English Teacher/Second in Department - English (Senior School)

The British School of Amsterdam is a leading international school, providing world-class learning for children from 3 to 18 years. We follow an enhanced version of the National Curriculum for England, including GCSE and A Levels, and we have over 1,100 pupils enrolled across three school sections: Early Years School (3-6 years), Junior School (6-11 years) and Senior School (11-18 years). Our school is committed to providing the best of British international education to our students. ,

English Teacher/Second in Department - English (Senior School)

We are looking for a dynamic Second in Department for English, with responsibility for coordinating the Key Stage 3 curriculum, as well as teaching English across Key Stage 3 & 4, and up to A level. You will be joining our senior school teaching team for the new school year starting in September 2023.

Purpose of the Role

The primary role of Second in Department is to coordinate the Key Stage 3 curriculum to ensure high-quality teaching, effective use of resources, and the highest standards of learning and achievement for all pupils across Key Stage 3 subject classes. Our Second in Department sets the standard for others to emulate. Duties include monitoring student progress and planning effective interventions where appropriate, together with implementing quality assurance of learning across the department. The post holder will be responsible for teaching English across Key Stage 3 & 4 and A levels, delivering high-quality lessons, and supporting students to achieve their best. The role will also involve working as a Form Tutor in our strong pastoral team and teaching PSHE.

Second in Department Responsibilities

· Promote a purposeful, disciplined, and reflective learning environment within the KS3 teaching staff

· Ensure positive outcomes of tracking, monitoring, and reporting for all students in KS3

· Support HoD in the implementation of teaching and learning policies & practices

· Coordinate preparation & development of KS3 courses of study, schemes of work, teaching materials, and methods of teaching, and resources including textbooks

· Support effective use of assessment throughout KS3 classes

· Evaluate standards of teaching and learning to further improve the quality of teaching

· Ensure KS3 subject section of the Parent/Student Portal is up to date

· Be aware of enrichment activities for pupils and coordinate their access & Involvement

· Lead and implement regular KS3 subject action plans and reviews, including annual department review/s and reporting, and development of educational provision

· Provide HoD with relevant subject, curriculum, or student performance information

· Communicate with parents on KS3 academic matters

· Coordinate and moderate assessments within and at the end of KS3 subject assessments

· Work closely with KS3 Coordinators and Year 6 team to ensure continuity of subject curricula and assessment data for the transition from Junior to Senior School

· Facilitate effective transition from KS2 to KS3 to KS4, including providing assessment data for HoD to use in planning for KS4

· Develop and implement intervention and support strategies to eliminate under-achievement by students

· Develop, implement, and guide the embedding of literacy in cross-curricular schemes of work

English Teacher Roles and Responsibilities

· Plan and prepare curriculum for assigned timetabled classes and groups

· Develop appropriate and differentiated schemes of work to ensure aims & objectives for the teaching of English are delivered

· Monitor and track pupils’ achievements

· Sustain effective teaching of the subject, evaluate the quality of teaching, standards of pupils’ achievements, and set targets for improvement

· Ensure discipline and safety of all pupils in the assigned groups and classes

· Deliver quality teaching and learning as well as curriculum development across the Key Stages

· Keep up-to-date on subject development and take part in in-service training

· Participate in arrangements for preparing pupils for internal and external examinations

· Make provision for pupils of differing ability in all subjects

· Create a stimulating class environment that promotes effective teaching and learning

· Provide opportunities for the use of digital technology within the curriculum

· Create a culture of achievement where students wish to do their best

· Perform the roles and responsibilities of a Form tutor and work closely with the pastoral team to support the well-being of pupils

· Teach PSHE as part of the pastoral support program

· Demonstrate an enthusiastic and committed approach to extra-curricular activities

· Take part in the review, development, and management of activities relating to the curriculum and organization of the school, including departmental meetings

· Consult and liaise with parents and attend meetings

· Participate in professional development and training as required

· Be involved in the development and delivery of extra-curricular activities and enrichment opportunities across the Key Stages

· Work collaboratively with other members of the school, both within the curriculum and beyond

· Identify appropriate resources for the subject and ensure they are used efficiently, effectively, and safely. This includes off-site facilities and school residential trips.

· Develop and implement subject policies, plans, targets, and practices within the context of the school’s aims and policies

· Participate in break duty rota, as assigned

· Undertake cover duties for colleagues as assigned

This job description provides a summary of the expected roles and responsibilities of the post holder. These responsibilities are not an exhaustive list. Schools being vibrant organizations, the detailed duties of the post holder may change as the school and the role develops. The post holder will, therefore, be required to be a champion for innovation and continuous improvement and, with it, demonstrate a flexible approach to their role.

Person Specification

Essential experience, skills, and abilities

· A recognized teaching qualification, for example, a PGCE and/or a B.Ed.

· At least three years experience in a UK School (preferably) or experience teaching the British curriculum including GCSEs and A levels overseas.

· Experience teaching English across all Key Stages

· Excellent IT skills

· Ability to work with pupils at all levels including pupils with English as an additional language

· Good communication and interpersonal skills, and a sense of humour

· A desire to work in an international environment

Desirable experience, skills, and abilities

· Experience as a second in department or a similar leadership position

· Experience teaching another subject at Key Stage 3 and/or Key Stage 4

Applications process

Candidates should use the TES application process to apply. Applications should include a covering letter, addressed to the Principal, Mrs Ruth Sanderson, and the contact details for two referees. The closing date for applications is Friday, 9 June 2023, at 5pm. As interviews may commence in advance of the closing date, it is recommended that interested candidates apply as soon as possible.