This role is to support the science teaching team in the upkeep and management of the science lab, and support the teaching and learning in the Secondary School’s DT programme, and within and outside the classroom to ensure students are safe, happy and learning in a positive and nurturing environment.
Science Lab :
Main duties:
- Assisting in the preparation of materials and equipment for all science lessons, having due regard to changing syllabi and understanding the various course requirements.
- To ensure that science laboratories, preparation and stockrooms and their equipment are maintained in a clean and safe way.
- Maintain stocks of science materials, chemicals and equipment; prepare and submit purchase orders for replenishment when necessary.
- Administrative duties in support of the science teachers in the school.
- General teaching assistant/cover supervisor duties as required in support of the school.
Preparation of science lesson materials and equipment
- Preparation of equipment and materials, including required paperwork, books and audio-visual aids for lessons both for demonstrations and whole class use.
- Prepare experiments, set up apparatus and equipment for demonstrations and practical lessons and exams.
- Advise staff of any problems or damage, including where safety concerns are evident.
- Assist with the collection and cataloguing of sundry worksheets, books, audio-visual aids and materials.
- Liaise with teaching staff and prepare for Taster days and Open Houses, miscellaneous workshops and competitions.
- When necessary, carry out trial investigations and experiments to be used by the teaching staff.
- Assist the teacher in the laboratories as requested.
Routine maintenance of science laboratories and preparation rooms, their equipment and services:
- Ensure the laboratory facilities and equipment are clean and well maintained to meet Health and Safety requirements.
- Ensure the safe storage and accessibility of equipment and materials. Ensure the safe disposal of used materials, including any dangerous substances, deal pro-actively with real or potential hazards in line with COSHH regulations.
- Regularly carry out health and safety checks, including risk assessments, on laboratories, preparation and storerooms.
Design & Technology:
- Under the direction of the School DT and STEM Team Lead, participate fully in the preparation of student centered, learning activities and support teaching and learning where necessary
- Ensure that the environment in the Maker Spaces, DT Workshop, and are well-managed, properly ordered, neatly presented, and that inventory and resources are maintained
- Ensure that the equipment in the Maker spaces, are kept well and utilised regularly at various projects and learning opportunities
- Provide training and assistance to the school DT team with regards to the equipment in the Maker Spaces.
- Liaise with teaching staff and prepare for Taster days and Open Houses, miscellaneous workshops and competitions.
General:
- To provide any other reasonable duties delegated by the School Management.
- Work with Health and Safety, and facilities teams, in ensuring safety and compliance with the regulations in place for labs to be able to operate seamlessly
- Representing the science department as a member of the Health & Safety Committee.
Position Requirements:
- Ability to work under pressure and use of initiative is essential
- Possess highly developed interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Excellent verbal and written English skills
- Good references on request
- Mentor pupils on their personal Design and Technology, and Art projects
- Experience working as a Science Lab Technician
- Knowledge of workshop production methods and their safe operations (ie woodworking
tools)
- Willingness to learn and grow new skills on the job
- Experience with DT preferred
- Experience with Textiles/sewing and digital production tools preferred
Qualifications:
- At least 1 year of experience in working with children or relevant educational certificate/diploma required
- Requisite qualifications/ Diploma in Science
Terms of Employment:
- Medical Benefits: Medical insurance provided where applicable
- Probation Period: 3 months from date of commencement
- Referee request: Required
- Background Check: Required
The job holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young person’s for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the relevant Cognita Safeguarding; Child Protection Policy and Procedures at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the role, the job holder identifies any instance that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm either at school or at home, s/he must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or to the Head of School or indeed to the Regional CEO or Safeguarding Manager - Asia so that a referral can be made accordingly to the statutory services.
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Appointment is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for regulated activity (if the candidate has lived in the UK) and/or criminal/police or equivalent background checks for all other countries inhabited (irrespective of whether you worked in those countries).
