PSYCHOLOGY TEACHER
Start Date: September 2024
Closing Date: 8am on 20th May
(early applications are encouraged and will be considered on receipt)
Contract: Full time or Part-time, fixed term 1-year maternity cover or permanent
Salary: MPS/UPS
We welcome applications from qualified and unqualified teachers
We are looking
for a forward thinking, passionate teacher dedicated to delivering a standard of excellence to join
our dynamic Psychology team from September 2024 for one year to cover maternity leave.
The Post
You will join a
team of committed and enthusiastic teachers; if
you share our growth mindset approach to both learning and life then we would
love to hear from you!
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 whatever their prior attainment.
The post is
suitable for candidates who are able to teach Psychology at GCSE and A Level. Sixth
form classes may be held at Didcot Girls’ School or our partner secondary school, St Birinus School. Further details about Didcot Sixth Form can be found
here
We welcome applications from experienced teachers as well as those new to the profession and currently in training.
The Psychology Department
The Psychology Department is
led by a dynamic, talented and supportive Head of Department.
Outcomes
Results at all levels are very
strong. Last year, Year 11 students significantly outperformed national
averages: 7-9 (44% in 2023) and 9 - 4 (81% in 2023). Disadvantaged
students perform just as well as non-disadvantaged students in Psychology and
we are very proud of this achievement. A Level Psychology is very popular with
strong results each year with around 82% of students achieving A*-B
grades. Many students continue to study Psychology at university.
Accommodation
There are two dedicated
Psychology classrooms with projectors and whiteboards. In addition, there is an
office and kitchen facilities that are shared with Computer Science.
Curriculum
GCSE Psychology begins in Year
9 with students following the new Edexcel GCSE Specification. Psychology is
very popular at Key Stage 4, with four classes in most year groups.
Psychology A Level is also a popular option in the Sixth Form, with two classes in each year group; we offer the AQA Specification.
Extra-Curricular
Activities
We have many enrichment
opportunities for our students including trips to Psychology conferences,
opportunities to take part in research, Psychology peer mentoring and
externally run competitions.
We are looking
for a highly motivated, enthusiastic teacher to join our department.
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.
Summer 2023 GCSE results were superb with 85% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 71% doing the same at 5+. Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong with 34% of grades awarded as A* or A and 66% achieving Grades A*-B. These results place us as one of the highest performing schools in the county. Didcot Girls’ School is also in the top 3% of state schools in the country based on National Performance Tables data. Didcot Girls’ School has also been named as one of the top ten comprehensive schools in south-east England by the Sunday Times Parent Power performance table for 2023-24.
About Ridgeway Education Trust
Our mission is to create excellence through high quality education for three-to nineteen-year-olds with powerful collaboration at its heart. We believe that school improvement is most successful when underpinned by deep collaboration at all levels so that best practice is shared. High levels of professional trust sustain a healthy balance of support and challenge which in turn drive a culture of creativity and innovation. We value our people and take seriously our responsibility to support their wellbeing.
Our RET Staff Charter summarises the commitment we make to all staff who join and work at Ridgeway Education Trust.
Application process
We encourage visits to our school in advance of applications; please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like a conversation and/or tour of the school by contacting Miss Frances Adley, PA to the Headteacher, via email fadley@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk or by calling 01235 812092.
If you would like
further information regarding the Department please either view our website www.didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk or
contact, Mrs Freya Ralph, Head of Psychology, by emailing fralph@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk
The school reserves the right to interview on receipt of applications and to appoint prior to the published deadline, so early application is recommended.
Ridgeway Education Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff working in all its schools to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS, references and pre-employment safeguarding checks. All Leadership roles will require a Section 128 check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining a post. All cases are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.
To view our Safeguarding policy, please visit our website: https://www.didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk/265/school-policies
Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and photographic ID, as applicable, to interview and online searches may be made for shortlisted candidates, as part of due diligence checks.
Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced.
We are
committed to expressing our values of high-quality learning, respectful
relationships and an inclusive environment in the day-to-day experience of
staff and students throughout the school.
Didot Girls’ School is an equal opportunities employer.
Frances Adley
01235 812092
vacancy@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk