Science Teacher - Thames British School Madrid

JOB OVERVIEW

About Thames British School

Thames British School is an international institution dedicated to providing a premier British education for students aged 3–18. We are proud members of NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain) and COBIS (Council of British International Schools), adhering to the National Curriculum for England to ensure our students receive a challenging, inclusive, and comprehensive education.

Our vibrant school community is supportive and genuinely committed to fostering confident, creative, and independent learners.

We are currently looking for a passionate and dedicated Secondary Physics Teacher to become part of our team starting in August 2026. The ideal candidate will be responsible for delivering stimulating lessons, creating a positive classroom atmosphere, and engaging in the broader life of the school.

KS3 & KS4 & KS5 Science Teacher – Role Overview

The Secondary Physics Teacher will ensure exceptional teaching and learning across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, promoting the academic growth, achievement, and well-being of all students while ensuring equal opportunities and maintaining the highest standards of work and behavior within our international school, which offers both Cambridge and IB programs.

The individual in this role will design, deliver, and assess Physics lessons according to the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum for KS3 and examination specifications for KS4 and KS5, which include Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Level, and the IB Diploma Programme in Physics. The teacher will create coherent and well-sequenced schemes of work aimed at developing deep conceptual understanding, strong practical skills, and advanced analytical and mathematical abilities, in line with the philosophies and standards of both Cambridge and IB frameworks.

The selected teacher will uphold high expectations for student behavior, engagement, and achievement, creating a disciplined yet intellectually stimulating environment that encourages scientific inquiry, independent thought, and resilience. They will effectively utilize formative and summative assessments, including coursework, practical investigations, and external examination criteria from Cambridge and IB, to inform lesson planning, provide targeted feedback, and implement timely interventions to ensure robust examination results.

The post holder will also contribute to the effective execution of practical science, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, managing laboratory resources appropriately, and adhering to the practical assessment criteria of both Cambridge and IB, promoting safe and rigorous scientific practice consistently.

Collaboration is key; the teacher will work proactively with colleagues, parents, and students, contributing to curricular development and the overall academic strategy of our international Cambridge and IB school. They will participate fully in the pastoral system, uphold safeguarding responsibilities in line with statutory guidance and school policy, and engage actively in the wider school community through enrichment activities, academic mentoring, and university preparation aligned with international pathways. Experience or an interest in Theory of Knowledge would be advantageous.

Main Purpose of Job

● Ensure all students achieve their learning goals while promoting equality of opportunity.

● Take responsibility for achieving the highest standards in work and behavior.

● Treat students with respect, build relationships based on mutual trust, and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

● Collaborate effectively with learners, parents/carers, governors, colleagues, and external agencies in the best interests of students.

● Adhere to statutory frameworks outlining professional duties and responsibilities.

● Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people within the school.

Key Relationships

Head of School, Head of Secondary, Head of Department, Secondary students, and parents/carers.

Key Responsibilities

● Prepare and deliver lessons tailored to various age groups and abilities.

● Assess student work, provide timely and relevant feedback, and keep accurate records of student progress and development.

● Stay current with subject knowledge through continued professional development (both directed and self-driven) and create new curriculum materials as needed.

● Utilize a variety of learning resources and equipment effectively.

● Prepare students for qualifications and external examinations.

● Manage student behavior in the classroom and throughout school premises, applying effective measures for misbehavior as per the Consequence System, awarding House Points, and nominating students for Student of the Week.

● Undertake pastoral duties, including being a form tutor and supporting students individually through academic or personal challenges.

● Communicate with parents and carers regarding student progress and participate in departmental meetings, parents' evenings, and school-wide training events.

● Collaborate with professionals like learning mentors and career advisors.

● Support the work of teaching assistants, technicians, trainee teachers, and newly qualified teachers.

● Meet with other professionals to discuss specific student needs and progress.

● Organize and engage in extracurricular activities, including trips, social events, and sporting activities.

● Participate in observations and learning walks.

● Attend key school events such as Family BBQ, Sixth Form Graduation, and Open Days as needed.

● Create a safe environment where students can express themselves freely without fear of discrimination or harm.

Behaviour and Safety

● Establish a safe, purposeful, and stimulating environment for students built on mutual respect, while implementing a framework for discipline using a variety of strategies, including praise, sanctions, and rewards in a fair and consistent manner.

● Manage the classroom effectively, using approaches suited to students’ needs to inspire, motivate, and challenge them.

● Foster good relationships with students, exercising appropriate authority and acting decisively when necessary.

● Serve as a positive role model, consistently demonstrating the attitudes, values, and behaviors expected of students.

● Maintain high expectations for behavior, encouraging self-control and independence among all learners.

● Carry out duties as directed by the Head of Secondary, promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people in the school, and raising any concerns following school protocols.

Team working and collaboration

● Attend relevant meetings and professional development opportunities related to student learning and school organization, including pastoral arrangements and assemblies.

● Collaborate effectively with team members and seek opportunities to share effective practices and development.

● Support both new and existing staff, including the induction and assessment of new teachers, those undergoing induction periods, and threshold assessments when necessary.

● Ensure colleagues working with you are actively involved in supporting learning and understand their expected roles.

● Participate in the review, development, and management of activities related to curriculum, organization, and pastoral functions of the school as required.

● Provide cover for absent colleagues when necessary.

Parent, Student and Community Relationships

● Ensure the safety and well-being of all students by promoting positive recognition and high behavioral expectations.

● Inform the Head of Secondary of any serious incidents involving students or concerns from parents, and work collaboratively with ESLT, SLT, and the Safeguarding Team to address issues respectfully and promptly.

● Build and maintain strong relationships with Secondary School parents and the community through regular and appropriate communication.

● Engage Secondary School parents as active partners in their children's education.

Person Specification

Qualifications:

● A recognized teaching qualification (PGCE, QTS, or iPGCE).

● A degree in Education or a related field.

● Experience in teaching within a British or international context is preferred.

Skills and Attributes:

● A strong enthusiasm and passion for teaching and learning.

● Effective classroom management and organizational skills.

● A reflective, flexible, and collaborative teaching approach.

● Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

● A commitment to ongoing professional development and improvement.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Thames British School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

All applicants will undergo necessary checks, including DBS / ICPC (or international equivalent) and references from the last three employers, with at least two references from Headteachers/Principals. References will also be verified through telephone calls. Our recruitment process adheres to the safer recruitment principles outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

Data Protection (GDPR)

By applying, you consent to Thames British School processing your personal data for recruitment purposes in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the school’s Privacy Policy.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Right to Work

Applicants must possess the legal right to work in Spain or be able to acquire the necessary visa or residency permit.