We are recruiting an outstanding and enthusiastic Physics teacher to join the Science Department at St Leonards, a truly inspirational place to work, where you will become part of a well-established, collaborative, innovative and highly supportive team dedicated to pupil progress, with the opportunity to teach across the full age range from Year 7 to Year 13; this is an unparalleled opportunity to join one of the School's largest and most successful departments at an exciting time as we approach the 150th anniversary of its founding, and we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who can also teach Computer Science and Maths.The Science Curriculum:In Years 7, 8 and 9, pupils follow the forward-thinking IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) which encourages pupils to approach scientific inquiry in a supportive and ambitious environment.The Department places a strong emphasis on experiments and practical Science sits at the heart of the programme which provides an excellent grounding for future academic success and intellectual curiosity. The Science Department achieves some of the School's strongest GCSE results.In Years 10 and 11, the majority of pupils work towards the AQA GCSE in Combined Science (Trilogy) with all pupils completing the terminal papers at the end of Year 11.Science subjects are popular courses in the IB Diploma Programme (Years 12 and 13), for which all pupils must study at least one science.The Physics results are outstanding with pupils regularly scoring 7s and achieving some of the highest value-added results in the School.There are a number of opportunities for academic enrichment including participation in Olympiads and other national competitions as well as collaborative work with the University of St Andrews.A number of pupils will go on to study scientific subjects at top universities in the UK and the rest of the world.JOB DESCRIPTIONApproaches to teaching, learning and assessment:• employ a range of teaching and assessment strategies and resources to lead dynamic and engaging lessons with a clear focus on pupil progress.• employ a range of teaching and assessment strategies to reinforce and extend work in class, and be able to select strategies appropriate to the subject, topic and pupils' needs.• set expectations and pace of work which make appropriate demands on all pupils and ensure that all pupils are effectively challenged.• be reflective in practice, show an engagement with current educational thinking, and proactively seek opportunities for professional development.• identify and respond appropriately to pupils with difficulties in learning and recognise when to seek further advice in relation to their specific educational needs.• respond appropriately to cultural, gender, linguistic, religious and social differences, and to disabilities among pupils.• encourage pupils to take initiatives in, and become responsible for, their own learning.• assess pupil attainment in line with the School's policy and against national standards where assessment leads to certification.• monitor, assess, record and report on aptitudes, needs and progress of individual pupils.• provide pupils with constructive oral and written feedback on their progress on a regular basis. • use the results of assessments to evaluate and improve teaching and standards of attainmentCurriculum Content:• demonstrate a sound knowledge of Science curricula. • support pupils' skills in literacy and numeracy.• appreciate the effectiveness of ICT in learning and teaching.• contribute to the personal and social education of pupils within the School.• with colleagues, plan and prepare coherent teaching programmes and lessons, including homework, which ensure continuity and progression in pupils' learning.• demonstrate knowledge of the learning process, curriculum issues and child development.• demonstrate a sound knowledge and comply with Health and Safety guidelines and procedures.Classroom Organisation and Management:• organise classes and lessons to ensure that all pupils are productively employed when working individually, in groups or as a class.• create and maintain a stimulating, purposeful, orderly and safe learning environment for all pupils.• manage pupil behaviour fairly, sensitively and consistently by the use of appropriate rewards and sanctions and know when it is necessary to seek advice.• demonstrate a knowledge of, and contribute to, strategies to prevent bullying.• evaluate and justify actions when managing pupil behaviour.National and School Standards:• demonstrate an understanding of the IB programme and UK educational systems.• be a proactive pastoral tutor to a group of pupils, helping shape their academic and personal development• demonstrate knowledge of and uphold and support all of the School's policies and the School's Development Plans.• demonstrate a working knowledge of contractual, pastoral and legal responsibilities.• contribute to the ethos of the School, for example, by promoting positive relationships among staff, parents and children.• report to parents about pupil progress and discuss matters related to their personal and social development in a sensitive and constructive way.• demonstrate an understanding of the way roles and responsibilities are shared among staff and how to obtain help from staff within the School, including those with responsibility for the curriculum, guidance, learning support and staff development.• contribute willingly to the extra-curricular and boarding life of the School.• undertake cover duties during the academic day and at break and lunch periods, as and when required• demonstrate an understanding of and adhere to the guidelines of the St Leonards School Child Protection Policy and GTCS Code of Professionalism and Conduct.This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties.It is expected that the post-holder will participate in other reasonable activities which may be required to meet the needs of the School or for better fulfilment of the role.PERSON SPECIFICATIONEducation, Training & Qualifications Essential• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline.• PGCE/PGDE qualification.• GTCS registration.• PVG (Disclosure Scotland) membership.Desirable• Evidence of continued professional development.ExperienceEssential• Proven experience of teaching at secondary level. • Experience of teaching across the full age and ability range of secondary education.• Experience or understanding of pastoral support. • Experience in the use of ICT in a classroom with the ability to impart that knowledge to others.Desirable• Experience of teaching or knowledge of the IB curriculum.• Experience as a form tutor.• Experience in a boarding environment.SkillsEssential• Commitment to student learning and raising achievement.• An excellent classroom practitioner.• Ability to create and deliver engaging and effective lessons.• Enthusiasm to inspire in students a desire to learn and participate.Desirable• Skills and experience which can contribute to extra-curricular activities.Interpersonal SkillsEssential• Ability to work as part of a team.• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for planning own workload.• Ability to work calmly under pressure and keep to deadlines.• Sensitive to the needs of others and supportive when required.• Professional manner and appearance.Closing time and date for applications is1200 on Monday 27th April 2026. Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to appoint before the closing date.Interviews will be held during the week commencing 4th May 2026.Any questions may be directed to the Deputy Head (Academic): w.gaisford@stleonards-fife.org in the first instance.All successful applicants will be required to undertake a Criminal Record check and either hold or be accepted for membership of the Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.About St LeonardsSt Leonards is a friendly and forward-looking independent, coeducational, boarding and day school situated on an historic campus at the heart of the university town of St Andrews. The school enjoys an unrivalled location - there are sandy beaches, world-class Links golf courses, and historic sites on its doorstep.St Leonards delivers the inspiring, globally-recognised International Baccalaureate curriculum (which has been praised by university admissions officers for its focus on deepening learning learning, offering wider subject options, and enriching minds) for pupils aged five to 18, and was the first school to be accredited as an all-through IB school in Scotland.It is one of just two schools in the UK to actively offer all four IB programmes, ensuring a seamless learner journey.The youngest pupils follow the Primary Years Programme, which goes hand-in-hand with the vibrant Outdoor Learning programme at St Leonards. This is followed by the Middle Years Programme and (I)GCSEs. In the Sixth Form, pupils choose between the Career-related Programme and the Diploma Programme.St Leonards enjoys a rich sporting heritage, and continues to boast a strong record of achievement with pupils representing the school nationally in golf, rugby, lacrosse, hockey, horse riding, and small-bore rifle shooting.The leading five-tier Golf Programme continues to go from strength to strength, the Duke of Edinburgh Award is the fastest growing of all Scottish independent schools, and an exciting calendar of trips and activities ensures pupils leave St Leonards equipped with the skills required to succeed in today's ever-changing world. Truly an education 'Ad Vitam' (for life).