Dunottar School - Teacher of English

Dunottar is a vibrant, co-educational independent secondary school set in extensive grounds of 15 acres on the outskirts of Reigate, Surrey. We have 460 pupils across years 7-13 and are part of United Learning’s large and growing family of schools. We are a first-choice school for parents in the local area and operate a waiting list for admissions. 

Through excellent teaching and outstanding pastoral care, we aim to bring out the best in every pupil, enabling them to be the very best they can be. We believe that for pupils to succeed in the workplace of the future, they need a well-rounded education that goes beyond academics. Our unique Warrior Learning ethos encourages pupils to aim high, to challenge themselves and not to fear making mistakes, whilst also developing an excellent set of values. 

The Department

The English department, one of the largest in the school, is extremely successful. At GCSE, students follow the AQA syllabus for English Language and English Literature while at A-level, they follow the OCR English literature syllabus. Classes at Key Stage 3 and 4 are set according to ability. 

The department encourages students to read as widely as they can through weekly lessons in the library for Year 7, a ‘book bingo’ initiative, e-books, a news app, visiting speakers and competitions. Co-curricular involvements include a student eMagazine, a writers’ circle, an oracy day, theatre visits and enrichment lecture days.

The Role

We are looking for someone with an ability to stimulate curiosity and interest in English and who is prepared to give full commitment to the aims and ethos of the department and to Dunottar School.

The English department is friendly, welcoming and supportive: staff are keen to share resources and embrace new ideas, aspiring to keep their teaching fresh and exciting. The department aims to stretch and challenge every student to realise their potential. Applications are invited from well-qualified and talented teachers for this post. We would welcome applications from early career teachers and experienced teachers alike. We also have the United Teaching route available for unqualified applicants looking to undertake their PGCE part time whilst working/teaching.  Part time applications may be considered depending on the level of availability offered.

The successful candidate will share our passion for developing the work of the department and sharing good practice. They will also play an active role in the extensive and varied co-curricular program at the school, both during the working week and some weekends.

 Key Responsibilities

• Enable pupils to acquire new knowledge and to make good progress according to their ability to increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subject being taught. 
• Display evidence of well-planned lessons, and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time.
• Show a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and that these have been taken into account when planning lessons. 
• Display a high level of knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught, and communicate this enthusiastically to students.
• Employ an excellent range of teaching strategies, high-quality resources and activities, thus enabling all students to fulfil their academic potential.
• Ensure that marking of pupils’ work is both regular and thorough and that full records are kept in line with the Assessment, Recording and Reporting Statement.
• Ensure that pupil assessment is used to inform lesson planning so pupils can make progress, and evaluate pupil performance both in terms of the school’s stated aims and national norms.
• Use effective strategies for managing behaviour and encouraging students to act responsibly.
• Have high expectations of students.
• Create a stimulating and positive learning environment. 
• Keep abreast of current thinking and development in the relevant subject area.
• Assist the Head of Department with the development of appropriate schemes of work.
• Share resources and training materials with colleagues. 
• Contribute to departmental activities, e.g., enrichment work, clubs, societies and trips.
• Provide or contribute to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual pupils.
• Attend parents’ evenings.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings when required.
• Be involved in a House, attend House meetings and support House events.
• Take part in the co-curricular life of the school.
• Attend and support assemblies and co-curricular events e.g., concerts, plays.
• Pastoral Care is the responsibility of all members of teaching staff at Dunottar, staff must:
• Contribute to the pastoral care and personal development of pupils.
• Report any pastoral concerns to the Head of Year or in serious circumstances the Deputy Head Pastoral. 
• Be fully conversant with the Child Protection policy and report any concerns or allegations to the Senior Designated Person.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and the post holder may perform other duties reasonably required by the Headmaster. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage during the recruitment process.

Personal Specification

 Professional Qualifications and Skills:

• A record of excellent academic achievement including a relevant honours degree.
• PGCE/QTS or the ability to obtain ITT at Dunottar via United Teaching.

Personal Qualities:

• High levels of personal and professional integrity. 
• Self-confidence, personal energy and dynamism. 
• Personal warmth, good rapport with pupils, colleagues and parents. 
• Excellent organisational skills. 
• Excellent oral and written English skills. 
• Appropriate levels of personal presentation. 

Teaching and Learning:

• Enthusiasm for, and an excellent knowledge of, the relevant curriculum. 
• Evidence of creative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning including the appropriate use of ICT. 
• Commitment to improving, monitoring and evaluating teaching and learning. 
• The ability to teach English up to GCSE and A Level.
• An ability to make all pupils feel valued and involved in your lessons. 
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• To keep abreast of educational research and pedagogy so that lessons enable all pupils to make progress.

Philosophy & Ethos:

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. 
• High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and conduct. 
• Commitment to best practice in pastoral support and student welfare. 
• Commitment to helping with extra-curricular activities and curriculum enrichment.