Sutton Valence School Candidate Information Laboratory Technician — Part Time

The School

Sutton Valence School consists of Sutton Valence School (SVS) and Sutton Valence Preparatory School (SVPS). SVS is an independent, HMC co-educational day and boarding school. It is part of, and overlooks, the picturesque village of Sutton Valence five miles from Maidstone. The roll at Sutton Valence is currently 550 pupils between the ages of 11 and 18 of which 115 are boarders. Class sizes are small and the overall pupil-staff ratio of 9:1 enables Sutton Valence pupils to benefit from the close guidance and individual attention of teachers. The academic staff are all highly-qualified subject specialists. Contained within the 100 acre site, there are excellent games pitches, a superb all-weather playing surface and a sports centre which contains a state of the art fitness suite. The School has a fine musical tradition and a flourishing drama department. Sutton Valence Preparatory School occupies its own site in the neighbouring village of Chart Sutton and currently has 300 pupils between the ages of 3 and 11. In addition, the School has a number of residential properties contained within the School sites and also in the village of Sutton Valence. Sutton Valence Vision, Mission and Ethos one school, many journeys Vision Through membership of our community and the academic and co- curricular opportunities it provides, we believe that all young people in our School will be enabled to fulfil their true potential. We want our students to be confident civilised, tolerant and open-minded individuals who possess a love of learning and a strong set of values reflecting our principles as a Christian Foundation.

Our Mission is to provide:  A caring, supportive and inclusive community for the education of children aged 3-18, day and boarding;  A challenging, relevant and broad curriculum delivered in ways that allow all to achieve;  An outstanding range of sporting, artistic, cultural and social activities, and opportunities so that children can develop skills such as self-discipline, commitment, leadership and teamwork;  A safe, secure and stimulating environment which promotes excellence, independence and high standards whilst providing support to all who need it;  A grounding in moral and spiritual understanding which will promote respect for others, along with self-respect.

Ethos A community where each cares for all and individuality is cherished. The Science Faculty The Post

The Science department has an excellent reputation. There are two Required for March 2019, a motivated and enthusiastic laboratory Biology, three Physics, and three Chemistry laboratories in addition to a technician to work primarily in the Biology Department. The post holder Biology classroom, preparation rooms and an administrative Science will also work closely with the Physics and Chemistry departments on a office. There are four technicians serving the three departments. day-to-day basis. The successful candidate will be responsible to the

A full range of apparatus and equipment is employed across the faculty, Head of Biology, but will work with all faculty staff. The working hours including a comprehensive set of data-logging equipment for computer- are 8.45am —11.45am Monday to Friday for all weeks during term time, aided practical work, as well as audio and data-projection facilities. Each plus Inset days. laboratory is also equipped with an interactive whiteboard. Candidates should be reliable, well-organised and have a good working Practical and experimental work is integral to all schemes of work, not knowledge and interest in Science. They should be able to demonstrate least for the purpose of assessing the pupils’ practical skills at GCSE and A good practical skills, be flexible and prepared to work as part of a level. team. Previous technician experience is desirable, but not essential. The ability and willingness to learn new skills will be taken into After completing two years of Science in the lower school, students study consideration. The successful candidate will be required to provide a the three sciences separately and begin the GCSE courses in the Third high level of technical assistance to teaching staff in the department in Form before choosing which subjects to pursue at Key Stage 4. In the Sixth Form, A levels are available in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The order to support the teaching, guidance and learning necessary to Science Faculty has a history of success both in examinations and in other deliver the curriculum. activities. Main Tasks The Biology Department  Preparation and provision of apparatus, solutions and other Biology is the most popular science studied at Sutton Valence School; it is experimental requirements for practical classes (including the opening to many careers from medicine to conservation, alongside Hazards); many other fields that offer the opportunity to change the future. The Biology Department teaches all age ranges within the Senior School (from  Washing up of glassware and equipment and its return to storage; 11 to 18) including A level classes. A number of our students continue to  Photocopying of exam papers and teaching resources; study sciences in some form at university, including the study of Medicine  Trialling practical activities; and Veterinary Science.  Ordering equipment, chemicals, organs for dissection and other resources from approved suppliers; The Physics Department  Keeping up-to-date with “best practice” through networking and continuing professional development; Physics is a popular A level choice at Sutton Valence School. Many pupils  Stock control of chemicals and apparatus and maintaining records go on to university to study Engineering, Economics, Medicine and other related degrees. Physics is taught by specialists and we look to ensure of stock, including a yearly stock take; students are fully prepared before they embark on their GCSEs and A  Checking the storage and condition of chemicals; levels.  Providing technical and practical advice and guidance to teachers; The Chemistry Department  Carrying out risk assessments in conjunction with the Head of Biology; A primary reason students choose to study Chemistry at Sutton Valence is  Demonstrations and assistance in practical activities in class; to gain knowledge about the material world. Chemistry deals with major themes in which most people are already interested for example the  Ensure safety and reliability and arrange with maintenance the nature of matter and the ‘made-world’. The curriculum encourages the regular safety inspections of equipment and machinery; development of knowledge and understanding in science through  Inspection and replacement of first aid boxes, eye wash bottles opportunities for working scientifically, and one that also incorporates etc. as necessary; maths and literacy.  Disposal of waste materials;  Attend meetings and training courses as required by the Head of Department.

Terms and Conditions

The salary is circa £5,200 per annum. The working hours are 8.45am — 11.45am Monday to Friday for all weeks during term time, plus Inset days. The annual holiday entitlement is four weeks plus public holidays, to be taken during School holidays. Lunch is available free of charge during term time. Staff may use the fitness facilities in the Sports Hall at the senior site in the evening, if not being used. The School operates a contributory pension scheme which is open to all members of staff. Staff with a contract for at least one full term and who have children who attend the School will be eligible to receive a discount in respect of School fees. The current rate of discount is 65% for full-time staff, and for part-time staff the relevant percentage will be calculated on a pro rata basis. Any offer of appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, the completion of a successful medical examination and criminal record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service. The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of the School’s child protection policy may be found on the School’s website and applicants are expected to have read it if invited for interview. Candidates will only be considered, in the absence of good reason, if a fully completed application form has been submitted; CVs will not be accepted in substitution. Accompanying letters of application should state what particular skills and attributes you can bring to Sutton Valence School, brief details of how you fit the position, including specific details of skills, experience and achievements, and details of any interests and hobbies. To apply, complete the application and monitoring form and email it with a covering letter to [email protected] or post it for the attention of Mr Chanan Kennison, Sutton Valence School, North Street, Sutton Valence, Kent ME17 3HL. Closing date: Wednesday 27th February 2019. Sutton Valence School is an equal opportunities employer.

A member of the United Westminster Schools’ Foundation. Registered Charity No 309267 Sutton Valence School North Street Sutton Valence Kent ME17 3HL