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Senior Science Technician

Salary: Grade 7 Point 4 (£30,983) FTE

Actual Salary: £26,412 (36 hours per week, 39 weeks per year)

Start Date: ASAP

Full Time

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Blenheim High School became Surrey’s most improved school for public examination outcomes in the 2017/18 academic year, was categorised by Ofsted as ‘Good’ in all areas in May 2019, has been oversubscribed since
2020/21 and achieved its best public examinations results in summer 2022.

Blenheim is a dynamic, exciting and supportive environment in which to work. The school opened in September
1997 with one year group and has grown to its current size of 1337 students on roll including over 200 in the
Sixth Form. Blenheim is a mixed comprehensive and our reputation in the community is excellent. The intake comprises of students from all surrounding areas with ability levels being favourable; over 50% of all students have high prior attainment at the end of Key Stage 2. In recent years the school’s popularity has grown significantly, as detailed below:

Year 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017

Number of Year 7 Students Recruited 248 1*88 2 09 23 4* ٭24 8 ٭248 ٭248 ٭

.Waiting lists currently operate in these four year groups ٭

As a Single Academy Trust Blenheim’s features include:

• Formative assessment being embedded across the curriculum ensuring students have a clear understanding of their ‘next steps’.
• A significant financial reserve, which Blenheim has complete autonomy to invest.
• Modern buildings and infrastructure.
• A strategic goal prioritising staff well-being, led by the senior whole school well-being lead.
• A comprehensive co-curricular programme prioritising the development of the whole student.
• A Chelsea FC Blenheim Girls’ Football Academy that competes in the National Youth Football League.
• A ‘Blenheim Ambition’ Dance Academy.
• A ‘High Performers’ programme to boost student aspirations, independence and career prospects.
• An extended day for Year 11 and Year 13 students until 5pm Monday – Thursday, with complimentary biscuits, squash and pizza.

In 2019, Blenheim was characterised as a ‘good’ school following a Section 5 Ofsted inspection. Please click here to read the Ofsted Report. Ofsted commented that the school had excellent capacity to continue improving. The
Headteacher, Mr A A Bodell, has made a long term commitment to Blenheim.

Blenheim converted to Academy Status in March 2012 and has developed many community and primary school links. Blenheim is a well–resourced school and is fortunate to have outstanding facilities including modern buildings, large grounds, an AstroTurf pitch, bespoke sixth form facilities and grass football and rugby pitches.
Together with a very supportive and well qualified governing body the school has invested significantly in several areas, not least in the appointment of high-quality practitioners and on-site infrastructure. Visitors often comment on the calm, purposeful learning environment that pervades.

Blenheim sets high standards in terms of uniform with several ‘non-negotiables’ and there are strict expectations regarding behaviour and conduct, both in and out of the classroom. Students can be given up to 1 hour detention on any given day without 24 hours’ notice. Ofsted described Blenheim as ‘calm, orderly and purposeful’ and our students as ‘respectful, kind and courteous’, which is what those of us who work at Blenheim see every day. The
Headteacher has little sympathy for poor standards of student behaviour.

As Blenheim students prepare to take up their place in society they are actively encouraged to become independent learners. Part of this process involves the integration of iPads across the curriculum; all teachers and 98% of students own one. Technological evolution is inevitable and this approach is key to ensuring that students develop attributes that will allow them to adapt in a rapidly changing world. The iPad complements daily teaching and allows students to easily access a multitude of interactive and innovative resources both in and away from school.

BLENHEIM GCSE RESULTS

Blenheim’s 2022 GCSE results involved all students sitting public examinations set by the National awarding bodies for the first time since 2019. A combination of well-researched teaching and learning practices, rhythmical assessment and feedback, frequent reporting, well - timed interventions and consistent monitoring of student performance has led to the majority of outcomes surpassing those achieved in 2019.

Since 2019, all GCSE subjects have been attributed 9 – 1 grades with 9 – 5 being considered ‘higher’ grades or strong passes.

Headline Figures

Blenheim 2022 Blenheim 2019

5 or more + 9 - 5 or A*- C incl. Maths & English 50% 41%

Maths 9 - 5 54% 58%

English Language 9 - 5 61% 53%

English Literature 9 - 5 60% 53%

English 9 - 5 (best of Lang or Lit taken) 68% 63%

Higher passes (Grades 9 – 5) and Highest passes (Grades 9 - 7)

Blenheim 2022 Blenheim 2019

9 - 7 grades 27% 17%

9 - 5 grades 60% 53%

English Baccalaureate outcomes (Grades 9 – 5 and 9 - 7)

Blenheim 2022 Blenheim 2019

English 9 - 7 25% 16%

Maths 9 - 7 21% 21%

English 9 - 5 68% 63%

Maths 9 - 5 54% 58%

The English Baccalaureate strong pass 14% 15%

Combined Science (Double Science) 9 - 7 23% 10%

Combined Science (Double Science) 9 - 5 57% 40%

Biology 9 - 7 100% 35%

Biology 9 - 5 100% 74%

Chemistry 9 - 7 100% 36%

Chemistry 9 - 5 100% 70%

Physics 9 - 7 100% 36%

Physics 9 - 5 100% 72%

Geography 9 - 7 23% 17%

Geography 9 - 5 53% 57%

History 9 - 7 29% 16%

History 9 - 5 56% 35%

French 9 - 7 40% 40%

French 9 - 5 65% 75%

Spanish 9 - 7 39% 36%

Spanish 9 - 5 81% 68%

Computing 9 - 7 64% 12%

Computing 9 - 5 86% 53%

BLENHEIM GCSE RESULTS 2022
Achievement across a range of subjects

Blenheim’s 9 – 5 pass rate was 60%. In Technical awards, Blenheim achieved a 100% pass rate (Pass to
Distinction*) in Technical iMedia, BTEC Health & Social Care, BTEC Travel and Tourism and NCFE Health & Fitness.

English and Mathematics
Results in these core subjects remained well above the national average for Blenheim students in 2022 with 54% gaining the 9 - 5 GCSE grade in Mathematics, 68% in either English Language or English Literature, with 25% of grades being the highest GCSE grade of 9 - 7 in English and 21% in Mathematics.

GCSE grades 7 to 9
27% of all entries were awarded 9-7 grades, 36 students achieved average grades of 7 or higher, and 12 students achieved an average of grade 8 or higher. The top performing student secured all grade 9s in his subjects.

GCSE BTEC

Name Destination
Grade 9 Grade 8 Grade 7 Grade 6 Distinction *

Student 1 10 Blenheim Sixth Form

Student 2 6 2 2 Blenheim Sixth Form

Student 3 5 2 2 Blenheim Sixth Form

Student 4 6 1 1 1 Blenheim Sixth Form

Student 5 5 3 1 External Sixth Form

Student 6 4 3 2 Blenheim Sixth Form

Student 7 4 4 1 Blenheim Sixth Form

Student 8 5 2 2 Blenheim Sixth Form

Student 9 3 3 3 2 External Sixth Form

Student 10 4 2 2 1 Blenheim Sixth Form

Student 11 2 3 4 External Sixth Form

Student 12 2 3 4 Blenheim Sixth Form

Student 13 2 5 2 Blenheim Sixth Form

Student 14 1 4 3 1 Blenheim Sixth Form

Student 15 2 1 1 2 Blenheim Sixth Form

BLENHEIM A LEVEL RESULTS 2022
15 Highest achieving A Level students.

Name Grades Qualification 1 Qualification 2 Qualification 3 Destination

Student 1 A* A* A* Chemistry Maths Physics Durham University–Natural Science

Student 2 A* A* A* Chemistry Further Maths Maths Bath University–Maths

Student 3 A* A* A* A* Chemistry Further Maths Physics & Maths Oxford University–Chemistry

Student 4 A* A* A Gov. & Politics Sociology English Lit. Bath University–Social Sciences

Student 5 A* A* A English PE History Edinburgh University–Eng. Lit & History

Student 6 A* A A Gov. & Politics English RS Warwick University–Philosophy

Student 7 A* A A Spanish Maths Psych. Cardiff University–Economics & Spanish

Student 8 A* A A Geography Psych. RS Nottingham University–Phil. & Psych.

Student 9 A* A B Sociology Business Geography Surrey University–Business Management

Student 10 A* A B Biology Chemistry Art Bristol University–Biochemistry

Student 11 A A B B Drama English Psych & Spanish Sussex University–Drama & English

Student 12 A* A C Sociology Drama English Lit. Apprenticeship

Student 13 A A B English Lit. Sociology RS Nottingham University–Phil. & Psych.

Student 14 A A B History Media English Southampton University–English

Student 15 A A B Maths Physics Product Design Apprenticeship

JOB PROFILE

Hours: 8 am- 4 pm
Days: Monday to Friday

The Role

• To assist the Head of Science and department heads in the organisation, preparation, and maintenance of the resources and equipment for the science department.
• To lead a small team of deputy senior science technicians.
• Prepare resources for lessons, including their arrival and removal from lessons.
• Ensure that the laboratories are well maintained to provide a clean, safe and orderly environment.
• Regularly check and maintain equipment with the department.
• Maintain a clean and safe prep room and office.
• Provide additional support within science and the whole school as and when required.
• Encourage pupils to enjoy science and give them confidence in their abilities and subsequent achievements.

Accountable to:
Head of science/Heads of science department

Safeguarding:
To be familiar with school policies, in particular safeguarding procedures, and promote the welfare of children.

Key Responsibilities:

• To be responsible to the head/s of science in coordinating the use of, and development of, practical resources and facilities, including the provision of guidance and support in meeting the practical requirements of the science curriculum, including liaising with all areas of the school and outside organisations.
• To have overall responsibility for the promotion and observance of a healthy & safe working environment for the technical support service by: Actively leading and coordinating the assessment, monitoring and review of both health & safety procedures and information resources; keeping up-to- date with current procedures and practices through continuing professional development; The provision of technical advice on health & safety issues to teachers and technical support staff; The safe treatment and disposal of used materials, including hazardous substances and responding to actual or potential hazard; The health and safety storage and accessibility of equipment and materials.
• To ensure that the technical team is resourced, organised and developed to meet the performance standards required by the department.
• To take a lead role in the design, development and maintenance of specialist resources and/or long- term projects and offer professional guidance, assistance and support to pupils & teachers on the practical aspects of the curriculum.
• To instigate and maintain networking opportunities with local secondary schools.
• To be responsible for setting up and monitoring systems used in the management and control of practical resources including leading on stock control, compiling orders, liaising or negotiating with suppliers and maintaining appropriate records; Monitoring, controlling and keeping financial records of the departmental expenditure in accordance with the schools policy; Ensuring the availability of suitable materials and equipment and suggesting alternatives for suitability and economy.
• Perform termly lab checks to ensure all equipment is present.
• Undertake the lead role within the science department on both routine and non-routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment to the required standard.
• Provide equipment for primary workshops when needed.
• Lead the organisation of whole school science events e.g. open evenings.
• Collaborate with the primary schools liaison facilitator to ensure primary school lessons in a box are prepped and ready to use.
• Support Science Club; providing the equipment and materials; maybe required to participate in the club ocassionally.
• Support other departments with science-based practicals (Physical Education and Health & Fitness).

Safety and Security:

• General Maintenance of laboratory to include safe disposal of chemicals and biological waste.
• Ensure that all equipment, materials and apparatus including teaching aids are maintained in a serviceable and safe condition.
• Reporting of damage and deterioration to Teaching Staff by undertaking regular checks of all science equipment.
• Removal of any scientific debris or hazardous materials/spills from sinks bench tops and other areas to provide a safe environment for cleaning staff.
• Ensure gas and water taps are turned off and that electrical connections, chemical solutions and other materials left/stored in a safe and secure condition.
• Maintenance and recording of chemicals in line with Health and Safety regulations.
• To comply and adhere to risk assessments and procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Be responsible for ensuring subject knowledge is developed and participated in staff training and development.
• Follow Health & Safety requirements and initiatives as directed including the use of PPE.
• At all times operating within the school’s equalities policies, demonstrating commitment and contribution to improving standards of attainment.
• Provide support and assistance as and when required.
• To provide whole school support for certain activities.
• To encourage pupils to enjoy science and to give them the confidence in their abilities and subsequent achievements.
• To collect resources and prepare materials from storage and organise or class use.
• Advise teachers of potential problems and also advise on safety matters.
• Liaison with external suppliers.
• To assist the training and development of current and future staff.

Person Specification:

• An appreciation and awareness of Health and Safety issues.
• Grade C or above at GCSE English/Maths/Science or equivalent.
• Experience of managing people.
• Ability to offer advice and guidance to Deputy Senior Science Technicians and other staff & assist in their development.
• Experience of dealing effectively with parents, staff, and students.
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational, planning and scheduling skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience working cooperatively with internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to work independently and be a team player, work professionally with all levels of staff.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Packages (including Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Ability to work under pressure, meet strict deadlines and effectively manage time to work on multiple tasks in a high pressure and short deadline environment, and adapt to changes in workload demand and priorities.

General:

• Liaise with the Heads of Science, subject leaders, and teachers.
• Liaise with external agencies such as suppliers and manufacturers regarding the provision, installation, and repair of equipment etc.
• Where applicable undertake administrative tasks associated with the post, including stock recording, ordering etc.
• Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge in the field.
• Demonstrate a keen interest in all aspects of school life.
• Show solidarity by supporting school policy, and the Leadership Team, publicly.
• Constructively challenge school policy, and Leadership Team, privately.
• Commitment to individual continuous professional development, wanting to “get better” by building om strengths but also recognising development areas and actively seeking to improve them.
• Self-motivation and ability to prioritise a demanding workload.
• Be professionally assertive and clear thinking and able to negotiate.
• To be able to operate as part of a team and on own initiative when required.

REVIEW OF THE JOB DESCRIPTION

This job description is intended to provide guidance on the range of duties associated with the post. It is not intended to provide a full and exclusive definition of the post. It may be subject to modification and amendment from time to time and the post-holder may be required to undertake additional reasonable duties, as required by the Headteacher. This job description will be reviewed and updated as required, in consultation with the postholder and the Headteacher

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Please download and complete the Application Form and include a Statement of Application outlining your achievements to date and what you bring to the role, please ensure this is no more than two sides of A4.
Completed applications may be emailed.

All applications should be marked for the attention of Human Resources Manager, Blenheim High School,
Longmead Road, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 9BH. The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 6th March
2023. We reserve the right to interview and appoint before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found; we would therefore welcome early applications.

To find out more about the school or to arrange a tour of the school please contact Mrs Helen Hoad, Human
Resources Manager,

Our school is committed to equal opportunities and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. I enclose our policies for your information.

I should remind you that you are liable to prosecution if you are included in the Disclosure and Barring
Service’s/Disclosure Scotland’s Children’s Barred List and engage, or seek or offer to engage, in work which either involves contact with children or provides opportunities for contact with children.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £26,412.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location

Application deadline: 06/03/2023
Expected start date: 06/03/2023