Teacher of Physics

Package Description

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff.  Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school.  We value the contribution of all team members. 

Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us.  Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.

Our reward package includes:

• Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
• Access to onsite gym
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers
• Fee discount
• A three course lunch is provided during term time

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and inspirational teacher of Physics to join a thriving Physics Department.  This is a permanent, full-time role for a suitably qualified and experienced Teacher of Physics.  Candidates must be registered with GTCS.  The role is available from August 2025, although a later start date may be considered if required by the successful candidate's notice period.

Staff There are three full-time and one part-time members of staff within the Department and a full-time Physics Technician.  All full-time staff teach across the full age and ability range.  One of our team also teaches mathematics.  Staff are encouraged to continue developing their subject knowledge and skills through both internal training and outside courses.

Curriculum offered 

Pupils move to the Senior School in P7 (Geits) and are taught general science in this year. All three science departments have an input to this course. Over the next 2 years, in S1 and in S2, all pupils are taught Physics as a separate science for 3 periods per fortnight.  In S3 pupils can opt to take Physics to National 5 level which is taught over 2 years.  In S5 and S6, Physics is an optional subject at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher levels.   In recent years, Physics has been a popular option in the upper years of the senior school, resulting in a significant number of pupils moving on to study Physics or one of the engineering disciplines at university.

Department

The Physics Department has three dedicated laboratories and a very well-resourced prep room. These are housed in the James Clerk Maxwell Science Centre. The Department’s approach to teaching Physics is very practical in nature with IT increasingly playing a large part in this. The teaching of Physics (and science in general) is enhanced with co-curricular activities such as a science club, a Moon Camp project and a Physics discussion group, and we run the Olympiad competitions. 

Main Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities associated with all teachers at the Edinburgh Academy are: 

1. To plan, prepare and teach lessons to all assigned pupils according to their educational needs.
2. To assess, record and report on the progress of the pupils within the guidelines written in the Staff Handbook.
3. To engage with the wider School Curriculum in a manner which is consistent with the ethos of the School.
4. To carry out such administrative and other routine tasks as are outlined in the Staff Handbook.
5. To demonstrate a commitment to both individual professional development and to the developing curriculum in the School.
6. To carry out any other duties and to assume any other responsibilities as the Rector shall from time to time reasonably request.
7. To be conscious at all times of the importance of the external image of the School and to act in a professional and constructive manner with pupils, parents and external agencies.

Reporting

The Teacher of Physics will report to the Head of Department on all aspects of Department operation, examination performance and staffing.  The successful applicant will report to the Deputy Rectors on matters of whole school commitments, professional development and personal absence.

The Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have the following qualities and qualifications

• GTCS registered (or ability to be) with an appropriate degree and relevant teaching qualifications to be able to teach from P7 up to a minimum of Higher Physics
• The ability to teach maths would be advantageous, but is not a requirement
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Be able to work as part of a team as well as under their own initiative 
• Be proactive and imaginative in developing new ideas and resources as well as flexible in adapting to curriculum changes.
• The ideal candidate will have experience of teaching Physics to Higher level and be willing to teach broad general science up to S3. 
• Be willing to get involved in the wider life of the school and participate in the co-curricular programme.
• Be committed to and fully conversant with the safeguarding, child protection and pastoral care responsibilities required of all teachers.
• Be committed to working in line with Edinburgh Academy values.

About the school/organisation

The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.