TESTIMONIAL:

Dr Tom Hughes

ECT in Physics

Section Commander of the Royal Navy (Combined Cadet Force)

Joined September 2021

Whilst searching for my first teaching post after completing a PGCE course, I was being highly selective of the type of school and community in which I wanted to start my career. I was looking for an environment that would give me the freedom to explore my skills in teaching and learning, where I could strive for academic excellence, and to develop into an outstanding teacher. I also wanted somewhere more than a school, somewhere I could become more than a teacher, somewhere that valued building positive relationships with learners beyond the classroom. I found that Rossall ticked all these boxes. Though it was easy to be drawn to Rossall’s beautiful campus and coastal location, what also attracted me to relocate to this busy boarding school was the plethora of opportunities available for development that would satisfy my high demands for personal and professional growth. As part of my ECT Induction, I have benefitted from excellent, bespoke mentorship from two highly-experienced colleagues, an induction tutor and subject mentor, whose tailored advice and guidance have been invaluable in honing my classroom practice, and have enabled me to start delivering my own CPD sessions for staff. They have supported me not only as a teacher, but in the range of roles available for developing pastoral skills, such as being a form tutor and house tutor, and staffing the weekend trips for boarders. I’ve also taken full advantage of the school’s Leadership Academy and other training programs, that have prepared me to take on a leadership role as Section Commander of the Royal Navy section of the Combined Cadet Force, via which I’ve had the pleasure of taking our cadets kayaking, scuba diving, and rowing. Gaining such leadership experience at this point of my career was beyond my initial expectations when applying as an ECT, and is a testament to the outstanding support I have received over the past two years. I consider myself incredibly privileged to be a member of such a warm and welcoming community, working with amazing staff and students. I highly recommend Rossall as a supportive environment in which to start your teaching career.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARIES: MATHS

The thriving Maths department at Rossall comprises experienced, enthusiastic and proactive teachers. The department is based in 8 classrooms and has its own dedicated staff resource and working space. Maths is one of our most popular subject choices post-16 due to the wide course offer, that includes: A-Level Maths, A-Level Further Maths and IB Maths at both Higher and Standard Level for both AA and AI specifications. All members of the department readily share their ideas and resources.

The Maths department plays an important role in the extra-curricular life of the school, particularly with regards to participating in national and international competitions such as the UK Maths Challenge and International Olympiads. The department is a key member of the school’s community outreach through the workshops it leads as part of our DaVinci Academy.

Science

The Science faculty is based in its own dedicated building, comprising 11 well-equipped laboratories that enable Physics, Chemistry and Biology lessons to be taught in specialist rooms by specialist teachers. As one of the School’s largest faculties it benefits from a vastly experienced and dedicated staff team that work collaboratively as a Science team as well as having discrete subject specialisation through their Biology, Chemistry and Physics departments.

The department teaches A-Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics and all three departments teach Higher and Standard Level in the IB Diploma, this is supplemented with IB Environmental Systems and Societies. Alongside their curricular offer the department is heavily involved in the extracurricular life of the school. Our students enjoy a wide range of clubs and societies, including the CREST Awards, MedSoc and the Biology, Chemistry and Physics Olympiads.

Mfl

Rossall has a strong commitment to language learning and this is reflected in our wide MFL offer that encompasses French, German, Spanish and Mandarin through GCSE, A-Level and IB curriculums. Based in 8 classrooms in our Jackson building the department has recently benefited from refurbishment including being fitted with the latest technology in interactive TV screens. These have enabled the department to take advantage of the latest technology in language pedagogy.

Members of the MFL department lend their expertise and enthusiasm to support a wide range of activities that celebrate international languages and culture. This is reflected in our celebrated ‘International Week’ and popular language based extra-curricular classes.

Psychology

Psychology is a popular post-16 subject choice at both A-Level and Standard and Higher levels of the IB at Rossall, achieving outstanding results. The department benefits from the expertise and enthusiasm of 2 subject specialists that are committed to delivering research-informed methods of teaching and learning and to stimulate an active interest in and passion for the subject.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Design and Technology benefits from a large workshop space that is equipped with the latest technologies to facilitate cutting-edge student projects. This is supplemented by dedicated IT infrastructure in the DT classrooms to enable students to use CAD and specialist design software. The department teaches a modern project-based curriculum based around the fundamental problems and issues faced in the 21st Century at KS3 - such as sustainability and health - before progressing to GCSE, A-Level and the Standard and Higher Levels of the IB.

Given the department’s popularity and excellent facilities, staff are fully involved in facilitating students to participate in a wide array of extra-curricular activities and clubs to further embed STEM skills and knowledge. This includes the Greenpower Challenge and DT orientated CREST awards.

About Rossall School

Founded in 1844, Rossall is a co-educational boarding and day school with an illustrious history and a clear strategic vision for the future. Situated on the Fylde Coast, the majestic backdrop of the Cumbrian Peaks and the Irish Sea provide a spectacular environment within which a community of some 800 boys and girls are inspired to fulfil their potential. The School provides a unique educational experience underpinned by a strong commitment to academic excellence and cocurricular participation. Successive generations of Rossallians have made a profound impact in fields as diverse as medicine, literature, music, politics and technology.

Academic results are superbly strong. The School has an IBDP average of 35 and on average 50% of A level grades have resulted in an A* or A over the last 3 years. Almost two thirds of our Upper Sixth progress to Top 20/Russell Group universities. Additionally, each year a number of students win full sports scholarships to the US whilst others proceed to top universities internationally in places as diverse as Paris, Milan and Hong Kong. Others still have taken up places on prestigious apprenticeships with the likes of Mercedes Benz and Deloitte. Rossall is an inclusive school with an intellectually dynamic culture that encourages young people to embrace the highest of aspirations.

Regionally, Rossall has now reclaimed its place as one of the top performing independent schools in the North West. Perhaps, most importantly, it is a school community with a huge heart and this manifests itself in happy and confident children and a staff body committed to providing the very best context within which young people may live, learn and play.

The School is ranked number one in the UK for golf and our growing football academy is one of the standout provisions in the country. Both our boys and girls First XI hockey teams progressed to the final eight of national competitions in 2020. Our recently launched Girls’ Elite Football Programme in partnership with England and Chelsea footballer Millie Bright, and Fleetwood Town Football Club has led to huge success of our girls’ football teams on a national level.

We strive to develop in our pupils a lifelong love of learning, a sense of moral purpose, and a belief in their own power to do good in the world. We prepare them to lead successful personal lives and productive professional lives. Our students are confident and compassionate. Increasingly they assume responsibility for their own learning and they are encouraged to be both critically reflective and resilient. We have the highest aspirations for our boys and girls and, as an IB World School, we endeavour to ensure that our pupils are intellectual risk-takers, open-minded and persuasive communicators. We desire for them to develop an intrinsic interest in the subjects that they are studying and to view the formal curriculum as constituting a starting point as opposed to an end in itself. Opportunities for academic enrichment abound and pupils are able to benefit from involvement in activities such as the Model United Nations and subject specific societies.

The School is a liberal and progressive community and we are committed to ensuring that our provision is outstanding in every regard. Student voice and our mental health provision are key focuses within our development plan and it is our ambition to be sector leaders in this. We are an inclusive and diverse School community with a roughly even split between day pupils and those who board. The internationally-minded nature of the School is as defining an aspect as its architectural beauty and fascinating history. In 2021, we had a full ISI compliance inspection. We were judged to be compliant in every regard. In 2019, an educational quality inspection deemed the quality of pupil’s personal development to be excellent.

The student roll has grown very significantly in recent years and this is reflective of the School’s outstanding reputation both regionally and nationally. Student numbers are very healthy and the School has emerged from the recent pandemic in a strong position financially. Such extensive expansion has resulted in a number of opportunities arising across a number of curricular areas and our ongoing development of signature programmes such the Broadway Performing Arts academy has opened up opportunities for exceptional educators to join us.

In 2019, the School embarked upon an ambitious development plan which placed a strong emphasis upon the provision of outstanding teaching and learning. The School is committed to ensuring that Rossall is recognised regionally and nationally as a progressive and aspirational School community committed to the professional development of all staff. The establishment of a thriving Leadership Academy is reflective of the growing number of aspirant educational practitioners who have decided to develop their careers here at Rossall.

We never stand still. In 2020, we became an All-Steinway School and launched an International Piano Academy. The newly refurbished PrePrep School was opened at the end of the Summer Term and work commenced on our Science Building. In 2021 we recruited the first cohort for our Elite Girls’ Football programme and September 2022 saw the launch of the Broadway Academy of Performing Arts which harnesses the creative energy of an outstanding faculty committed to ensuring exciting opportunities, an outstanding quality of productions and a credible pathway into the industry for aspirant young performers.

We recognise that parents expect the best for their children; therefore we continue to invest significantly in our expansive campus to provide a modern, comfortable environment where boys and girls from 3 months to 19 years of age can feel safe and thrive.

Popular with overseas and British pupils alike, our school has a unique identity and a strong sense of community spirit. Here, boarders from around 50 countries mix with British pupils to create an environment within which children are able develop a truly international perspective and forge lifelong friendships with others from around the world.

Ours is a community based on trust, mutual respect and compassion, and we expect every member of our School to uphold these values, on and off the campus.

Rossall is an inspiring place to live, learn and work; we are fortunate to attract fantastic students and staff to join us on our beautiful campus by the sea!

How To Apply

Send a cover letter and CV adressed to Senior Deputy Head, Dina Porovic c/o Mrs Stephanie Capstick, Head of HR and Compliance, Rossall School, Broadway, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 8JW. Email: hr@rossall.org.uk

WHEN COMPLETING THEIR COVER LETTER, CANDIDATES ARE ASKED TO INDICATE:

• Why you are interested in a career in teaching

• Any experience you have of working or shadowing in an educational environment

• Any previous experience of working with young people and what you gained from this as useful development/preparation for a career in teaching

• Personal qualities that you have that you believe would make you a suitable teacher

• Specific areas of your degree/employment that are relevant to the post advertised

• Particular strengths, experiences and interests that you would bring to this post

• What you are able to bring to boarding school life outside of your teaching commitment, including extra-curricular activities