German Language Assistant

The Department

The Modern Languages Department consists of eight teachers, six language assistants and four Waynflete Academics. The aim of the department is to infuse pupils with an enthusiasm for language and culture while insisting on academic rigour.

Modern Languages are strongly established in the school, and all pupils take at least one Modern Foreign Language (French, German, Mandarin and/or Spanish) to IGCSE level (Edexcel IGCSE for German). A good number take at least one Modern Foreign Language in the Sixth Form (Edexcel A-Level for German). Examination results are impressive across all four languages (French, German, Mandarin and Spanish): at IGCSE in 2023 57% of entries were graded 9, and 89% were graded 9-8; at A Level in 2023, 42% of grades were A* and 92% of grades were A*-A.

A number of Sixth Form pupils choose a language-related subject for Waynflete Studies: the School’s unique extended project taught in conjunction with members of the University. Furthermore, on average ten candidates per year are successful in gaining places to read a languages-related degree at Oxbridge and other leading universities.

Modern Languages teaching takes place in a suite of six well-resourced classrooms in the Quincentenary building. In addition, there are two departmental offices and two smaller rooms for conversation classes with the foreign language assistants. We make use of our own resources wherever possible, but pupils in IGCSE classes generally have their own textbooks. Additionally, the department makes regular use of ICT, films, supplementary reading resources and grammar workbooks.

The department organises study trips abroad, as well as a range of enrichment opportunities, such as trips to theatre productions and public lectures and hosting speakers at MCS. We also encourage pupils to enter the UK Linguistics Olympiad, the Anthea Bell Translation Competition, and the Stephen Spender Prize. An enthusiastic approach to assisting with and fostering such enrichment activities will be advantageous.

The Role

The School is seeking to appoint a part-time German Assistant. The successful candidate will be a native level-quality speaker of German and will be preparing pupils for oral examinations at IGCSE and A Level. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will teach in the region of 16 lessons per week during term time; each lesson being 40 minutes long. It is envisaged that the lessons would take place across at least three days of the week.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will:

• take a keen interest in the welfare of pupils;
• show clear commitment to safeguarding children;
• be a native level-quality German speaker;
• be educated to degree level;
• show clear enthusiasm for the subject and inspire language learners;
• ideally have experience of teaching German in a secondary school;
• teach in an engaging manner either 1-1 or with small groups in a highly successful German department, preparing pupils for oral examinations at IGCSE and A Level;
• prepare, adapt and publish weekly timetables around pupils’ timetables and commitments;
• create resources to support oral lesson teaching;
• have or develop a detailed understanding of oral examination requirements;
• set clear expectations for pupil behaviour during oral lessons;
• have excellent written and spoken communication skills;
• have sound IT skills;
• have the ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a wider team;
• display a high level of attention to detail;
• work hard to support pupil progress;
• be willing to take part in continuing professional development;
• respond positively to feedback. 

The German Assistant will report to the Head of German, and ultimately to the Bursar via the Deputy Head (Academic).

Application Process

Candidates should submit the “MCS Application Form for Teaching and Support Staff” which can be found on the Job Vacancy link of the website (www.mcsoxford.org). To access Click here. To apply for the position please send the following two documents to the Recruitment Officer, Miss Yelena Molcanova (recruitment@mcsoxford.org).

1. “MCS Application Form for Teaching and Support Staff” Form
2.  CV (Curriculum Vitae)

All documentation should be sent no later than Monday 3rd June, at midday. The school’s preferred method of communication is by email and it will not be necessary to send a hard copy of the documents by post.

References may be taken up in advance. If you do not wish references to be called for at this stage, please make that clear on the reference section of the application form.

We anticipate holding interviews from Thursday 6th June, which may include a taught session. We will be in contact with shortlisted candidates by telephone. Please be aware that all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a “Self-Disclosure” form before attending their interview.

Safeguarding Policy

Magdalen College School is committed to the safeguarding of pupils, and any offer of employment will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, the receipt of satisfactory references, the school’s pre-employment medical questionnaire, plus sight of relevant original ID documentation and degree certificate(s). This role will be in regulated activity and will require a children’s barred list check as well as an enhanced DBS check. The enhanced DBS check is due to this role being exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Remuneration and Benefits

Language Assistants’ work cycle is 9 months starting in September with an hourly rate of £39.74 (holiday pay of 5.6 weeks pro-rata will be calculated separately and added to the final pay).

Language Assistants are automatically enrolled in the school’s contributory Group Pension Scheme. This is a defined contribution pension scheme into which the employee contributes 5% of gross salary and the employer contributes 10%.

The school has a fully equipped gym which is available for staff use, and staff may also enjoy access to the University of Oxford’s Rosenblatt Swimming Pool. Tennis courts are available, and there is a comprehensive programme of staff sports clubs, including football, climbing, yoga, Pilates, and badminton. Staff also have the opportunity to join choirs and music groups, and to get involved in drama productions. There is a wide range of benefits on offer to staff, including a free lunch during term time, free private health insurance and complimentary use of school sports facilities.