Gap Assistant

The Gap Assistant role is a temporary position for a ‘gap year’ student prior to his or her entry to higher education.  It will commence in September and conclude at the end of the summer term in July.  We want our Gap Assistants to benefit from their time at Stonyhurst and to enjoy a variety of working environments and opportunities during their stay.

Gap Assistants may support the staff at St Mary’s Hall in a number of areas, including:

• Boarding
• Sports coaching
• Support to the art, music and drama departments

As a result the Gap Assistant will be expected to demonstrate the following:

• A positive attitude and desire to get involved in a wide range of activities
• An ability to engage well with children and to be a good listener
• A strong work ethic and adaptable approach
• Reliability and integrity
• The ability to be a positive role model for the pupils
• Stamina!

Other desirable skills and abilities may include:

• Experience of playing sport or a willingness to learn and participate in this aspect of school life
• Musical or drama skills that can be used to support staff in this area
• The ability to show initiative and willingness to go beyond the call of duty

Here at St Mary’s Hall, we aim to nurture independently-minded children with the ability to stand up for their beliefs, preparing them intellectually, spiritually and emotionally for their lives beyond SMH. You have the opportunity to be a fundamental part of this. Whilst the role remains very broad, the following list outlines some of the likely responsibilities of a Gap Assistant:

Assisting with the day to day running of boarding at SMH. This may include:

• helping supervise the pupils at break times and in the evenings
• running voluntary sports activities
• supporting the duty staff with the evening routine
• attending weekend trips and activities to help with supervision

Supporting the games staff. This will include:

• helping with coaching and training
• supporting the weekend fixtures of the teams you help coach

Supporting the art/ drama/ music departments. This could include:

• Supervision of groups of pupils carrying out rehearsals/activities
• Attending trips to help with pupil supervision