Rikkyo School in England is a fully boarding independent Japanese School for boys and girls aged 10-18 nestled in the countryside on the West Sussex/Surrey border. The school follows the Japanese curriculum with a GCSE in Science and a focus on developing British experiences.
The Teacher of Biology will contribute directly to the quality of education, training and student outcomes, through the delivery of high‑quality teaching to IGCSE Biology to senior high school students with Japanese language background.
The post holder will play a significant role in curriculum development, particularly in support of the School’s pre‑medicine pathway commencing in September. The ability to contribute to AS level Biology (or equivalent) teaching would be a distinct advantage.
The role carries responsibility for ensuring that teaching, assessment and curriculum design consistently meet the Independent School Standards and promote students’ academic progress, well‑being and future readiness.
Rikkyo School in England follows a Japanese school year (April to March) and potential applicants should be aware that term dates do vary from British schools. Further details can be provided.
You must already have the right to live and work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.
This is a non-residential position.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
- Plan and deliver well‑structured, progressive IGCSE Biology lessons to high school students whose first language is Japanese, ensuring clear learning objectives and secure subject knowledge.
- Use assessment effectively to check understanding, inform planning and support students to make good progress over time.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of student attainment and progress, contributing to departmental and whole‑school monitoring.
- Support students to achieve strong academic outcomes including preparation for public examinations and progression to higher education pathways, particularly in medicine and life sciences.
Curriculum Development
- Contribute actively to the review, development and implementation of the School’s Biology curricula and best practice in science education.
- Collaborate in the design and development of the School’s pre‑medicine programme to ensure development of required knowledge, practical skills and academic study habits
- Ensure practical work is well planned, safely delivered and supports students’ scientific understanding and independence.
- Engage constructively in departmental review and evaluation, contributing to continuous improvement.
Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Responsibility
- Promote students’ academic confidence, resilience and well‑being, recognising the needs of students for whom English is an additional language.
- Fulfil pastoral responsibilities as required, contributing to a supportive, respectful and inclusive school culture.
- Act consistently in accordance with the School’s safeguarding and welfare policies, recognising that student well‑being underpins academic success.
Professional Responsibilities
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and reflective practice in line with School expectations and inspection standards.
- Contribute to the wider life of the School, including enrichment activities, trips, mentoring or academic support where appropriate.
- Engage in ongoing professional development, particularly relating to curriculum innovation and international education.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute positively to a culture of mutual support and accountability.
- Ensure Schemes of Work are kept and regularly updated.
Person Specification
Essential
- A good honours degree (or equivalent) in Biology or a closely related discipline.
- Ability to teach Biology confidently.
- Commitment to high‑quality teaching, effective assessment, and student progress.
- Willingness to contribute to curriculum development and departmental improvement.
- Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respect for Japanese culture, recognising its central importance to students' identity, wellbeing and learning at Rikkyo School in England.
- Experience of teaching to International or EAL learners.
- Shows a clear willingness to learn, adapt to and engage with Japanese educational values, communication styles and school traditions, in order to support students effectively and contribute positively to the wider school culture.
- Experience of teaching EAL learners.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for Christian values, with the ability to engage thoughtfully and positively with the ethos, traditions and community life of a Christian school.
Desirable
- Ability to teach A level Chemistry or equivalent.
- Experience of working in an international or bi‑cultural educational environment, or a demonstrated interest in developing cultural understanding in a professional context.
- Experience contributing to post‑16 curriculum design.
- Familiarity with university entry requirements for medicine, biomedical science or related fields.
Safeguarding
Rikkyo School in England is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undergo appropriate pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, and to uphold the School’s safeguarding culture at all times, as required under the Independent School Standards.
Application Process
To apply, please contact Siân Macey at [email protected] or call 01403 822107 for an Application Form. You can attach a copy of your CV but we are not able to accept CVs on their own. Without a completed application form, your application will not be considered.
We reserve the right to end this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.
Pay: £36,267.00-£43,978.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- Do you already have the right to live and work in the UK without requiring us to sponsor you? (Note: We cannot take your application forward if you require us to sponsor you).
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
