Nicola Kidston

Teacher of Science from Years 7 - 10 and HSC Chemistry teacher in Years 11 - 12.

A proven track record of leading students of all abilities to excellent outcomes at the most senior level of their studies.

A passion for excellence in pedagogy; researching and utilising evidence-based teaching strategies to improve engagement and develop students as thinkers.

Pastoral team leader overseeing the whole year group of students with responsibility for overseeing students’ academic and pastoral progress and general wellbeing.

Leading and managing a group of Form Teachers to ensure close oversight of the progress of each individual student and to provide the best quality pastoral care for the students.

Working with the Form Teachers and the Director of Student Wellbeing in devising a pastoral program addressing relevant issues in the year group.

Temporary responsibility for Form Programs 2022.

Working with the team of Year Coordinators to implement Form Programs, keeping them fresh and relevant, and creating relevant resources to support them.

Overseeing the annual Form Teacher appraisal process of my Form team.

Organising school events such as School Camps, Formals and excursions.

RAP Committee member contributing ideas and developing practical strategies for action within the school community.

Supporting the Peer Mentor Coordinator in developing and implementing the Peer Mentoring Program.

Attendance at Chapel services, Parent Information Evenings, House events.

HSC Chemistry teacher Year 11 - 12, HSC Physics teacher Year 11.

Teacher of Mathematics Year 10.

Responsibility for updating programs for Preliminary and HSC Chemistry and producing resources to support learning.

A-Level Chemistry Teacher, GCSE Science Teacher and Key Stage 3 Science Teacher.

Leading, managing, supporting and developing a cohesive team of science teachers.

Developing and maintaining excellence in teaching by monitoring, mentoring and regularly appraising staff in line with the School’s policies and procedures.

Coordinating the development and writing of new programs for AS/A-level Chemistry.

Developing novel formative and summative assessment tools for AS/A-level Chemistry course.

Leading the Science department through a government OFSTED inspection in 2001.

Responsibility for ensuring Departmental policies and procedures, targets and operations are aligned.

Consistently improved the A-level Chemistry grades and numbers of A-C grade GCSE Science results over 3 year period.

Form teacher responsible for the general academic and social wellbeing of each member of the Form Class.

Successfully introduced 'taster' A-level Chemistry course for students in Year 11 to increase numbers of suitable students undertaking subject at the senior level.

GCSE Science Teacher and Key Stage 3 Science Teacher.

Development and implementation of a consistent Assessment Policy in Years 7 – 9.

Introduction of compulsory target-setting and monitoring for students as a way of monitoring progress and setting goals for future improvement.

Coordinating internal moderation for GCSE Science coursework to ensure greater consistency in outcomes.

Managing the pastoral care, wellbeing and academic achievement of a year group and developing a Pastoral/Tutorial Program for each cohort of student.

Developing a monitoring system to identify underachieving students.

Improving literacy levels in EALD students by working closely with the Language Support Department to differentiate resources to support learning in Science.