department also provides outstanding opportunities for extra-curricular development. We have a thriving science club which runs over two nights and is incredibly well attended (over 90 girls in recent sessions). In 2019 the club won the Inspirational Science Club Award, which was presented at the House of Lords and included a trip to CERN as part of the prize. We have a very strong enrichment programme for our students including regular trips and competitions, and we enjoy strong links with the international science bases at Harwell-Oxford and Culham. The School Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In November 2022, the school was judged as continuing to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff: “Leaders support staff very well. They have established a collaborative and respectful working environment. With the trust, they provide highly valued training and leadership programmes. Staff are exceptionally proud to work at the school.” Ofsted also noted the high standards within the school and commented that “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary.” We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration. We are committed to continuous professional development and have wide-ranging training and development opportunities. We are also mindful of the competing demands people face in their lives and make every effort to accommodate flexible working. [...]