Head of Chemistry - Full-time
Salary: MPS / UPS + TLR 2b currently £5,836 p.a.
Required From: September 2025
It is expected that the successful applicant will be able to fulfil the following criteria:
Qualifications / Ability and Experience:
- QTS and a good honours degree in a related subject
- Ability to teach Chemistry across KS3, KS4 and KS5 and Science at KS3/4
- Experience of leading extra-curricular provision
- Sufficient experience to lead others in the curriculum area
Relationships:
- A commitment to students as individuals
- A sensitive attitude to students of all abilities and ages and the ability to differentiate teaching to meet the needs of the most able and those with Special Educational Needs
- An ability to create a stimulating and challenging learning environment for students
- A recognition of the importance of partnership with parents
- A supportive and cooperative approach to colleagues
Personal Characteristics:
- A commitment to the AGS ethos
- A commitment to safeguarding children's well-being and to working within professional boundaries
- A willingness to continue learning and developing as a teacher
- A reflective approach to their own practice and to the overall performance of the department
- Hard working and adaptable
- Happy to work independently or in collaboration
- Able to carry initiatives through to their conclusion
- Friendly and approachable
- Emotionally and self-aware
- Well organised and able to meet deadlines
- Demonstrate a passion for the subject and an ability to enthuse students of all ages
- A commitment to playing a part in the wider life of the school
Head of Department Responsibilities (All Heads of Department):
- develop, lead and implement policies and practices throughout the school that reflect the school's ethos and commitment to high achievement through effective teaching and learning.
- produce, maintain and regularly review the departmental curriculum maps, self-evaluation forms and development plans, including analysis of examination results & achievement data.
- use performance data to evaluate students’ progress and, with appropriate colleagues, set targets or intervention/ improvement for groups of children.
- use performance data to identify areas of strength/weakness in teaching and take steps to spread good practice/address weaknesses identified with relevant colleagues.
- motivate and enthuse colleagues and encourage a shared understanding of the contribution the subject can make to all aspects of students’ lives and to the wider school vision.
- carry out the performance management of the team, oversee any delegated responsibility for this and support the professional development of members of the team.
About the Department:
Science continues to go from strength to strength at AGS with 73% of chemistry GCSE students gaining 7+ grades and 65% of chemistry A-level students getting A*-B grades last year. The chemistry department has well-established schemes of work across all year groups and places a strong emphasis on teamwork.The successful applicant will be very well supported throughout their time here.
This is an excellent opportunity to work in an outstanding academic environment with innovative and experienced colleagues and keen, well-motivated students. There is the potential for a significant amount of A level teaching, however all members of the department teach across the full age range.
Year 7 students have three science lessons per week. Chemistry, Physics and Biology topics are taught by one Science teacher across the course of the year. From year 8, science at Alcester Grammar School is taught separately as biology, chemistry and physics by specialist subject teachers.Science is a thriving department within the school. Each area has its own departmental head. There is much coordination and sharing of good practice between departments with focus on teaching and learning strategies, health and safety, investigative work, and diversity/inclusion.
There are eleven well-equipped laboratories, with associated preparation rooms ensuring that all science lessons take place within labs. Each subject has its own experienced technician whose work is vital to the effective work of the department.Our wonderful technicians were complemented by Ofsted for their efficiency and dedication and are actively involved in the Warwickshire Technician Support Group.
Currently in Years 7 and 8 students follow courses covering the Key Stage Three National Curriculum. All pupils have 3 hours of science per week. Class sizes are about thirty. From year 9 however, we feel students are ready for the challenge of the GCSE course.This 3 year approach gives us time to cover the specification in depth as well as provide ample opportunity for practical work which we highly value. At GCSE we follow the AQA Chemistry course. Almost all pupils take 3 separate science GCSEs and each pupil receives 2 periods (2 hours) and one homework per week in Year 10 and 11.
Class sizes average about twenty six.
In the sixth form science continues to be extremely popular and successful. Over half of our sixth form students join us from local schools. We follow the AQA Chemistry A level course. Many lessons feature practical work to help students learn and understand through exploration.We always strive to make chemistry relevant and exciting. We encourage pupils to keep up to date with current issues and become rounded, well-informed scientists. We organise a range of visits to local universities and welcome visiting lecturers and have an extensive outreach programme to local schools.
We encourage participation in local, national and international competitions, where we have enjoyed considerable successes. We always welcome new ideas and initiatives.
In return, we will offer you:
- A high quality and bespoke CPD programme designed to enhance your skills and knowledge to support your professional development
- Two-week half-term break in October
- Enthusiastic students with a love of learning and, who want to succeed
- A culture of professional autonomy and a supportive staff - you join a real 'AGS Family'
- Membership of the Teachers' Pension Scheme
- Free on-site parking
- On-site catering at affordable prices
- Free on-site gym
- Multi-faith prayer room
- Convenient location in South Warwickshire with superb amenities and eminently affordable housing
You can find out more about us from our website and we would be delighted to show you around our school, if you are interested in this role, we encourage you to visit us . Please contact r.thorpe@alcestergs.com