Head of Spanish and Teacher of French

Sydenham High School is looking for an exceptional leader to join our Languages department and develop this dynamic and strong department to maintain the high academic expectations of our school and to contribute significantly to our community.

The Languages Department at Sydenham High is a dynamic and strong department comprising a mixture of full-time and part-time members of staff, some of whom have other responsibilities in the school. In a selective school, it is a pleasure to stimulate and inspire the students’ bright and alert minds, and Languages is a popular subject. The members of the Department therefore employ a variety of teaching methods in order to meet the aim of encouraging every girl to find success, enjoyment and satisfaction in their studies. There are four dedicated Languages classrooms in the school centred around the Languages Office. At Sydenham High School we teach four foreign languages ( French, Spanish, Italian and German) from Year 7 to Year 13.

In Year 7, girls are taught French in form groups. Towards the end of Year 7, the pupils will choose a second language which they will continue until the end of KS4. All pupils study a language at GCSE and some pupils will choose to study two languages at GCSE and a few continue to A Level. The AQA examination board is used for GCSE and girls are usually entered at the higher level. Last year around 76% gained grades 9 -7 with 59% achieving a grade 8/9 in Spanish. Spanish is also offered at A Level. The AQA syllabus is followed, and girls also have an additional weekly session with our language assistant.

Teaching is supported by Clevertouch screens in all Languages classrooms, and course specific textbooks for GCSE and A Level. Pupils in all years also have access to various digital platforms to support their learning. We run many co-curricular clubs in the Languages department and are also offering trips locally but also abroad in all languages.

Ideally the candidate will show considerable initiative and be prepared to innovate both in the classroom and in the field. Staff are expected to be digitally literate and are encouraged to develop their personal digital skills.

The role is 0.8 FTE, but full-time may be considered for the right candidate who is able to offer something extra to the whole community or a third language.

The preferred start date for this role is September 2023.

Starting salary will depend on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and a strong professional development programme.

These benefits include:

●     Access to extensive professional development opportunities

●     Interest free training loans for qualifications

●     Generous pension schemes

●     Employee Assistance Programme (provided by Legal & General)

●     Cycle to work scheme

●     Free school lunches

●     A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools

●     30 days annual leave for full-time support staff

For more details, please contact hr@syd.gdst.net or the School Office on 0208 557 7000.

To apply, please click the apply button.

Applications should be received by 9am on Thursday 2 February 2023.

Selected candidates will have an interview and lesson observation at Sydenham High School GDST, likely to be on Tuesday 7 February 2023.

References for candidates invited to interview will be taken before the interview.

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.

GDST are committed to the safeguarding of and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches, and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.