Teacher of Science

Hours: Full time

Responsible to: Head of Science

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General:

Mary Hare educates 200 profoundly deaf children at its residential school in Berkshire, and we pride ourselves on our pupils' achievements at GCSE, A Level as well as B Tech and Vocational Courses. We offer the opportunity to teach highly motivated children, in small classes, where you can make a real difference at this national centre of excellence for deaf education. No knowledge of sign language is required, as we follow an auditory/oral philosophy.

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The Role:

The Science Faculty has 6 members of teaching staff and is housed in a purpose-built suite of 6 laboratories. The faculty is well resourced and supported by an excellent technician.

The ideal candidate will be a teacher of all science disciplines.

Science is taught at all Key Stages: Years 7 to 9 follow a course based on the Science National Curriculum using materials adapted for our own pupils.

At GCSE students follow the AQA Combined Science Trilogy specification or can opt to study Separate Sciences in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, again with AQA.

A smaller number of student's study for an Entry Level Certificate or Level 2 BTEC in Science.

All three science subjects are offered at A Level.

The successful candidate would be expected to teach science at KS3 and 4 with the possibility of A Level teaching for a suitable candidate.

Resources:

All science lessons are taught in purpose-built laboratories in a suite of 6 labs supported by two preparation rooms and a full-time Science Technician. The laboratories have a group hearing aid system, sound field system, and an interactive white board.

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Philosophy:

The Science Department fully supports the aims of the school in providing a broad and balanced curriculum for profoundly and severely deaf children of secondary age. It particularly strives to present the pupils with a rich linguistic environment to offset and repair the effects of deafness in terms of language delay. Furthermore, the department strives to prepare the students for success in both external qualifications and life in a technological hearing world.

The basic methodology of the department is teacher-led demonstration, discussion or instruction followed by independent work, pair work, group work and investigative work.

The laboratories are very well equipped and the small class sizes mean that frequent practical work is carried out individually or in pairs.

The students respond well to visual information, and there is a wide variety of presentation material and interactive resources available.

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Mary Hare School:

Mary Hare School is a School for Deaf children and new teachers must be willing to accept the additional challenges presented by hearing impairment, particularly the difficulties in acquiring and developing written and oral language. The school follows an auditory-oral philosophy in which our deaf students are taught without the use of sign language. Use is made of state-of-the-art amplification, supported by lots of visual information.

The school is staffed by experienced subject Teachers, who are also qualified (or trainee) Teachers of the Deaf. Teamwork is vital, as is the sharing of resources, responsibilities, knowledge, and ideas, if the learning needs of these children are to be met successfully.

There are many opportunities to contribute to the wider life of the school beyond the classroom, including evening and weekend classes, enrichment work, extra-curricular activities, such as a major school production, and paid extra duties.

The job requires flexibility and resourcefulness. Teaching deaf students, however intelligent, is not easy. Extreme patience is required to help develop language and communication skills.

The school has high expectations of staff and students in both their academic work and behaviour.

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Person Specification

Professional Qualifications

Qualified Teacher StatusDegree level in scienceQualified Teacher of the Deaf, or willingness to work towards within 3 years of employmentKnowledge and Experience

Essential

Desirable

Understanding of current curriculum issues in ScienceAwareness of Safeguarding requirements and good practice within an education settingAble to teach 'A' Level, GCSE, and Key Stage 3 to all abilitiesSkills and Personal QualitiesExcellent communication skills to enable effective dialogue with colleagues, staff, visitors and where applicable, studentsOrganised and self-motivated, with a proven record for meeting targets and deadlinesAble to perform well and remain professional whilst under pressureDedicated team-player, who strives for excellence and leads by exampleTactful and discreet, whilst mindful of observing Safeguarding and professional standardsDisplays a smart and professional appearance, representing the School in a positive manner.Reliable and stableWell-developed problem-solving skillsEnthusiastic, with an eagerness to learn new skills and a commitment to personal continuous developmentHigh level of accuracy and attention to detailSelf-motivated and able to work alone without directionAdaptable and flexible with working patterns when requiredCommitted to contributing toward the school communityGood numeric and computer skills (Microsoft Outlook essential)Practical and constructionalEssential Values, Behaviours and Attitudes

All employees are expected to actively promote and demonstrate the six core values of the school:

Learners FirstCommunity is KeyIntegrity & RespectEmpower & Energise OthersBeing AccountableExcellence ​ Please note that Mary Hare adheres to Safer Recruitment Standards and as such all applications must be made via the Mary Hare website and using the Mary Hare Application Form.

Applications will only be considered via a completed Application Form; CV's cannot be accepted.

Mary Hare | Arlington Manor | Snelsmore Common | Newbury | Berkshire | RG14 3BQ

This School is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal records self-disclosure form and successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. We are committed to securing genuine equality of opportunity in all aspects of our activities as an employer and education provider. The role you are applying for is 'exempt' from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

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