Teacher of English

The School

Founded in 1432, Sevenoaks enjoys a global reputation as a centre of academic excellence and a flagship school for the International Baccalaureate. A co-educational day and boarding school, it offers a stimulating, intellectually demanding and balanced education for pupils from the age of 11 to 18. 

The school’s international make-up and outlook promote the principles of tolerance and open-mindedness. About 350 pupils board in the seven boarding houses, and students originate from some 40 countries worldwide. 

In 2013 the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) awarded Sevenoaks School the rare accolade of ‘Exceptional’ for its students’ achievement. Sevenoaks was also the highest performing fully co-educational school, and the one with the largest cohort, in The Sunday Times Parent Power’s top 50 fee-paying schools for the IB in 2015. In November 2017 we were, for the second time in 10 years, awarded The Sunday Times Independent School of the Year.

Teaching at Sevenoaks School

Teaching here is immensely rewarding: we work in high-performing teams towards a shared endeavour. Everyone appointed to teach at Sevenoaks School is expected to actively engage in all aspects of our broad and well-rounded education. 

We want all our pupils to enjoy their subjects, to be inspired by their teachers and to become independent, lifelong learners. Teachers are enthusiastic and well-qualified graduates. We have an exceptionally lively, talented and committed staff body. We welcome applications from experienced teachers and newly-qualified teachers but can also provide training including PGCE for those joining the profession at whatever stage. All new staff undertake a comprehensive induction programme. Sevenoaks is committed to supporting its staff with training and professional development tailored to staff needs and interests.

Curriculum

At every stage, we offer a broad, deep and integrated curriculum. Every pupil is encouraged to be curious, creative, critically aware, and to develop his or her passion and talent to the full. Life is fast-paced, dynamic, and expectations are high. At the same time, the school seeks to cultivate in its pupils the habit of reflecting on their learning, and on how they contribute to society more broadly. Ambitious and principled, confident and compassionate, our pupils are prepared for leadership and teamwork in the wider world. 

All of the 400-plus Sixth Form students pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma, a programme the school has delivered for nearly 40 years. The Diploma is the best preparation for university and for work in a world of global competition. Even more important, it genuinely develops a rich inner life in our students, opening their minds to connections and possibilities within and across the subject disciplines. 

The English Department

The department comprises twelve full-time and four part-time members, and teaches every pupil in the school for the entirety of a Sevenoaks education. 

The department has evolved its own schemes of work for the first three years (Years 7-9), based upon the requirements of the National Curriculum. We choose not to set in English, as entry to the school is already highly selective. Years 10 and 11 study for IGCSE English Language, and we have pioneered our own rigorous, exciting, and internally examined but externally moderated Literature course, now accepted and recognised by UCAS.

In the Sixth Form, every student pursues the International Baccalaureate, where English is available either at Higher or Standard Level. In addition we offer a Standard Level Literature and Performance course, which combines elements of English and Theatre. The courses offer an exciting and dynamic range of opportunities for teachers of both traditional English and literature in translation.

The department enjoys regular successes at Oxbridge entry, while many students opt for the intellectual excitement of writing a 4,000 word IB Extended Essay on a literary topic of their choice – a unique experience, with individual teacher supervision, which student and teacher alike find terrifically fulfilling. 

The Post

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and well qualified graduate. We seek applicants with enthusiasm and imagination, who are willing to be part of a team. The successful candidate will be expected to be able to teach across the year groups, though efforts will be made in the timetable to reflect an individual’s strengths. The new appointee can expect a considerable amount of Sixth Form teaching. He or she will help to develop a culture within the school that encourages reading, writing and the enjoyment of literature. We welcome applications from teachers new to the profession as well as those with teaching experience. The opportunity to train for PGCE may be available. A commitment to excellent pastoral care and enriching co-curricular and outreach activities is also expected.