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SalaryThe role:
Northwood College for Girls seeks a talented, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic teacher to lead our Computer Science Department into the future.
This is a significant role which includes line management of other department members and overall responsibility for Computer Science teaching and learning across the whole school. The successful candidate will be able to communicate their enjoyment of the subject to students, strive to maintain the highest academic standards and promote a genuine passion for science and its place in today’s world. There is also the opportunity to teach STEAM enrichment classes throughout the school and opportunities for leadership within this area, for the right candidate.
The successful candidate will teach throughout the age range from Year 7 to A Level. Our students follow the OCR GCSE and A Level specifications for Computer Science. At KS3 we deliver dynamic lessons on using Python and HTML, data storage and representation, and use of Raspberry Pi and MicroBits. There may also be opportunities to offer sessions in our Junior School, as well as to contribute to our Sixth Form ‘Enrich & Extend’ programme to develop student skills beyond the curriculum and in advance of university.
All teachers at Northwood College are involved in the delivery of pastoral care as form tutors and are expected to make contributions to both the co- and extra-curricular life of the school.
The Department:
This is an exciting time to join as Head of our Computer Science Department. We have two recently refurbished Computing Labs, one with a traditional desktop setup and the latest computers, the other with an open plan layout to allow more creative use of space.
The Computer Science Department aims to ensure that students are equipped with a full range of digital literacy skills, in addition to being taught how to use various multimedia applications including sound editing, web design and game making software. Students gain computer programming skills and are shown how to think logically about problems. All students in Years 7-9 have dedicated curriculum lessons in Computer Science. Throughout the school, digital technology is well embedded, with students using one-to-one Chromebook devices in lessons.
In September 2022, we opened our new Science building (The Alvarium) at the heart of our school, with state-of-the-art labs and facilities, offering a cutting-edge teaching and learning environment. The Computer Science Department works closely with Science, Mathematics and Art & Design on our school STEAM provision, and our goal is to help girls awaken their inner scientists, so that no matter what they decide to pursue as a career, they can ask questions, develop creative solutions, think critically about data, draw conclusions and be scientifically literate members of society. All students from Year 5 to Year 9 have a dedicated timetabled STEAM enrichment lesson to help develop their investigative skills and we are extending this further to develop links between the Junior and Senior School. We have a dedicated Maker Space Lab, which includes 3D Printers and a Laser Cutter.
Computer Science is a popular subject at GCSE. We follow the OCR syllabus and regularly have two classes each year. We have a number of academic and driven students continuing through to A Level, and an increasing number who go on to pursue Computer Science degrees at leading universities.
Professional development and life-long learning are essential to our department, where all teachers have an opportunity to teach across the year groups and courses, ensuring variety, motivation and CPD opportunities. We value collaboration and work well as a team to provide the very best Science education to our students as possible.
About Northwood College
Northwood College for Girls is an independent, academically selective day school for approximately 880 girls aged 3-18. At NWC, we value character and academic rigour equally. Our curriculum ignites intellectual curiosity and fosters emotional intelligence, building resilience through challenge. An NWC education enables every girl to lead a purposeful life and feel successful in their learning.
Both pupils and staff are encouraged to find and develop their passions and talents, through clubs, societies and an extensive programme of CPD. All members of the NWC community are expected to act with compassion and integrity, with respect for others and the environment and an awareness of global responsibility.
Everyone is equally valued in our NWC family and our dynamic young women are proud of their school. Looking after one another and rejoicing in one another’s successes comes second nature to a NWC girl as does her ‘can-do’ attitude and drive.
NWC is at an exhilarating moment in its evolution, with a dynamic and ambitious Senior Leadership Team and a range of new developments (including a Sixth Form Centre and the Alvarium science building). The successful candidate will be similarly ambitious for the school and ready to make an impact in our vibrant learning community.
Benefits
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Generous pension scheme
- Free life assurance benefit
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Interest-free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
For further details and an application form please click the APPLY button.
Applications must be received by 9am on Thursday 25 January 2024.
Interviews will take place w/c Monday 29 January 2024.
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening, including online searches will apply to this post.
