PHYSICAL SCIENCE TEACHER
Job Description
St John's College is a world-class Anglican School situated on a magnificent campus in Houghton, Johannesburg, offering quality education from Pre-Primary to Post-Matric. The school has an outstanding academic record and an excellent reputation in sport, music, drama, art and debating.
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Physical Sciences Teacher who ignites curiosity and fosters a deep appreciation for the wonder of Science. The ideal candidate will bring energy, expertise and a passion for both Chemistry and Physics, delivering engaging and rigorous lessons to students from Remove to UV (Grades 8-12). With a commitment to academic excellence, the teacher will inspire students to think critically, explore creatively and strive for strong results across the Physical Sciences. The role may also include teaching Physics or Chemistry within the Cambridge International Examination curriculum. As a collaborative member of the Physical Sciences Department, the successful candidate will contribute positively to a supportive and innovative team environment, helping to create a space where every student feels motivated, challenged and empowered to achieve their full potential.
INHERENT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION Qualifications and Professional Memberships- A Bachelor's Degree in Science.
- A Master's Degree in Science is advantageous.
- A Bachelor of Education/PGCE.
- Current and active SACE membership.
- A solid understanding of, and commitment to working within the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral, written, and presentation), with the ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders.A minimum of five years' experience teaching the Independent Examination Board (IEB) Physical Sciences curriculum and experience teaching the Further Studies Programmes is essential.
- Experience with the Cambridge International Examination (CIE) curriculum or any other 6th Form examination board is advantageous.
- Demonstrable subject knowledge to deliver engaging, imaginative and varied lessons across the age and ability range of students at the school.
- A willingness to embrace rapid changes in education and an interest and ability to integrate IT and online learning into teaching and learning.
- Highly motivated and can work independently as well as within wider teams.
- Demonstrable interest in the welfare and pastoral well-being of young people.
- A willingness to contribute in the holistic educational offering by being involved in the co-curricular programme
- A positive and resilient attitude, with flexibility to adapt to change, a commitment to maintaining high standards of discipline, and an unwavering personal and professional integrity.
- The ability to understand, use, and encourage a variety of teaching and learning styles.
- Understanding of the challenges and opportunities with respect to being an independent school within Africa and in South Africa, and the implications of this for the school.
- Demonstrate a commitment to live and work within the values, Christian ethos and mission of the College and ensure that diversity and inclusion is fundamental to all actions.
- Ensure the best possible academic outcomes by planning, preparing, and delivering well-structured, creative lessons that inspire, motivate, and challenge students.
- Teach across the age and ability range within the College and 6th Form, accommodating the most able, and those who find the subject challenging.
- Take responsibility for keeping your subject knowledge and pedagogical skills up to date.
- Lead, inspire, and motivate all students in the College, ensuring their welfare, success and a consistently outstanding experience in line with the College's mission statement.
- Set and moderate appropriate assessments throughout the academic year, and provide timely feedback to support and challenge students' development.
- Assess, mark, record, and record student progress in line with school policies. Set challenging goals and provide timely, detailed, and supportive feedback to students to ensure the best possible academic outcomes.
- Provide timely, detailed and supportive feedback to students.
- Attend parents' meetings as required.
- Assist in monitoring processes by analysing data and taking appropriate action where necessary.
- Use and review performance data, overseeing the setting of challenging but realistic targets for students in liaison with the Head of Department.
- Prepare reports on each student's progress.
- Cover substitution lessons when required.
- Contribute more widely to the department through, for example, enrichment activities, administering internal examinations, interventions to support individuals or groups of students or partnership activities.
- Carry out administrative and other functions related to the smooth running of the department.
- Liaise with other colleagues in the school, sharing ideas and information to best maintain a varied and engaging curriculum.
- Attend department meetings and other meetings as appropriate.
- Attend conferences relating to academic development.
The Teacher will be expected to contribute to being an active participant in the rich co-curricular life of the School. Contributions may include, based on interest and skills:
- Running a club.
- Accompanying students on visits away from the school, subject to risk assessment.
- Support other members of staff with co-curricular events.
- Actively contribute to the staff duty rota, eg, exam invigilation and supervising break times.
- Coach / manage a school sport or take A-level practicals or academy lessons in the afternoon.
- Contribute to the school's wider social programme, including workshops, conferences, chapel services, competitions, trips, open days, and so on.
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact.
- Maintain good order and discipline among students and safeguard their health and safety, both on the School Premises and when engaged in authorised School activities elsewhere.
- Manage student behaviour to ensure a positive and safe learning environment.
- Treat students with dignity, build relationships rooted in mutual respect, and observe boundaries appropriate to a teacher's professional position.
- Be a tutor to a tutor group, taking an interest in their academic progress and as well as their pastoral well-being.
- Assist regularly by supporting the House Master and getting to know the students.
- Provide consistent support to the House Master and actively engage in building relationships with the students.
- Carry out any other reasonable requests as directed by the Head of Department.
Members of staff are expected to demonstrate a commitment to work within the values, Anglican ethos and mission of the school.
To apply for this position, please complete the Application Form using this link Click Here to Apply by no later than 03 April 2026.
At St John's College, we are committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children. All staff who have access to children will be vetted in accordance with the St John's College safeguarding policy. This policy stipulates that staff are required to undergo all the necessary background checks in keeping with the requirements for safeguarding and child protection in South Africa, and all staff perform duties in accordance with our school's HR Policies.
The school reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. The appointment of candidates is at the sole discretion of St John's College, taking into account factors such as St John's College Employment Equity Policy. Applications are welcomed from South African citizens only or persons with a valid work permit. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from St John's College within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application
St John's College, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.