Teacher of History (temporary full-time post, two terms or one year)

A talented, scholarly historian who is an inspiring teacher committed to the ongoing development of their pedagogy is required to teach History in this academically selective, coeducational day school from Year 7 up to and including Oxbridge preparation level for two terms or one year during a colleague’s leave of absence. Applicants should be academically well qualified: it is expected that an applicant will have excellent grades at A Level and a high-quality History related undergraduate degree. Graduate research is a recommendation but by no means a necessity. The successful candidate will be a passionate advocate of History and an avid reader; they will also be enthusiastic about teaching at all levels in this 11-18 school and contributing to the Department’s co-curricular provision. 

The Curriculum

The department is responsible for the teaching of History in Years 7 to 13. All pupils study History in Years 7 to 9. In Year 7, pupils study Medieval Europe and consider the political, social, religious and cultural features of England and the continent over approximately four hundred years. In Year 8, they study the Reformation and the Tudor and Stuart dynasties, looking specifically at the various crises in church and government that punctuate the period. In Year 9, they study the French Revolution, the British Empire and various aspects of the First World War. A high proportion goes on to take History as one of their IGCSE options (there are currently 122 candidates in Year 10 and 108 in Year 11). We follow the Cambridge IGCSE 0977 syllabus, opting for papers on International Relations 1919-1989, and Russia 1905-1941. Over the past three years 98% of candidates achieved Grades 9-7. 

At A Level, we have around 70 students currently who have all chosen between medieval, early modern and modern courses. Since September 2016 we have been following the AQA specification. In 2018-19, our candidates achieved 80% A*-A and 98% A*-B grades.

The Department

The Department aims to foster an enthusiasm for the study of History and a spirit of academic ambition and independence of thought among the pupil body. We aim to make the experience of learning History exciting and challenging by using a range of approaches and materials in the classroom. The eleven members of the department share a common ethos and the atmosphere is very positive, productive and supportive. Colleagues willingly share expertise and resources and volunteer for extra responsibilities when necessary. The Department regularly takes pupils to conferences and places of historical interest in London and further afield. There is a History Society and a Middle School History Society, both of which are extremely vibrant and meet on a weekly and fortnightly basis respectively. The Department is very well-resourced with its own regularly updated library, it has its own office, and all classrooms have interactive whiteboards. The Politics Department is free-standing, but its members can and do teach History as required, and some members of the History Department also teach Politics as required.

Working at Highgate

The School has in place DfE recognised arrangements for the Induction Year and the confirmation of NQT status and has considerable experience of and success in guiding entrants to the profession to qualified status. For all teachers new to Highgate, regardless of experience, there is a strong and supportive framework of induction to the School. There are opportunities to contribute to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school, both aspects of which are valued at Highgate

Teachers at Highgate enjoy a welcoming, comfortable and exceptionally well-resourced environment and are provided with significant assistance from a range of support staff.  Salaries are competitive. The School pays the employer’s contribution to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Terms are shorter than in the maintained sector. Staff have free access to the School’s sports facilities.

The School has in place DfE recognised arrangements for the Induction Year and the confirmation of NQT status and has considerable experience of and success in guiding entrants to the profession to qualified status. For all teachers new to Highgate, regardless of experience, there is a strong and supportive framework of induction to the School.

Highgate is strongly committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to create a welcoming, respectful and safe environment for all members of our community, from every ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability/disability, religion and background.  We know that more diverse teams are stronger teams, and that the more inclusive we are, the more our staff and pupils will feel a sense of belonging and will thrive. To enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know when you submit your application whether you have any special requirements.

Highgate is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly the Criminal Records Bureau).

Benjamin Dabby, the Head of History (Benjamin.Dabby@highgateschool.org.uk) or James Newton, the Deputy Head (Academic) (James.Newton@highgateschool.org.uk) are very happy to answer any questions.