Science Teacher - Thames British School Madrid

About Thames British School

Thames British School is an international establishment committed to delivering an outstanding British education for students aged 3 to 18. We are affiliated with NABSS (National Association of British Schools in Spain) and COBIS (Council of British International Schools), and we follow the National Curriculum for England to provide our students with a challenging, inclusive, and comprehensive educational experience.

Our dynamic school community is dedicated to nurturing confident, creative, and independent learners.

We are in search of a passionate and dedicated Secondary Physics Teacher to join our team in August 2026. The successful candidate will be tasked with conducting engaging lessons, fostering a positive classroom environment, and participating in the wider school community.

KS3 & KS4 & KS5 Science Teacher – Role Overview

The Secondary Physics Teacher will be responsible for delivering exceptional teaching and learning experiences across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, supporting the academic development, achievement, and well-being of all students while promoting equality and maintaining the highest standards of work and behavior in our international school, which offers both Cambridge and IB programs.

This role involves designing, delivering, and assessing Physics lessons based on the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum for KS3 and the examination specifications for KS4 and KS5, including Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Level, and the IB Diploma Programme in Physics. The teacher will develop coherent and well-structured schemes of work aimed at fostering deep conceptual understanding, robust practical skills, and advanced analytical and mathematical capabilities, in alignment with the principles and standards of both Cambridge and IB frameworks.

The chosen candidate will maintain high expectations for student behavior, engagement, and academic performance, creating an environment that is both disciplined and intellectually stimulating, encouraging scientific inquiry, independent thought, and resilience. They will effectively implement formative and summative assessments, including coursework, practical investigations, and external examination criteria from Cambridge and IB, to guide lesson planning, provide constructive feedback, and initiate timely interventions to ensure successful examination outcomes.

Additionally, the post holder will play a role in the effective management of practical science, ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations, proper management of laboratory resources, and compliance with the practical assessment criteria of both Cambridge and IB, thereby promoting safe and rigorous scientific practices consistently.

Collaboration is vital; 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 engage fully in the pastoral system, uphold safeguarding responsibilities per statutory guidance and school policies, and actively participate in the broader school community through enrichment activities, academic mentoring, and university preparation aligned with international pathways. Experience or interest in Theory of Knowledge would be beneficial.

Main Purpose of Job

● Ensure all students reach their learning objectives while fostering equality of opportunity.

● Take ownership of achieving the highest standards in work and behavior.

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

● Collaborate effectively with learners, parents/carers, governors, colleagues, and external agencies for the benefit of students.

● Adhere to statutory frameworks that outline 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 diverse age groups and abilities.

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

● Stay updated with subject knowledge through ongoing professional development (both required and self-directed) and create new curriculum materials as necessary.

● Effectively utilize a variety of learning resources and equipment.

● Prepare students for qualifications and external examinations.

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

● Undertake pastoral responsibilities, including serving as a form tutor and providing individual support to students facing 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 such as learning mentors and career advisors.

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

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

● Organize and participate in extracurricular activities, including trips, social events, and sports.

● Participate in observations and learning walks.

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

● 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 committed 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 follows 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.