Teacher of Geography

The College

Abbey Gate College is the longest-running coeducational independent school in the Chester area, catering for circa 500 pupils aged 4-18 years. Set in the idyllic rural villages of Saighton and Aldford on the outskirts of Chester.

Our pupils are at the heart of everything we do.  We believe education is about building self-esteem, a love of learning and igniting a desire in all our pupils, to ensure they fulfil their academic and personal potential. We strive to guarantee our children leave Abbey Gate College as confident, articulate, respectful and happy young high achievers. 

The Post

We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated, Geography teacher to join our innovative department to start in September 2021.  The successful candidate will teach across the year groups in the Senior School and must be able to offer Geography to A level.  A willingness to participate in extra-curricular activities, including trips abroad within the Geography framework or beyond is essential. A particular interest in Physical Geography would be an advantage. 

Key responsibilities

• To ensure that the Geography curriculum is delivered effectively and efficiently with high quality lessons. 

• To deliver the lessons either face to face or remotely if required. 

• To contribute to the development of Schemes of Work (with the Head of department). 

• To keep up to date with all aspects of the development of teaching and learning related to Geography. 

• To help and advise with the population of the Virtual Learning Environment with appropriate content. 

• To take responsibility for the learning and academic performance of all pupils taught in Geography. 

• To ensure that pupil efforts are properly rewarded. 

• To provide pupils with careers advice as appropriate. 

• To liaise with Learning Support and Head of department to ensure pupils have the necessary access arrangements for pupil and internal assessments. 

• To work well with other colleagues to ensure effective teaching and learning.

• To renew and monitor policies and procedures to ensure best practice is being followed.

• To share good practice in the department and across the College. 

• To develop cross curricular links with other subjects. 

• To promote the enjoyment of Geography across the College, and the benefits of a geography-based degree or career in Sixth Form.

• To assist the Head of Geography as required with the delivery of College outreach events such as Open Morning, Sixth Form Information Evening and Y5 and Y11 Taster Days, including display work and activities.

• To assist the Head to Geography to increase the Geography department profile within the College and the wider community.

• Be responsible for the setting of appropriate work for cover lessons, when necessary.

• Any other duties as required.

1) Marking, Homework

- to ensure that the College Policies on marking are applied.

- to ensure that marking is used to inform teaching and learning in your planning.

- to ensure that appropriate homework is and set according to the College timetable.

- to ensure that work is marked promptly, accurately and in a diagnostic way.

2) Assessment and Record Keeping

- to ensure the frequent and regular assessment of the progress of pupils through formative and summative methods.

- to ensure that assessment is used to inform teaching and learning.

- to ensure that reports to parents are of good quality. Maintain high standards of communication with parents too.

3) Outside the Classroom/Teaching Area

- to help with extra-curricular activities within the department.

- to help participate in and run appropriate external visits.

- to arrange events,  competitions, etc which would raise the level of interest in Geography amongst pupils and the wider community.

- to assist with the provision of taster sessions/taster days for prospective pupils whether they be external or from the Infant and Junior Department.

- to help with the setting up of the department for Open Morning.

- to co-ordinate and provide information and guidance for prospective pupils and their parents at the 6th Form Information Evening if required.

6) Health and Safety

- to be responsible for the implementation of the Whole School and Department Health and Safety Policies

Geography Curriculum

At Abbey Gate College, we are committed to delivering a broad and exciting curriculum to all of our pupils. Our curriculum encompasses a full range of experiences that will develop the pupils into confident, resilient and successful young adults with the prospect of a great future. 

The examination board for GCSE and A-Level is AQA. Geography is a very popular subject within the College for both GCSE and A-Level. 

Extra-Curricular

The department is committed to running regular field trips for every year group both within the UK and abroad. Recently, trips have included within the UK Ceredigion coast, Llandudno, and Ainsdale. Overseas trips include Sicily, Iceland, and the Netherlands. There is a planned Iceland trip in July 2022 (COVID19 permitting). 

Key qualities and person specification: -

The person appointed should demonstrate the following skills and qualities: -

• Inspirational teacher

• Commitment and enthusiasm for the delivery of both Physical and Human Geography and (desirable but not essential) to have additional skill/ expertise/ interest in Physical Geography.

• Flexibility and commitment to run field trips both within the UK and abroad. 

• Experience in fieldwork (desirable but not essential)

• Enthusiastic, caring, innovative and creative

• Experience of Teaching A-level Geography (desirable but not essential)

• Ability to teach lessons face to face or remotely if required. 

• Committed to raising the standards and monitoring pupil progress

• Act as a good role model to staff and pupils

• Have an outstanding professional and personal qualities

• Caring, supportive and willing to adapt their teaching to suit the needs of the pupils

• Proficient with the use of ICT in the classroom

• Show good planning skills

• Highly organised

• Calm under pressure

The College welcomes applications from both experienced teachers and also NQT applicants. 

Salary

The salary for this position will depend upon the qualifications and relevant experience of the successful candidate.

Child Protection

Abbey Gate College regards as paramount the welfare and safety of children.  Whilst criminal convictions are not necessarily a bar, this safety consideration will be key to all decisions regarding the employment of staff, approval of volunteers and standards of external contractors. An enhanced DBS and barred check will be completed as part of the pre-employment checks. 

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of race, ethnic background, nationality, colour, gender, transgender status, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.  We therefore welcome applications from all segments of the community.

Applications

Candidates should complete an Abbey Gate College Application Form and submit this together with a letter explaining their interest in and suitability for the post.