Cover Teacher - Junior School

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational day school known for excellent teaching, superb pastoral care and wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities. The support and challenges encountered by pupils at PGS share a purpose: that each individual be both happy and successful. The school seeks to provide excellence in all areas of school life, encouraging pupils to think not only about where they will be at 18 but where they aspire to be at 25. 

We are very much a family school and are pleased to offer an education across the age range. Our Pre-School for 2½ to 4 year olds, the Junior School for children aged 4 to 11 and a Senior School for students aged 11 to 18, are all dedicated to helping girls and boys thrive and to reach their potential.   

Cover teachers provide cover for short or medium term absences on an ‘as and when required’ basis, to ensure continuity of teaching for its pupils. Cover teachers may be contacted at comparatively short notice for this provision.  

Cover teachers deliver inspirational teaching and learning and exceptional pastoral care within a caring, supportive and inclusive environment. PGS offers excellent facilities and small class sizes so that teachers are able to support pupils as effectively as possible. Each class is supported by a dedicated Teaching Assistant.  

 Cover Teacher – Role and Responsibilities 

 Specific responsibilities of the role may include; 

 Curriculum Delivery 

• Planning, preparing and teaching the classes assigned, using a wide range of strategies for teaching and classroom management and ensuring that the individual learning needs of pupils are met. 

• Ensuring that marking of pupils’ work is both regular and thorough, with constructive comments, and that full records are kept. 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues and other subject leaders to develop cross curricular links and creative approaches to learning.  

• Sharing resources and training materials with colleagues. 

• Contributing to school activities such as enrichment work, co-curricular activities and trips. 

• Taking responsibility for professional development and using the outcomes to improve teaching and learning. 

• Attending the whole school Professional Development Day (INSET) sessions as required. 

Pastoral Support 

• Contributing to the pastoral care and personal development of pupils. 

• Carrying out a share of supervisory duties in accordance with published schedules. 

• Ensuring that a register of attendance in lessons is kept and taking appropriate action in cases of pupil absence. 

• Safeguard pupils by maintaining confidentiality and the highest standards of professionalism in accordance with the School’s safeguarding policy. 

Communication 

• Providing, or contributing to, oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual pupils. 

• Attending Parents’ Evenings if required. 

• Attending relevant meetings when required. 

Physical Resources and Safety 

• Meeting the health and safety requirements of the School. 

• Working with the other members of the school to ensure that all resources are well looked after and that a safe and stimulating environment for teaching is provided. 

Other professional requirements  

• Play a full part in the life of the school community, to support its distinctive mission and ethos and to encourage staff and pupils to follow this example. 

• Understand and espouse child protection practice and be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.  

• Undertake any other reasonable requests as directed by the Head of Junior School. 

How to Apply

PGS is committed to safeguarding children and the successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure DBS check. 

Further information is available on the website at www.pgs.org.uk under the ‘About Us’ section and any queries regarding the vacancy should be emailed to HR@pgs.org.uk. 

An electronic application would be preferable, submitted to HR@pgs.org.uk.  All applicants should complete an application form, and send a covering letter and full curriculum vitae.  Applications should be addressed to Mrs Amy Wilson-Smith, Head of Junior School, The Portsmouth Grammar School, High Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2LN.  Please include email addresses whenever available.  All applications should be accompanied by the names, addresses, email and telephone numbers of three referees. 

Candidates are also welcome to apply through the TES website using the application form linked to our PGS advert.

The closing date is noon, 19th January 2022 and early applications are encouraged. Interviews will take place in school on 26th or 27th January 2022 and candidates will be asked to teach an observed session.

We look forward to hearing from you.