Teacher of Chemistry
from September 2007
Dauntsey’s School
West Lavington, Devizes, Wiltshire. SN10 4HE
H.M.C., fully co-educational, 11-18, boarding and day
750 Pupils: 240 in Sixth Form
Set in 100 acres of magnificent grounds in the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, Dauntsey’s School occupies a central position in the South of England. The village of West Lavington is some five miles from the historic market town of Devizes and about 20 miles from both Bath and Salisbury. The A303/M3 and M4 motorways are some 25 minutes’ drive from the school and there are frequent fast trains to London from Westbury (8 miles), Pewsey (12 miles) and Chippenham (18 miles).
The School has been fully co-educational for over 30 years and almost half the pupils are boarders. Junior boarders (ages 11-13) live in The Manor House, which is about 10 minutes’ walk from the School and in a most picturesque setting. The Senior boarding houses are on the main school site. Entry to the School is by 11+ examination (about 75-80 pupils) with a further 25-30 joining after Common Entrance or Scholarship. There is also an entry of about 25 pupils after GCSE into a large Sixth Form.
In recent years Dauntsey’s has seen substantial growth with the addition of many new facilities and the complete refurbishment of the main school and The Manor sites. It now has a large five-studio Art School, sited separately at the main School, a new £1.2m Library and ICT Centre (opened five years ago) and excellent sports facilities. Music and Drama at Dauntsey’s are of an outstanding standard with a production of Les Misérables being invited to perform in the West End in 2003. One of the special features of Dauntsey’s is our ownership and use of the famous Jolie Brise, an ocean-going pilot cutter, in which our Sailing Club was victorious in the Tall Ships Races of 2000 and 2002. We also take part in the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race and the Ten Tors, and outward-bound activities feature large in the School’s life.
An ambitious development plan is now well underway. A £3m Science development was opened by HRH The Duke of Kent in May 2004 and in January 2005 a new senior girls’ boarding house opened housing 60 girls, in single or twin-bedded rooms, all with en-suite facilities. Most classrooms are now fully equipped with the latest ICT technology. In the next few years it is hoped that a second ‘Astroturf’ and a new Performing Arts’ Centre will be added to the School’s facilities.
The Department
Chemistry is a popular subject at Dauntsey’s with 43 students (4 sets) taking the subject in the current Lower Sixth and 30 in the Upper Sixth (3 sets), making Chemistry the third largest A Level subject. Over the last five years, 66% of students have gained Grades A/B at A Level and at AS Level. The Nuffield Chemistry Course has been followed for some years but a new specification will be adopted from September 2008 when the Nuffield course is withdrawn. At GCSE, nearly half the pupils now opt to study separate GCSEs in Chemistry, Physics and Biology each year (from a year-group of about 120). In the last five years 73% of pupils have achieved A/A* in GCSE Chemistry. The remaining students take the Science and additional Science examinations, although they are still taught the three Science subjects separately. AQA specifications are followed.
The Department currently has four full-time and two part-time members of teaching staff and two technicians who job-share. There are four laboratories, which are used solely for teaching Chemistry, a prep room, a large chemical store, a library and an office. Two of the laboratories were new in 2004 and there are plans to replace the remaining two laboratories. The department has a number of PC’s and internet access for staff in the office, and three data projectors and smartboards for use in laboratories. It is well equipped with apparatus and chemicals, and each laboratory has its own overhead projector, television and dvd player.
Job Description
Summary of the role:
- The post is a new one and arises as a result of the increasing popularity of Science, particularly Chemistry, in the School.
- The successful applicant should be able to teach Chemistry at all levels from First Form (Year 7) to Oxbridge Entry.
Main duties and responsibilities:
The subject teacher has the main responsibility of encouraging pupils to learn by making the subject taught both interesting and accessible. The subject teacher is responsible to the Head of Department for playing a part in the work of the Department and for the efficient teaching of groups assigned to him/her. Particular responsibilities include:
- Planning and teaching lessons in keeping with the Departmental aims and objectives, Schemes of Work, External Specifications and Reporting policy, as provided by the Head of Department;
- Giving due consideration to the needs of individual pupils and thus ensuring that all pupils are working at an appropriate level and pace;
- Setting prep in accordance with the School/Departmental policy and checking that it is completed efficiently by all pupils;
- Monitoring pupils’ progress by regular marking and testing, keeping a record of marks and assessment;
- Being acquainted with the School’s approach towards ICT and ensuring the effective use of it in the classroom;
- Contributing to Departmental-related enrichment activities;
- Providing parents, House Staff and Senior Management with full information regarding the progress of pupils, as required;
- Promoting sound standards of punctuality, discipline and work within teaching groups, taking appropriate action where necessary;
- Engaging in personal professional development by attending relevant courses and meetings as agreed with the Head of Department;
- Sharing with Departmental colleagues in undertaking the administrative tasks necessary to ensure the effective running of the Department.
No list of responsibilities can really encompass all that is asked of the Subject Teacher; at the heart of his or her task is an active enthusiasm for the subject and an equally active enthusiasm for the young people being taught.
All members of Staff
are expected to play a full role in the life of the School outside the
classroom
Further Details
Dauntsey’s has its own salary scale. In addition tuition is provided for any children of academic staff, at a significantly reduced rate, subject to the appropriate entry qualifications being satisfied.
Accommodation, within a boarding house, may be available for the successful applicant.
A completed Application Form should be sent, as soon as possible, by first class mail, to:
The Head Master
Dauntsey’s School
West Lavington
Nr Devizes
Wiltshire SN10 4HE
The envelope should be marked ‘Chemistry Application’.
Telephone: 01380 814500
Facsimile: 01380 814501
e-mail: headmaster@dauntseys.wilts.sch.uk
Website: www.dauntseys.wilts.sch.uk
Closing date for applications: Monday 14th May 2007
The Head of Department, Mr Tim Parker, will be pleased to answer any questions:
Telephone: 01380 814621 (Office)
01380 727754 (Home)
e-mail: parkertj@dauntseys.wilts.sch.uk
Dauntsey’s School is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Criminal Records’ Bureau
Stewart Roberts
Head Master