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Academy The Quest Academy, South Croydon

Required 4th September 2023

Salary L4-L8 (£51,225 - £56,174)

Closing date 5th June 2023

Interviews As applications received

Welcome

Dear Applicant

A very warm welcome to the Quest Academy. We are a great place to begin or further your career.

At the Quest we know that having great people is our biggest asset and we work very hard to make sure that the
posts we offer, the professional development we provide and the environment we create are the cornerstones of a
highly successful Academy on a journey from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding.’ Our motto, ‘learning changes lives’ succinctly
describes our mission: to improve the life chances of all of our young people by enabling them to achieve outstanding
qualifications and develop the personal characteristics necessary to lead fulfilling adult lives.

We believe in the broadest and richest educational experience and have a highly developed and universal enrichment
offer, numerous trips and visits, a wide range of clubs and societies, sports fixtures and a thriving Duke of Edinburgh
award scheme.

This role has become available as we look to strengthen and accelerate our improvement work in our existing, strong
Science Faculty. The purpose is outlined in the “overall Responsibilities on page 8 of this pack. Broadly, this is to work
alongside the Team Leader and Trust Director of School improvement in Science; to be an exemplar teacher and work
with others to improve practice and provision- initially at Quest Academy, but with the possibility of developing work
at Quest Primary too.

I know that the atmosphere and climate in the Academy are key considerations for staff.

At the Quest we have created a disciplined environment with well-behaved children. Levels of attendance are above
the national average because our students enjoy coming to school and we have very well crafted systems of support
in place to make sure that the Academy runs efficiently. We are oversubscribed and results are above the national
average in all key stages.

We believe we are outstanding in the support we provide for staff development. We have achieved the ‘CLPD Gold
Mark’ for our professional development work and we run in-house training sessions every week to update and further
our colleagues’ skills.

We are also very fortunate to occupy a stunning 17 million pound building with extensive grounds which we moved
into in 2014. Every part of the school is brand new and across the campus we have invested in nearly one million
pounds of cutting edge IT equipment to support all aspects of Academy life. Geographically we are ideally located
just 15 minutes from the M25, forty minutes from central London by train and Croydon itself is undergoing major
investment as a place to work and live. Rents are relatively low for London and the town centre, with venues such as
Boxpark and the Southend restaurant quarter, mean there is always something to do.

I do hope that our vacancy will be of interest to you. We welcome visits at any time to see us at work so that we can
show you all of this in person.

With best wishes.

Mr A Crofts
Executive Principal

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Key Information

The Quest Academy is committed to ensuring that
each student succeeds academically and
personally. Our motto, Learning Changes Lives
(Eruditio Vitas Commutat) reflects our belief in the
importance of our work. We are committed to
making sure that every student makes outstanding
progress. We have high expectations of every
student, offer the best quality teaching and insist
on the highest standards of behaviour and respect.

The Quest is a positive, rich and innovative learning
environment where every student can achieve
excellence in all that they do, in the classroom and
beyond it.

We offer a wide range of enrichment activities to extend learning in a range of contexts and promote
leadership, teamwork, reflection, confidence and high self-esteem.

We are constantly searching for new ways to encourage participation and service to others as the basis
for the development of lifelong learning and a happy and successful life.

Our strength comes from strong partnerships: with our parents, the community we serve and the close
links we have with the Trust. Together we have extensive experience and expertise to guide our work.

You can find out more information about our school, and our Trust at the following websites:

www.thequestacademy.org.uk www.tct-academies.org

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Information about The Collegiate Trust

Our Trust works in the Crawley and Croydon areas with a clear vision to deliver exceptional education for all.
Such an education achieves excellent outcomes in pupil progress and attainment, a rich creative, cultural
and physical learning experience, and great personal and social development for all pupils. We achieve this
by working with and developing strong teams of staff in each school, under the direction of the Principal of
the school and the Local Governing Body. (LGB)

The Trust has grown out of Riddlesdown Collegiate, an outstanding (OFSTED, May 2016) secondary school
in Croydon with almost 2000 students and over 200 staff. Gossops Green, in Crawley, was the next school –
and the first primary – to join the Trust, followed by Waterfield Primary (also in Crawley) on 1st March 2018.
The Quest Academy joined the Trust on 1st June 2018 and Courtwood Primary and Quest Primary joined the
Trust on 1st September 2018. Kenley Primary School joined most recently in September 2021.

Each school within the Trust is supported centrally by a designated Director of School Improvement on
teaching and learning issues, the Chief Operating Officer, Finance Manager & HR Manager on business
management and HR issues, and the CEO on wider leadership issues. This complements rather than replaces
in-school functions and allows the Principal and LGB to operate with a high level of autonomy in delivering
the highest standards in their school. The LGB works to a Scheme of Delegation approved by the Trust’s
Board of Directors.

Why Work With Us?

The Collegiate Trust is an exciting, fast-paced group of schools committed to progress, collaboration and
excellence for all… staff and students alike. We are a dynamic and expanding trust of seven schools (two
secondaries with Sixth Form provision, and five primaries) with numerous and diverse career opportunities
for both new and existing staff.

All staff and governors, at every level of their career, in both teaching and business support functions, have
an equal entitlement to Continuous Professional Development (CPD). This promotes, develops and supports
staff in their shared commitment to lifelong learning. Results are reviewed and evaluated regularly in order
to support further development of our CPD programme and drive constant improvement.

Through expert facilitation, Trust-wide collaboration, inter-school networking, and our extensive CPD
programme, every member of staff has the opportunity to make substantial contributions to the
development of the curriculum, pedagogy and delivery of business services, whilst improving their own
prospects of career progression.

We are committed to:-

• facilitating career progression

• offering excellent professional development

• providing opportunities to lead

• extending support from Trust experts

• developing collaborative opportunities to generate new and next practice

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Other tangible benefits of working within a TCT school include1:-

Exceptional performance rewards Contribution to cost of Masters in Education Superb ECT Induction Programme including two-week paid training in June/July The Collegiate Trust’s National Professional Qualifications for aspirant leaders Two-week October half term (instead of 5 INSET days) Well-equipped staff rooms and work rooms Excellent learning resources in classrooms Cutting-edge technology provision Free Microsoft Office apps

Individuals who are successful in their application to The Collegiate Trust join us at an exciting time. In return
for the opportunity to be part of our Trust, we ask that all joining members of staff share in our vision of
“Exceptional Education For All” and are motivated to work continuously towards developing their own
professional excellence.

Our Values

Strong moral values underpin the ethos of The Quest Academy. We welcome students from a wide range
of cultural and faith (or non-faith) backgrounds and expect all families to value and support the moral
values at the heart of all aspects of life at The Quest Academy.

We foster understanding, tolerance and mutual respect whilst producing confident, capable and
respectful young people. At all times, we aim to create an environment that nurtures and develops:

• Integrity
• Compassion
• Respect
• Tolerance
• Kindness
• Courage
• Generosity
• A life-long love of learning

These values make The Quest Academy a
positive and inclusive community in which all
students feel safe, valued and part of the
family.

1 At the time of publication, not all benefits available at every TCT school.

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Quest6

Students at The Quest Academy’s 6th Form, Quest6, have excelled across the range of courses that are on
offer.

In addition to academic excellence, Quest6 is a positive, rich and innovative learning environment where
every student can achieve excellence in all that they do, in the classroom and beyond it. We offer a wide
range of enrichment activities to extend learning in a range of contexts and promote leadership,
teamwork, reflection, confidence and high self-esteem.

Students at Quest6 (and staff) have access to cutting-edge, state-of-the-art facilities that – for at least
the foreseeable future – are arguably the best that Greater London has to offer.

A dedicated social study area, seminar-style teaching rooms, brand new technology as well as access to
all of Quest’s new buildings ensure that current and future Quest6 students will learn in a modern,
peaceful, exceptional education environment.

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Job Description

Job Title: Lead Practitioner- Science

Responsibility Level: L4-L8 (£51,225 - £56,174)

Accountable To: Executive Principal & Governing

Body

Responsible To: Team Leader

Accountable For:

Ensuring that the areas of Academy life for which I am responsible contribute to outcomes above expectations for all
Academy students, especially in the standards they attain and the progress and achievement they make.

Understanding, operating and developing the ethos of the Academy so that it becomes a centre of excellence where
mutual respect, tolerance, care and support are evidenced in all of the Academy’s activities and that this in turn
ensures that everybody takes pride in all aspects of the Academy’s work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Overall Responsibility

• Contribute to the delivery of CPD to improve teachers’ practice
• Promote strategies which support adaptive teaching and positive behaviour
• Model consistently excellent teaching
• Produce high-quality teaching materials that support excellent practice
• Provide subject specialist support for less experienced staff
• Support post-holders in Science- initially at Quest Academy and developing to Quest Primary
• To maintain and build upon the Teachers’ Standards as set out by the Secretary of State.
• Contribute to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare and personal care of children and young people

with regard to current legislation.

GENERAL TEACHING DUTIES

Teaching and Learning

1. Manage student learning through effective teaching in accordance with the Faculty’s schemes of work and

policies.

2. Ensure continuity, progression and cohesiveness in all teaching.

3. Use a variety of methods and approaches (including differentiation) to match curricular objectives and the

range of student needs, and ensure equal opportunity for all students.

4. Set homework regularly, (in accordance with the Academy homework policy), to consolidate and extend

learning and encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning.

5. Work with AEN staff and support staff (including prior discussion and joint planning) in order to benefit from

their specialist knowledge and to maximise their effectiveness within lessons.

6. Support individual learning, including more able students, by planning work with appropriate challenge and

monitoring and reviewing student outcomes regularly.

7. Work within the Teaching and Learning, using clear and precise learning objectives and defining criteria for

success for each lesson.

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8. Work effectively as a member of the faculty team to improve the quality of teaching and learning, by

contributing to the Faculty Development Plan and implementing and monitoring change.

9. Implement new initiatives, Academy, local or national, by adapting classroom procedures accordingly,

monitoring progress and reflecting on pedagogical outcomes.

10. Set high expectations for all students, to deepen their knowledge and understanding and to maximise their

achievement.

11. Use positive management of behaviour in an environment of mutual respect that allows students to feel safe

and secure and promotes their self-esteem.

Monitoring, Assessment, Recording, Reporting and Accountability

1. Be immediately responsible for the processes of identification, assessment, recording and reporting for the

students in their charge.

2. Track student progress, monitoring achievement against targets set, and take appropriate action on student

outcomes.

3. Assess students’ work systematically and use the results to inform future planning, teaching and curricular

development.

4. Contribute towards the implementation of IEPs as detailed in the current SEN Code Of Practice particularly

the planning and recording of appropriate actions and outcomes related to set targets.

5. Be familiar with statutory assessment and reporting procedures and prepare and present informative, helpful

and accurate reports to Parents.

6. Keep an accurate register of students for each lesson. Unexplained absences or patterns of absence should

be reported immediately in accordance with the Academy policy.

Subject Knowledge and Understanding

1. Have a thorough and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum programmes of

study and specifications for examination courses.

2. Keep up-to-date with research and developments in pedagogy.

3. Contribute to the effective use of subject resources, including evaluation of new materials and equipment.

4. Keep up-to-date with technological change and the use of technology to enhance delivery, and student access,

to the subject.

Professional Standards and Development

1. Be a role model to students through personal presentation and professional conduct.

2. Arrive in class, on or before the start of the lesson, and begin and end lessons on time.

3. Be familiar with the Academy and faculty handbooks and support all the Academy’s policies, e.g. Health and

Safety, Citizenship, Literacy, Numeracy and ICT.

4. Establish effective working relationships with professional colleagues and support staff.

5. Be involved in extra-curricular activities such as making a contribution to clubs and visits.

6. Maintain a working knowledge and understanding of Teachers’ professional duties as set out in the current

Academy Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document, and Teachers’ legal liabilities and responsibilities relating

to all current legislation, and the role of the education service in protecting children.

7. Liaise effectively with Parent/Carers and with other agencies with responsibility for students’ education and

welfare.

8. Be aware of the role of the Governing Body of the Academy and support it in performing its duties.

9. Be familiar with and implement the relevant requirements of the current SEN Code of Practice.

10. Consider the needs of all students within lessons (and implement specialist advice), especially for those who

have SEN, are more able and/or are not yet fluent in English.

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Health and Safety

1. Be aware of the responsibility for personal Health, Safety and Welfare and that of others who may be affected

by your actions or inactions.

2. Co-operate with the employer on all issues to do with Health, Safety and Welfare.

3. Have an understanding of visits’ procedures and the relevant actions to take when planning out of Academy

activities.

Continuing Professional Development

1. In conjunction with the line manager, take responsibility for personal professional development, keeping up-

to date with research and developments in teaching pedagogy and changes in the curriculum, which may lead

to improvements in teaching and learning.

2. Undertake any necessary professional development as identified in the Academy Development Plan taking full

advantage of any relevant training and development available.

3. Implement and develop pedagogic procedures introduced through Academy, local or government initiatives.

4. Implement the use of new technologies that enhance teaching and learning.

5. Participate in leadership, peer and self monitoring and evaluation schemes, responding to, and acting upon,

advice and guidance received.

6. Carry out reflective practice exercises to move classroom practice, teaching and learning, forward.

7. Use ‘gained time’ by revising teaching, learning and curriculum materials in readiness for the new academic

year; participate in collaborative planning sessions; provide additional student support or any activity directed

by the Principal.

8. Maintain a professional portfolio of evidence and learning log to support the Performance Management

process - evaluating and improving own practice in Bluesky.

9. Contribute to the professional development of colleagues, especially ECTs, ITTs and TFTs.

10. Contribute to faculty development by sharing professional learning, expertise and skills with others in the

team, through training activities such as coaching and mentoring.

N.B: Every Subject Teacher will be expected to have pastoral responsibilities - detailed separately.

ANNUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

As set annually as part of Performance Management using Bluesky

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. To promote and safeguard the welfare of children at the Academy.

2. To maintain confidentiality at all times.

3. To be aware of and adhere to all Academy policies and procedures.

4. To carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by the Principal.

5. To work in support of the Academy Improvement Plan.

6. To take time to read notices, keep to deadlines and carry out duties to the best of your ability.

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Person Specification

Qualifications

An honours degree (2:2 or better)

Qualified Teacher Status

Evidence of further professional development

Experience

Experience working with young people of a range of ages and abilities

Outstanding Practitioner of Science teaching

Evidence of effectively leading colleagues and working with them to improve practice

Regular engagement with up to date teaching pedagogy

Skills and Attributes

Ability to deliver high quality teaching & learning over time to all students in the subject area

Capacity lead colleagues, delivering overarching aims and priorities

Thorough understanding of Science teaching pedagogy and the ability to develop this in others

Ability to quickly establish and maintain positive relationships with students, staff and families

Ability to demonstrate and promote good practice in line with the ethos of the Quest Academy

Understanding of safeguarding issues and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Well-developed communication skills, including high level of written and oral literacy and competent ICT
use

Suitability to work with children

Potential for further professional progression

The Collegiate Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and
expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post,

including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Appointment will be dependent upon further health, medical and attendance checks.

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Department Description – Science

The Quest Academy has a vibrant and successful Science Faculty consisting of 14 full time specialist members
of staff. All staff are keen to share good practice and are supportive of one another. We pride ourselves on
being a Faculty in which all members of staff are supported and challenged to be the best teacher they can
possibly be. All full time teachers are expected to teach across the age and ability range, including A
Level. The department has a Team Leader who runs the faculty, and two Coordinators who support the
leadership of the faculty. The Collegiate Trust’s Director of School Improvement for Science is also based at
Quest, and teaches here 2 days per week.

The Science curriculum aims to inspire and excite students, encouraging them to ask questions of the world
around them and seek answers. We wish to enthuse students to develop a love of science, to learn both
inside and outside of the classroom, to grasp the theory and practice of the subject, whilst understanding its
relevance to everyday life. Students are encouraged to develop confidence in their ability to analyse
evidence, think critically and solve problems in a practical way. Our dedicated team of teachers aspire to
ensure that students find their lessons engaging, thought-provoking, stimulating and relevant, in order to
develop a life-long passion for learning, throughout their education and beyond.

All laboratories contain interactive whiteboards and practical work is encouraged. The Science staff work
closely as a team, holding regular planning meetings to develop schemes of learning and to exchange new
ideas and information. Members of our team are passionate about their subject, ambitious for the students
and work hard to ensure they are learning in the most effective ways possible. Our staff work effectively as
a team and are extremely friendly, so teachers will always feel well supported.

KS3
At Key Stage 3, students are taught a full Science curriculum covering Organisms, Behaviour and health,

Chemical and material behaviour, Energy, Electricity and forces, The Environment, the Earth and the

Universe and How Science Works. Setting takes place from Year 7. The KS3 curriculum is dynamic and

constantly under review to find improvements.

KS4
At Key Stage 4, all students choose to follow a Science course that is suited to their individual ambitions.
They can opt to take Triple Science or Combined Science. Students follow the AQA Trilogy, or Separate
Science specifications. Separate Sciences are taught in an option block, and in core Science time, while
students are taught in ability sets for the Trilogy course. The progress of each student is monitored closely
by the Department and there are regular progress tests and internal examinations.

KS5

Students follow two year A-Level courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, taught in 5 periods per week.
There are also Applied Science Courses which are taught in either 5 or 10 periods per week depending on
the course.

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Schedule for Appointments

TO APPLY PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM BY CLICKING “APPLY” AT THE BELOW LINK:

Vacancies | The Collegiate Trust (tct-academies.org)

CLOSING DATE:
5th June 2023

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How To Find Us

By Car:

If you are travelling by car, The Quest Academy is located on Farnborough Avenue which is off of the A2022, Selsdon
Park Road. If you are coming from the M25 junctions 7 (Croydon), 6 (Caterham) or 4 (Orpington) provide easy access
to Selsdon.

By Train

The nearest mainline station is East Croydon. You can then take either a number 3 tram (toward New Addington) and
alight at Gravel Hill or one of the several buses that serve the area; 433, 130 or 466.

By Tram

There is a wide footpath (keep to the right hand side) which runs from the tram stop past the back of John Ruskin
College, Quest Primary School and Red Gates School, finishing in the corner of Farnborough Avenue. This walk takes
about 12mins. The Academy is located on the right hand side in Farnborough Avenue.

By Bus:

Bus routes: 433, 64, 130, 466, 359.

The Quest Academy
Farnborough Avenue, South Croydon, CR2 8HD 

020 8657 8935
[email protected]

www.thequestacademy.org.uk

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