A SCIENCE teacher at a Worcester school who “disturbed” her Year 8 class by showing them an “inappropriate” video has been suspended from the classroom.

The General Teaching Council’s Professional Conduct Committee found Rebecca Leighton guilty of “unacceptable professional conduct” while employed at Tudor Grange Academy, Worcester, between September 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009.

It found that she showed inappropriate video footage to year eight students during a science lesson in October 2009.

The GTC said the teacher had shown the students videos involving the collection of semen from animals, and spiders under the influence of drugs.

Its decision states: “Miss Leighton’s conduct fell short of the standard expected of a registered teacher and was behaviour which involved a breach of the standards of propriety expected of the profession.

“Miss Leighton's actions breached the relevant Code of Conduct and Practice for Registered Teachers. Specifically, she failed to maintain reasonable standards in her own behaviour to enable her to maintain an effective learning environment and also to uphold public trust and confidence in the profession.”

It adds: “Any reasonable person would consider the videos shown to be highly inappropriate, even in the context of a science lesson.

"In light of the obviously inappropriate nature of the videos, which clearly disturbed the pupils and offended their parents, it is necessary and proportionate to impose a sanction.”

It said that, while Miss Leighton co-operated with the school’s investigation she had nevertheless shown a “clear lack of insight” and had made no expression of remorse or regret.

Suspending her for two years, the committee concluded: “It is necessary for this to be the maximum period to allow Ms Leighton to properly reflect on her failings and understand that what she did was not acceptable."

Miss Leighton has a right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.

Tudor Grange Academy Worcester confirmed that Miss Leighton no longer worked at the school but said they were unable to comment further.