Head of Classics

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational teacher who will lead the Classics Department. The successful candidate will have high expectations of themselves and of the pupils they teach. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced teacher to develop their management and leadership skills in a strong, vibrant and supportive community. The successful candidate will be able to teach both Latin and Classical Civilisation at A Level.  

The Classics Department comprises the full time Head of Department and four part time teachers, one of whom has a more substantial timetable. Each of the classrooms in the department has a projector and whiteboard. 

Latin is taught from Year 7 and some students change to Classical Civilisation from Year 8. Both subjects become options in Year 9 and the latter attracts a number of pupils at GCSE and A Level. Latin, too has a regular take up particularly at GCSE, though not always at A Level. The department has a history of pupils who go on to study Classics at university, including at Oxbridge in recent years. The department runs a co-curricular residential trip every two years, and this year is going to Rome during the Easter vacation. Annual day trips to Bath and Chedworth Roman Villa are also part of the extra-curricular programme. There is a Classics Club with some children currently studying Greek as an extra-curricular activity. Sixth Form pupils attend the Gloucestershire Classical Society Lectures. The department also run House Competitions, obviously on a classical theme, and have been placed in the top two schools at the Gloucestershire Latin Reading Competition in the last two years. 

The School aims to keep class sizes as small as possible, and at Key Stage 3, they are typically between 15 to 20 pupils. Obviously at Key Stage 4 they are much smaller depending on the uptake of the subjects and, at A Level we have run classes with just one pupil. The School is supportive of both Latin and Classical Civilisation and are keen to promote these among our pupils. The department also runs a Classics Day for Year 4 children from primary schools, as part of an initiative to promote the subject to children who would not normally have any access to the subject in their primary schools.

As a full time member of staff, there will be an expectation for the successful candidate to have the responsibility of a tutor group, which will include involvement in the school’s PSHE programme and also to contribute to the school’s extra-curricular programme and duties. 

St Edward’s is a Catholic school and whilst the majority of teachers and pupils are not Catholic, all staff are expected to respect and support its aims and ethos. For example, all teachers are required to attend school assemblies, start of term and end of term Masses and services and on any special Feast days, such as St Edward’s Day when they occur. 

At St Edward’s, we pride ourselves on being a strong and happy community. We have a history of academic excellence and pride ourselves on the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities and experiences available to our pupils. The School has a very positive culture; we are genuinely a family and look forward enormously to receiving your application.