Head of English and EAL

We are looking for an enthusiastic and well-qualified teacher to lead on English, literacy and EAL across our fabulous school. This is a full-time position and you will lead two part time teachers to ensure that all of our students excel in, and have a love for, English literature and language.

GES is a small and growing school and so this is a unique opportunity to grow and develop the English department as we expand. You must have significant experience of teaching mixed ability groups for KS3 to KS5 and can demonstrate your impact in these areas with proven exam results. Our students have a range of abilities and so experience gained in an excellent UK state or private school will be important. You will also need to have been teaching for at least five years and have a degree from a university or institution of higher education, to be eligible for a Swiss, post-Brexit work permit.

English at GES

Our aim is to make our students confident and articulate communicators, keen and perceptive readers and accurate writers with a flair and passion for words.

English is taught through two or three carefully selected core pieces of literature for each year group. Our focus is on slow, deep reading of challenging texts which gives our students the opportunity to engage on a deeper level with the characterisation, structure, plot, language and themes of the text. These texts are united in theme and provide a central question for each year group to focus on, for example, ‘What makes us human?’ The SPaG, poetry, speaking and listening tasks, non-fiction texts and writing tasks are embedded into the teaching of the central text and linked to its themes.

We feel that a rich and varied vocabulary is essential. We want to encourage our students to be curious about language and words. We have a whole school focus on vocabulary teaching and learning.

At GCSE, all students study both AQA English Language and English Literature. We will offer A-Level English Literature and the post holder will be expected to help plan this course ready for September 2021.

What we offer

GES is located just outside (but with easy access to) the city of Geneva. Our primary school is based on the lake with glorious views of Mt Blanc and our secondary school is located in purpose built and cutting edge facilities 30 minutes away. We are a happy and successful school and ensure that our students and staff are looked after and challenged. Switzerland is a safe and wonderful country to live in and the school community takes advantage of the nature and beauty surrounding us at every opportunity. It is a wonderful place to live with a very high standard of living and quality of life.

The salary for this role is between 99'000CHF and 108'000CHF and is highly competitive locally. Staff will also receive a medical allowance, access to after school care for their children and discounted school fees.

Personal Specification

• Five years teaching experience in a UK state or independent school or recognised international school teaching the British Curriculum.
• A degree from a university or institution of higher education
• Experience of teaching English at Key Stage 3, 4 and 5.
• Leadership responsibility such as Key Stage lead or second in department
• Track record of excellent GCSE and A level results.
• Knowledge of the English National Curriculum, GCSE English Language and English Literature and A-Level English Literature.
• Leading whole school literacy
• Teaching EAL students and experience of either teaching, leading or line managing EAL.
• An enthusiastic and creative approach to teaching, which inspires pupils and enables learning to be engaging and relevant.
• A commitment to helping students to develop a broad range of skills and attributes.
• A commitment to an interconnected curriculum and to working with colleagues across a range of disciplines.
• The ability to communicate effectively with pupils, colleagues and parents and to work as part of a collaborative team.
• An interest in education beyond the classroom and across the age range.
• Flexibility, a sense of humour, and a willingness to contribute to all aspects of school life, including trips, projects, special events and extracurricular clubs.

How to apply

Applications should be made through our TES school portal. Please do not send a CV, as they are not accepted. In your application letter you should ensure that you outline your impact and successes and how you meet the job description and person specification. Due to the large number of applications we get for every role, it may not be possible to contact every candidate but we thank you in advance for your interest in our school. Please contact HR via hr@geschool.ch if you have any questions about the role.

Closing date is Thursday 11th February at midday (Swiss Time)

Interviews will take place two weeks later. Due to Covid restrictions interviews may take place remotely.

Good luck in your application and please do check out our website for more information about the school. www.geschool.ch

Safer Recruitment

GES is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers, enhanced national/international criminal records checks and prohibition from teaching checks. In some instances social media/Internet checks may also be carried out