Lead Practitioner of Science (EXPIRED)
Annual
WORKING WITH US A School That Inspires Excellence We are an 11-18 academy with a thriving Sixth Form, set in a modern, welcoming building designed to ignite curiosity and ambition. In February 2024, Ofsted rated us 'Outstanding' in every category, stating: "Pupils benefit hugely from attending this remarkable school. Staff and leaders' sky-high expectations are immediately evident in pupils' scholarly demeanour. The school and trust have created a centre of true excellence. Pupils experience an extraordinary education at Harris Academy Ockendon." But what truly defines us is our culture. We help our students and staff dream bigger than they ever thought possible and support them in turning those dreams into reality. At HAOC, three values shape everything we do: Work Hard. Be Kind. Take Responsibility. These are not just words; they are the foundation of a school where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to be their best. A Leadership Team That Believes in You Our Principal, Ms Jo Rainey, is a leader who believes in transformation. Originally from Belfast, Jo took over at Ockendon in 2018, turning it from one of the lowest-performing schools in the country to one of the very best. With a strong sense of integrity, deep passion for student success, and unwavering commitment to staff and students, Jo has built a school that people want to be part of. Our Executive Principal, George McMillan, knows that no school is beyond success and no child is beyond achievement. Originally from Glasgow, he has led several schools within the Harris Federation to excellence and Harris Academy Greenwich to world class status twice over, proving that high expectations, great teaching, and an ambitious culture can change lives. Together at HAOC, Jo and George have created more than just a school, they've built a thriving community where students flourish and staff grow, finding purpose, progression, and fulfilment in their careers. This is a true centre of excellence, where every student is empowered to reach their full potential and every educator is supported to lead, innovate, and inspire. Why Join Us?
- A high-achieving, inspiring 11-18 academy with a Sixth Form full of ambitious young people.
- A stunning, modern school building that provides an exceptional learning and working environment.
- An unbeatable location, just outside the M25, attracting staff from across Essex and London. Many of our team travel from Kent, Surrey, Southeast, and Central London because they love the school so much!
- A supportive, well-balanced working culture, where your professional growth matters, but so does your well-being.
- The backing of the Harris Federation, one of the most successful school groups in the country, while maintaining a unique and vibrant school identity.
- Creating a remarkable school for the community we serve - a place where students are inspired, challenged, and supported to grow into well-rounded, ambitious, and successful young people, ready to put a ding in the universe.
- Your path to professional excellence - we believe in nurturing talent, growing together, and empowering futures. Just as we are dedicated to our students, we are equally committed to ensuring our staff thrive and have the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
- Work-life balance matters - being an exceptional school should not come at the cost of well-being. HAOC is a life-friendly school where teaching and leading with balance is a priority. At HAOC work fits your life.
- Supporting the Head of Department with the design, implementation and delivery of a great curriculum
- Training the Science teachers in the implementation of the curriculum
- Enjoying teaching great lessons, day in, day out and role-model how you do it
- Joining the Lead Practitioner team, training staff across the academy and supporting them to implement the curriculum really well
- Taking a whole school responsibility, something that rocks your boat and gives you energy, and also helps us get better
- Communicating skilfully with all stakeholders
- Contributing to the wider ethos of the academy
- Enjoy working with teenagers and helping them succeed
- Believe in our shared values: work hard, be kind, take responsibility
- Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree
- Have successful teaching experience at secondary level
- Understand the theory and practice of effective teaching and learning
- Understand the importance of high expectations and equality of access for all students
- Have knowledge of National Curriculum requirements at KS3 and KS4 in particular
- Be able to work as part of a team and to develop and maintain positive relationships with all staff
- Be able to create a motivating and safe learning environment for all students
- Be able to communicate positively with parents, carers and other external agencies where necessary
- Have good written and spoken communication skills
- Be able to lead and manage your own work effectively
- Have excellent time management skills
- Be able to motivate students and raise their aspirations through a range of strategies