Computer Science Teacher (for September 2019)

Characteristics of the School School is a selective day and for boys aged 13 to 18 and girls aged 16 to 18. There are approximately 760 pupils in all: 360 (boys only) in the Lower School (Years 9 to 11); and a co-educational (one third girls, two thirds boys) Upper School (Years 12 and 13) of 400. One quarter of the pupils board, and the School is structured and run as a boarding school, with an extended day and week and a strong House-based system of pastoral welfare, for boarding and day pupils alike. Westminster is an ancient school, whose origins can be dated back to 1179 if not before. Its continuous existence is certain from the early 14th century. Henry VIII personally ensured the School’s survival by statute and , who confirmed royal patronage in 1560, is celebrated as the School’s foundress. Westminster is rare amongst long-established schools in remaining on its original site in the centre of . Its proximity to Parliament and , and the use of the Abbey for its chapel, together with the stimulating diversity of the South Bank and West End, account in part for its special atmosphere and outlook.

The School aims to be one of the foremost centres of academic excellence both in this country and internationally. Central to its academic ethos is the dialogue between teachers and their pupils, whether in the classroom or in tutorials, inspiring enjoyment of intellectual enquiry, debate and search for explanation and the development of skills of rational, independent thought well beyond any standard examination syllabus. The desired environment is happy, busy and purposeful; the pupils are intellectually, socially, ethically and politically engaged with plenty of opportunities to develop initiatives and to articulate and defend their views, in line with the enduring values of the liberal tradition reflected in the School’s Charter. That tradition is fully committed also to the nurture of each pupil’s spiritual, moral, emotional and physical development and well-being - with a particular emphasis on drawing out individual talent wherever it lies - and to the preparation of young people for fulfilled private and public lives beyond school.

The Computer Science Department

We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic full-time subject specialist to join the Computer Science Department. There is a huge appetite from pupils to engage with all aspects of computing, both within and outside the curriculum, and the Department is dedicated to nurturing and encouraging this interest in all its forms.

In Y9 all pupils take a compulsory bespoke Python course, giving them a sound grounding in programming and computational thinking. Thereafter, pupils can choose to study CAIE iGCSE Computer Science in Y10 and Y11. All iGCSE Pupils are issued with a Raspberry Pi Computer in Y10, and work on an independent practical computing project. The emphasis of this non-examined element is creativitiy and practical applications of coding. In the Y12, pupils can choose to take an Edexcel Level 3 EPQ which allows them freedom to explore and develop their own more complicated projects in digital making, coding and practical computing.

Beyond the curriculum, the Department has several very active robotics teams across all years in the School. They regularly compete in both Pi-Wars and Vex Robotics competitions. Pupils also particpate in a wide variety of national computing competitions. In recent years, pupils have excelled in the PA 1

Consulting Raspberry Pi competition, the Raspberry Pi Foundation Pioneers competition, the AstroPi competition and the National Cypher Challenge. Pupils participate annually in the British Informatics Olympiad and regularly reach the finals. Pupil initiatives are actively encouraged and they frequently publish their apps on the App Store, support coding clubs at local primary schools and participate in Maker Faires and Coolest Projects. The Department owns and makes extensive use of a wide variety of practical computing hardware and resources, including Raspberry Pis, Arduinos, Microbits and associated sensors and displays.

There is extensive collaboraton with other departments such as Electronics, Design and Technology, Physics and Engineering to create cross-curricular projects, and are looking to continue and develop these successful programmes.

The Post

The successful applicant will be required to teach Computer Science from Y9 to Y13, with a strong emphasis on programming and computational thinking. They must have a knowledge and understanding of Python, and be able to clearly explain computational ideas and logic. Previous teaching experience is not essential, but an ability to communicate ideas and successfully support learning is crucial. Experience of using physical computing devices such as Arduinos, Raspberry Pis and Microbits would be highly beneficial, in addition to good basic knowledge of applied electronics. Previous experience with robotics would also be an asset. The candidate will be expected to participate fully in the extra curricular subject activities including the robotics groups, competition entries and in inspiring, mentoring and supervising individual student projects. Detailed schemes of work and specific guidance will be provided by the Head of Department, and appropriate support offered at all stages.

The Department is supported by an excellent IT infrastructure and technical team, and has use of two dedicated Computer Science teaching spaces. Teachers work collaboratively in preparing teaching resources, and regularly meet with staff at other schools to discuss and share best practice. Continuing CPD is vital to keep updated in the ever-changing field of computing, and participation in formal and less formal CPD training opportunities is encouraged and expected.

Westminster has its own salary scale, and new members of staff are placed at a point relevant to their qualifications and experience. Details of salary will be discussed at interview with those candidates, who are short-listed.

To apply, please send a letter of application and the completed application form – together with a detailed curriculum vitae (including the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of two academic referees) – to:

The Personnel Bursar Westminster School Little Dean’s Yard London SW1P 3PB

Tel: 020 7963 1057 Email: [email protected]

If you would like to discuss further details of the post informally in the first instance, please contact the Personnel Bursar (details as above).

Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Wednesday 1 May 2019 Interviews: w/c Tuesday 7 May 2019 (Monday 6 May Bank Holiday)

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Westminster School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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