Science Technician Apprentice

St. John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School has a proud history of educating our local Medway community. Established in 1964, we are the only Catholic secondary school in the local authority. One of seven secondary modern schools in the area, we are a diverse community, proud to educate Catholic students as well as those of other faiths and none.

Our students often refer to us as their second family, and it is a great place to work. Our community of staff is incredibly supportive of each other, and our personalised CPD programme means that everyone’s career development is supported in a way that is specific to them. We are passionate about work-life balance, finishing lessons early on a Wednesday afternoon so that CPD and meetings can largely take place during normal school hours, and we provide counselling services free of charge to those who need them.

The school is looking to appoint a Science Technician Apprentice to join the excellent Science faculty to continue the positive trends of results for pupils. The department has successfully negotiated major changes to curriculum and assessment throughout the last few years. Two real strengths of the team are the sense of openness and willingness to assist one other. Resources are shared between staff, as well as tips and tricks on pedagogy and experiments/ demonstrations to promote good understanding. 

Working with the Senior Science Technician, your role will be to co-ordinate the use of practical resources and facilities and help and advice in meeting the practical needs of the science curriculum, including liaising with teaching staff and support staff outside the department. 

You’ll support with the design, development and maintenance of specialist resources and/or long-term project and offer professional guidance, assistance, and support to pupils and teachers on the practical aspects of the curriculum. 

Responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the technical team within the science department, including assisting in practical classes, carrying out demonstrations (if required), preparing resources, assembling apparatus.  
• Designing, constructing, and modifying apparatus.
• Carrying out risk assessments for technician activities.
• Setting up and caring for plant and animal collections.
• Preparing standard solutions etc, purifying chemicals, treating waste.
• Supporting the developing new procedures, processes, and resources to support curriculum and legislative changes. Keeping up to date with any changes from CLEAPSS and supporting the planning for their implementation.
• Maintaining resources, ordering new stock, and keeping accurate stock records.
• Ensuring the department’s resources and maintained to the required standards.
• Giving technical advice to teachers, technicians and pupils/students.

SJF undoubtedly has a proud history, but we are even more excited about the future. We hope that you’ll want to be part of it.