Head of French

The Role

An opportunity has arisen to be Head of French in our thriving Modern Foreign Languages Department. 

If you are an outstanding teacher with vision and dynamism, join us teaching bright, motivated girls in a beautiful part of the country.  Results place us in the top 20 girls’ schools nationally and we are Ofsted outstanding. 

What We’re Looking For

• Enthusiastic approach to teaching & learning, and maximising the full potential of all students.
• Commitment to be high profile within the MFL Department and around the school.
• Ability to motivate both staff and students.
• A good sense of humour, and ability to work under pressure and keep things in perspective.
• The ability/potential to teach KS3 German as well is highly desirable.

Our MFL Department

The post has arisen through the promotion of the current Head of MFL & French.  It represents an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified French teacher to join our forward-thinking MFL department within a very successful school.  The successful candidate would teach French throughout all Key Stages. The ability to teach Key Stage 3 German would be a distinct advantage.  Currently, all girls study both French and German in their first two years; in Year 9, girls continue with both or opt to consolidate their knowledge in one language.  All students study a Modern Foreign Language to GCSE level using the Edexcel specification, and several opt to study two.  We have always believed in the need to teach grammar effectively as well as the vocabulary; in addition, we encourage students to practise and manipulate the language.  The use of technology, authentic texts and a thorough grammatical grounding enable our students to excel in languages with a healthy A level up-take each year.   We enjoy active links with France and Germany through organised exchange visits and visits to the European Parliament.  The French Department is also involved with virtual online exchanges and has cultural visits to both German and France. Although we feel that, thanks to our teaching ethos, we are in a good position to be able to teach the new GCSE and A levels effectively, we are committed to ensuring that we continue to develop; however, progress will always happen in tandem with a solid skill-based program that we believe in. We are looking for someone who is able to continue to drive the French Department further while also liaising effectively with the Head of German; we are also looking for a practitioner who is able to ensure the success of all the students.

Why Work With Us? 

The Staff Social Committee promotes social activities for staff with end-of-term socials at a variety of local venues and a regular Friday Club where staff meet for coffee, tea and biscuits. Staff meet for annual celebrations such as Christmas mulled wine, our carol service, concerts, plays and productions; there are end-of-term staff lunches. 

There is a strong House Culture and all new members of staff are assigned to one of our five Houses. You will then be encouraged by your House to take part in the wide variety of house activities including staff vs students sports, fundraising activities, Sponsored Walk and the House Shout. 

The new Sports Hall provides a fitness suite, with £50,000 of machines, and is free for staff use. During the summer holidays staff teams have completed the 3 Peaks Challenge and the Perambulation of Dartmoor.

Working at TGGS 

There is a buzz and vibrancy about our school. Our partnerships are enriching our experience: one example is membership of SWAT, a Trust with 11 other top performing grammar schools, which delivers huge benefits to both staff and students.  As an Academy we have more control over our affairs and destiny. We have currently bid for a further new building. I hope that this gives you a flavour of life at TGGS. It is a supportive and happy place to work.  

Torquay’s position makes it convenient for the outstanding natural beauty of both Dartmoor and the South Devon coast. Devon beaches are some of the best in the country and you can get away from the stresses of life by walking on the rugged moors. The beautiful cathedral city of Exeter is on your doorstep, as is the City of Plymouth with its rich maritime history. There is a unanimous feeling among staff that the area is a wonderful place to bring up children.

OFSTED 

We were inspected by Ofsted in September 2011 and they judged us to be outstanding in all 22 key judgements, hence Outstanding overall. They wrote in the report that “Staff morale is very high.”   

Application Process

To apply please click ‘Apply Now’ and submit your completed application.

Further information about the school can be obtained from the TGGS Website www.tggsacademy.org. 

Telephone: 01803 613215/616504 

Email:  admin@tggsacademy.org 

Closing Date: Noon 16th April 2018

Interview Date: 19th April