Teacher of Biology

Description & Requirements

Role Description

JOB TITLE

Teacher of Biology

DEPARTMENT

Secondary School

LOCATION

Shanghai

SUPERVISOR

Head of Biology

OBJECTIVES

To deliver high-quality Biology teaching across the IGCSE and IB programmes, and to teach KS3 General Science when required. The postholder will support pupils’ academic progress and wellbeing, develop their scientific knowledge and practical skills, and contribute to the effective delivery and development of the Science curriculum.

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking a passionate, knowledgeable and collaborative Biology teacher to join our Secondary School team. The successful candidate will inspire pupils with a range of abilities and prior experience through engaging, inclusive and appropriately challenging teaching.

Experience of successfully teaching Biology at secondary level, including IGCSE and IB, is essential. The postholder may also teach General Science at KS3, as required. Experience of planning and delivering an established curriculum, assessing pupil learning and contributing to curriculum development is expected.

The successful candidate will promote scientific curiosity and develop pupils’ understanding through a balance of subject knowledge, practical investigation and application to real-world contexts. The postholder will also contribute to co-curricular Science activities and support the safe and effective use of departmental facilities and resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Teaching and learning

• Plan and deliver engaging, well-structured Biology lessons for assigned classes in line with the agreed curriculum and relevant examination specifications.
  
• Teach IGCSE and IB Biology and, when required, General Science at KS3.
• Prepare lesson plans, sequences of learning and teaching resources that provide appropriate challenge and support for pupils with different learning needs.
• Develop pupils’ biological knowledge, scientific skills and ability to apply concepts to unfamiliar and real-world contexts.
• Plan and deliver practical and investigative activities that develop pupils’ skills in observation, data collection, analysis and evaluation.
• Incorporate relevant developments in Biology and Science into teaching, in line with departmental plans.
• Establish high expectations for pupil progress, participation, behaviour and the quality of pupils’ work.
• Set purposeful homework in accordance with the relevant school policy.
• Contribute to the review and improvement of schemes of work, teaching resources, assessments, homework and subject documentation under the direction of the Head of Biology.
• Review the effectiveness of personal teaching practice and use feedback, assessment evidence and professional learning to improve pupil outcomes.

2. Assessment, reporting and communication

• Assess pupils’ work regularly through appropriate formative and summative methods, providing timely and constructive feedback.
• Maintain accurate records of attainment and progress for pupils in assigned classes.
• Analyse assessment information to identify learning needs, adapt teaching and implement appropriate interventions.
• Participate in departmental standardisation and moderation activities, as required.
• Prepare clear and accurate written reports on individual pupils’ progress, achievement and next steps.
• Communicate promptly with the Head of Biology, Heads of Year and relevant pastoral colleagues about concerns relating to pupil progress, engagement or behaviour.
• Attend parents’ meetings and communicate professionally with parents, providing additional updates as required and in accordance with College procedures.

3. Laboratory safety and management of resources

• Maintain a safe, orderly and inclusive learning environment in classrooms and laboratories.
• Follow College health and safety policies, applicable local regulations and relevant technical guidance adopted by the College.
• Follow approved risk assessments and contribute to their review with the Head of Biology and technicians, particularly when planning or introducing practical activities.
• Teach and reinforce safe working practices, including the appropriate handling, use and disposal of laboratory equipment and materials.
• Ensure that practical activities are appropriately prepared, supervised and adapted to meet pupils’ needs and maintain safety.
• Liaise with departmental technicians to prepare equipment and materials for lessons, allowing sufficient preparation time.
• Report hazards, faults and incidents promptly, and follow College procedures to prevent the use of unsafe equipment.
• Use laboratory materials and equipment responsibly, minimise waste and maintain appropriate storage and housekeeping standards.
• Identify resource needs for assigned teaching and co-curricular activities, and provide recommendations to the Head of Biology.

4. Departmental collaboration and co-curricular contribution

• Work collaboratively with the Head of Biology, departmental colleagues and technicians to support the effective delivery of Biology and Science.
• Contribute to Science Department development plans, curriculum development and relevant College initiatives, as required.
• Participate in departmental quality assurance, audits and review activities relating to teaching and learning.
• Plan and deliver assigned Science co-curricular activities, encouraging pupils’ participation and supporting their interests beyond the classroom.
• Contribute to Science exhibitions, competitions, whole-school projects and interdisciplinary activities, working with relevant colleagues as required.
• Share relevant teaching approaches, resources and professional learning with colleagues.
• Keep up to date with developments in Biology education and participate in relevant continuing professional development.

5. Pastoral care, safeguarding and professional responsibilities

• Promote the College’s values and model high standards of professionalism, respect and care in all interactions.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children, complete required safeguarding training and report concerns promptly in accordance with College procedures.
• Support pupils’ wellbeing and work with relevant pastoral colleagues to address concerns.
• Apply College expectations consistently in relation to behaviour, attendance, punctuality and dress.
• Maintain a professional appearance and ensure that teaching spaces are tidy, welcoming and suitable for learning.
• Complete assigned supervision duties and provide cover in accordance with College policy and timetabled requirements.
• Attend during stipulated working hours and participate in meetings, briefings, parents’ events and other activities designated as directed time.

• Participate fully in professional development, appraisal, lesson observation and other agreed processes for improving teaching practice.
• Maintain required teaching and pupil records accurately, securely and within agreed deadlines.
• Implement relevant College policies and contribute constructive feedback when requested.
• Undertake other duties as reasonably required to support the College’s objectives.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Qualifications

Education: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a closely related discipline.
• A recognised teaching qualification appropriate to secondary education, such as a PGCE with QTS or an equivalent qualification.

Experience and subject expertise

• Successful experience of teaching Biology at secondary school level, including IGCSE and IB.
• Experience of planning, delivering and assessing learning against an established curriculum and examination specification.
• Secure subject knowledge across the relevant areas of Biology and the ability to teach these effectively to pupils with a range of abilities.
• Experience of planning and supervising practical or investigative Science activities safely.
• Experience of using assessment information to adapt teaching and support pupils’ progress and differing learning needs.
• An understanding of laboratory safety, risk assessment and the safe management of practical activities.
• Experience of contributing to co-curricular Science activities or subject enrichment.

Professional skills and attributes

• A level of spoken and written English sufficient to teach, assess, report and communicate effectively in an English-medium school.
• The ability to create an inclusive, engaging and appropriately challenging learning environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage lessons, resources and deadlines effectively.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills when working with pupils, parents, colleagues and technicians.
• A commitment to safeguarding, pupil wellbeing and ongoing professional development.
• A willingness to contribute to the wider life of the College and uphold its values.

Desirable

• Experience of teaching General Science at KS3.
• Experience of teaching across more than one Science subject at secondary level.
• Experience of teaching in an international or culturally diverse school community.
• Experience of supporting pupils who use English as an additional language.
• Relevant postgraduate study, research or additional qualifications in Biology, Science education or a related field.
• Experience of supporting Science competitions, exhibitions or interdisciplinary STEM projects.

As an employer of choice, Wellington College Education (China) is committed to making professional learning and personal development central to its ethos and approach. WCEC fully recognises its responsibilities for safeguarding children. Our safeguarding policy applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the Group.