French Language Assistant (Part-Time)

Required: September 2024

Line Manager: Head of MFL

Hours: 8 per week

Hourly rate: £18.50

Closing date: Wednesday 5th June, 12:00 noon

Interview date: Thursday 13th June

The Role

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational and passionate native level French Language Assistant to join the MFL Department of The King’s School, Gloucester. The successful candidate will be an ambassador for the French language, and will demonstrate the ability to communicate and instil a lifelong love of their language in the next generation.

The role of the Language Assistant is to support MFL teaching staff in whole-class situations, and to lead independent activities (e.g. speaking practice) with individuals and small groups. You will play a vital role in developing students’ skills in general conversation, pronunciation, fluency and idiom.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of the MFL Department in one of the country’s leading HMC Independent Schools, and to the wider life of the School through clubs and activities, ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching experience for students of French at King’s.

The School

The King’s School, Gloucester has a rich academic tradition dating back to its founding in 1541. It houses the longest-serving classroom in Europe and is held in high esteem amongst the local and wider community, winning Gloucestershire Independent School of the Year in 2020 and 2021, and being Highly Commended again in 2022. Following the 2022 ISI Inspection, King’s was proud to be declared ‘excellent in all areas’.

The Department

In today’s world, we believe all pupils should have the opportunity to study a Modern Foreign Language, and we are fortunate to be able to provide this opportunity in an inspirational setting overlooking the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral.

The Modern Foreign Languages Department at King’s aims to make students proficient in the use of two languages: French and Spanish. This involves not only linguistic competence, but also an understanding of different cultures; as such, we actively encourage participation in events, competitions, clubs and overseas trips. Our schemes of work look to teach beyond the confines of the specifications, and inspirational teaching brings languages to life.

In their first year, all pupils learn both French and Spanish. As they progress through the curriculum, they may choose to carry on one or both languages to GCSE and beyond. By the end of the course, our objective is for all students to communicate effectively in the target language and appreciate the countries and cultures in which it is spoken. Visits abroad provide a practical opportunity to use their language skills; every year, Second Form (Year 8) pupils attend an activity and language course in Normandy; every other year, Third Form (Year 9) through to Upper Sixth (Year 13) pupils can join us on a trip to Spain and/or France.

Main Duties

• Under the direction of MFL teaching staff, to take responsibility for weekly speaking lessons with individual students and/or small groups, amounting to 8 hours per week;
• Collaborating with teachers in the classroom to support individual students;
• Liaising with the Head of MFL to develop appropriate resources for all students/groups taught, including provision of current topic-related materials that will stimulate discussion;
• Devising appropriate strategies to support students with particular SEN, and to stretch the most able students;
• Ensuring lessons follow examination-relevant topics, practising specific examination skills and conducting mock examinations with individual students;
• Communicating effectively with the Head of MFL to ensure the smooth running of speaking sessions;
• Assessing and recording students’ progress in accordance with departmental policies;
• Promoting the importance of French and MFL in a modern world;
• Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact;
• Any other duties that may reasonably be assigned by the Headmaster or Head of MFL.

Personal Profile

• Native level and highly literate speaker of French with a good command of English and an active interest in French current affairs;
• A desire to work with and ability to understand children and young adults;
• Enthusiasm and passion for the French language, the School and the pupils;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish professional relationships with all staff and students;
• A willingness to both offer and take on new ideas;
• Excellent organisational skills, able to work under pressure, plan and prioritise own workload and remain professional at all times;
• Ability to deliver high standards, accuracy and attention to detail, meeting all deadlines;
• A flexible approach to working with students and staff;
• A desire to be involved in the wider life of the School.

Benefits

• A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
• Generous fee remission for children at King’s;
• Before / After School Care for children at King’s;
• Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
• Staff Wellbeing Programme;
• Cycle to Work / Car Scheme;
• Lunches;
• Parking.

Applications

Candidates should apply through TES or by submitting a completed School Application Form and Covering Letter via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk. A CV is not required.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 5th June at 12:00 noon, with interviews taking place on Thursday 13th June. Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the published closing and interview dates, if appropriate.

For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk.

The King’s School 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: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations). Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education an online search will be carried out for short listed candidates only – this will consist of a Google and social media search. The search is looking for anything that calls into question the candidate’s suitability to work with children, or could cause harm to the reputation of The King’s School. Any information discovered will be shared with members of the interviewing panel prior to interview.