Head of Physics

We are looking for an inspiring Head of Physics or Teacher of Physics to join the Science Faculty on a permanent basis. The ability to teach Physics to KS5 is essential. The Science Faculty at Lord Wandsworth College is organised into the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Departments, each with its own Head. We are a strong team of 14 full- and part-time staff, excluding an outstanding team of technicians. 
Science is based in the state-of-the-art Flowers centre. Opened in 2022, Physics has four purpose-built laboratories and a dedicated prep room. Facilities in the department are outstanding and represent industry-leading spaces to work in. 

We follow the AQA course at GCSE, offering both combined and separate sciences. A-level physics students follow the OCR course. As Head of Physics, you will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the Physics Department, as well as its strategic management in consultation with the Head of Head of Science and the Deputy Head (Teaching & Learning). You may also be required to teach KS3 biology and chemistry to the junior scientists.  

Junior scientists in the 1st and 2nd form have three lessons a week with the same teacher, rotating through topics across the three disciplines. All pupils start their GCSE studies in 3rd form, at which point we split into three disciplines and teach specialist subjects. Pupils make a choice about double or separate sciences as they enter 4th form but continue to be taught by a subject specialist regardless. 

The department is entering an exciting stage of expansion as we prepare to offer Environmental Science A level for the first time. Experience or expertise in this area would be an advantage. We offer a range of extra-curricular events, such as dissection club, vets and medics, and Lego robotics. We enter teams into the annual CanSat competition and run plenty of co-curricular trips. There is space within the department for joining staff to offer other activities aligned to their interests. 

Each classroom is equipped with wireless internet access and a Smart TV. Pupils access resources via their own devices and teaching is supported by Microsoft OneNote. 

You will be expected to carry out the professional duties of a teacher as circumstances may require and in accordance with the College’s policies under the direction of the Headmaster. Teaching at LWC requires that members of the academic staff be willing to contribute fully to the life of the College. This includes tutoring, co-curricular involvement, boarding house duties, cover duties, and attending parents’ evenings for the year groups taught. Liaison with parents is included in the sphere of the teacher’s responsibilities.

Appointment process and how to apply

The closing date for applications is midday on Wednesday 8th May, with interviews taking place on Tuesday 21st May.

Please note 2 references will be required before the interview.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence please feel free to contact the Head of Science, Ms Holly Welham via welhamh@lordwandsworth.org.

We welcome people of all faiths and those who are committed to these values. We recognise that we have under-represented groups within our workforce. As part of our commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity, we are actively encouraging applications from under-represented groups such as returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people who are LGBT+, from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, with a disability, impairment, learning difference or long-term condition, with caring responsibilities, from different nations and regions and those with a lived experience of poverty as well as any other under-represented group in our workforce. We are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of our employees from all forms of harm.

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. The successful applicant will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check and references. We are an equal opportunities employer. Lord Wandsworth College is a registered charity (Number: 1143359) providing outstanding caring education for boys and girls since 1922.

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