Teacher of Spanish

THE MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

The Modern Languages Faculty has a combination of both full and part-time teachers, as well as French, German, Mandarin, and Spanish Assistants. The general policy is to follow National Curriculum plus - that is, the broad outlines of the National Curriculum are followed, but the aim is to go beyond its confines whenever possible. Academic standards are high, results are excellent, and we have a proud record of preparing students to study Modern Foreign Languages at some of the UK’s leading universities. Colleagues use a broad range of methodologies, with emphasis on target language use. A shared approach to ideas and resources is encouraged within Departments and across the faculty. Members of the Modern Languages Faculty make good use of a range of digital media.

Each student in Key Stage 3 at St Helen’s selects two languages from French, German, Spanish and Mandarin, and studies these languages until the end of Year 9. Students are asked to choose at least one Modern Foreign or Classical Language at GCSE (many select two or even three), and a number of students go on to take at least one language at A Level.

Prep School pupils are introduced to French from Year 1; they are taught by a subject specialist who is a member of the Prep School staff.

St Helen’s has links with schools across the world. Regular exchange programmes take place with schools in Spain and Germany. Other cultural trips are offered, including short trips to the continent, which may be cross-curricular.

The role will report to: Head of Modern Foreign Languages

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

All teachers are expected to ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning by:

• Preparing and delivering challenging and differentiated lessons
• Setting homework in accordance with the school’s homework policy
• Marking work in accordance with the school’s marking policy
• Using all available data and information to ensure that each student is provided with an appropriate programme of study
• Having a good understanding of the schemes of work they are following and how these fit into the overall scheme of work for the subject they are teaching
• Keeping up to date with developments in the teaching of their subject
• Take a full and active role in the co-curricular programme

Other Duties:

• Carry out such duties that may be reasonably required by the Head of MFL
• Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance and conduct
• Maintain positive and courteous relations with pupils, parents, and colleagues
• Engage actively in the performance review process
• Follow responsibilities as defined in the Health & Safety Policy
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people with whom s/he comes into contact and adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• Support and promote the school’s ethos, aims and objectives.

THE PERSON

It is essential for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications,

experience, and personal attributes:

• An exceptional classroom practitioner and inspiring teacher
• A strong honours degree in Spanish or educated to honours degree level with Spanish as your first language
• Experience of teaching Spanish across the secondary age range to A Level
• Demonstrable passion for teaching Spanish to Key Stages 3, 4 and 5
• Detailed understanding of current developments in the secondary curriculum and assessment
• Demonstrable ability to work in a team and to work collaboratively
• A clear motivation to work with young people
• The ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and boundaries with young people
• A commitment to further professional development

It is desirable for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications,

experience, and personal attributes:

• A teaching qualification such as PGCE (or equivalent)
• The ability to offer a second language up to GCSE
• Evidence of further professional development
• Knowledge and experience of how ICT can be used to support learning

APPLICATION PROCESS

Closing date: 8am Friday 19th April 2024

Please apply as soon as possible as shortlisting/interviews will progress up until the closing date. Should a suitable candidate be appointed, we reserve the right to close the advert early. 

Due to the volume of applicants, we receive, if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume we will not be progressing your application further on this occasion.

St Helen’s school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as detailed in Part 3 (Safer Recruitment) of the KCSIE 2023 guidance document. Applicants will be asked for proof of right to work in the UK and undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the disclosure and barring service.