Teacher of German

We wish to appoint a Teacher of German for September 2023. The successful candidate will have a genuine passion for German, a desire to inspire this in others and will be eager to develop their own teaching skills across Year 9, GCSE, IB/A-Level, and university preparation. It would be desirable, although not essential, for the successful candidate to be able to offer any of the following in addition:

• The ability to teach German to Year 7 and 8 pupils in our prep school;

• The ability to offer a second modern language (French or Spanish) at Year 9 level and/or GCSE level and/or A-Level/IB

• The ability to teach German to native speakers in our International Baccalaureate programme.

Introduction to Modern Languages at Bedford School

We are a boarding and day school that is firmly globally minded, with a curriculum deliberately designed to reflect (and celebrate) the diversity of our pupil roll (with over twenty nationalities represented in our boarding community). We offer both the International Baccalaureate and A-Levels in our Sixth Form: at IB, we offer French, Spanish and German as a second language, Spanish and Mandarin ab initio, and German to native speakers at pre-IB and IB level. French, German and Spanish are offered at A-Level and GCSE; A Level and GCSE Mandarin is offered to suitably qualified native speakers. The Modern Languages department works closely with a large team of EAL specialists and a thriving Classics department. Pupils in our Prep School study French for two periods a week from when they arrive in Year 3; from Year 6, they also study Latin, and then from Y7 pick up two periods of Spanish and German (on a half yearly rotation.) 

An illustration of the level of enthusiasm for languages amongst our community can be found in our recent Languages Project. Facilities for language teaching are extensive across both Prep and Upper sites, alongside offices and dedicated space for three Foreign Language Assistants. Class sizes are typically far lower than the maintained sector across all key stages, better enabling our teachers to develop excellent relationships with our children, getting to know them as individuals. 

Visitors to our school frequently comment on the strong sense of a close-knit community; our vertical tutoring system creates a familial structure which allows new pupils to develop alongside boys further along in their educational journey. All members of our community follow five principles for inclusion that the school has developed; we instil in our pupils the mantra ‘kindness is our bottom line’ and values of endeavour, responsibility, integrity and curiosity. We believe that education is about much more than academic qualifications: our provision is underpinned by the goal ‘that they be good men’.

This role would be suitable for an experienced teacher, ECT or applicant new to the profession. We are experienced in supporting unqualified teachers to take their first role within the profession, with a reduced timetable of teaching, high levels of support and opportunities for formal initial teacher training.

Full-time teachers at Bedford are also expected to play a full part in the extensive cocurricular programme and be a Tutor attached to a boarding or day house. 

We welcome applications from all German specialists, and from all backgrounds, to provide good role models for our global students.

Bedford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance. Short-listed candidates will be invited to the school for interview on the advertised date.

The selection process will involve a lesson observation, a tour of the school and interviews. The Head of Modern Foreign Languages Mr Frank Graeff would be happy to talk to prospective applicants and can be contacted through the main school reception on 01234 362200 or by email fgraeff@bedfordschool.org.uk.

Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and Bedford School reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply early.

Closing date: Friday 17th February 9.00am

Interview date: Thursday 23rd February

Further details about the role and a link to our recruitment portal, where you can apply using our online application form, can be found on our website:

www.bedfordschool.org.uk/about-us/career-opportunities/

The Harpur Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references and other checks.

Bedford School is part of The Harpur Trust.