Head of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) - Dunottar School

Head of Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish specialism preferred)

Full Time

Required for September 2024

Dunottar School

Dunottar is a vibrant, co-educational independent secondary school in Reigate, Surrey. We have 460 pupils across years 7-13 (ages 11-18) and are part of United Learning’s family of schools. At Dunottar our aim is to bring out the best in every pupil, enabling them to be the very best they can be. Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do, and we pride ourselves on our warm and nurturing, family environment. In addition, we offer an outstanding education to our pupils and, through excellent teaching and high levels of individual support, seek to enable them to achieve added value which is comparable with what is achieved in the top schools in the UK.

The Role

We seek to appoint a high calibre and enthusiastic candidate with outstanding qualities of leadership; one who has the vision, enthusiasm and energy to further develop the work of the department to take it into it’s next phase.

Applications are invited from well-qualified and talented teachers for this key post.  The successful candidate must be prepared to give full commitment to the aims and ethos of the Modern Foreign Languages department and to Dunottar School. In return we can offer all the benefits of working in a thriving and collegiate school environment.  

The Department

The Modern Foreign Languages Department is a forward thinking department which seeks to enthuse the pupils through outstanding and innovative teaching. Pupils study French and Spanish at Key Stage 3. At GCSE, pupils are able to take at least one language and follow the AQA courses in both French and Spanish. At A Level, the AQA course is followed.   

The MFL Department is supported by Foreign Language Assistants who work closely with the class teacher in facilitating learning and supporting the pupils with the language skill.

The MFL department runs a number of trips and enrichment opportunities including an established link with a partner schools in Angers, and a desire to be involved in these aspects of the life of the school is essential for the successful candidate. Every year the MFL Department host Languages Week, a diverse celebration of the cultural influences that make learning a new language so exciting. Outside of the classroom, we offer a thriving programme of clubs and activities to enhance pupils love and enjoyment of foreign languages, including Foreign Film Club, Language Leaders and Duolingo Club. The ideal candidate will also play an active role in the extensive and varied co-curricular program, both during the working week and some weekends. .  

Main Responsibilities

The applicant will be expected to fulfil the usual professional responsibilities of a teacher at Dunottar including:

• Have high expectations of pupils
• Create a stimulating and positive learning environment
• Show a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainment of the pupils, and that these have been taken into account when planning lessons
• Attend staff and departmental meetings
• Maintain up-to-date records of attendance, assessment, planning, reports and communication with parents
• Contribute to curriculum planning, including the development of schemes of work
• Contribute to the departmental extra-curricular programme
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to new developments in Modern Foreign Languages

Person Specification

Professional Qualifications and Skills:

• A record of excellent academic achievement including a relevant undergraduate degree 
• PGCE/QTS or the ability to train at Dunottar via United Teaching 

Personal Qualities:

• High levels of personal and professional integrity 
• Self-confidence, personal energy and dynamism 
• Personal warmth, good rapport with pupils, colleagues and parents 
• Excellent organisational skills 
• Excellent oral and written English skills 
• Appropriate levels of personal presentation 

Teaching and Learning:

• Enthusiasm for, and an excellent knowledge of, the relevant curriculum 
• Evidence of creative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning including the appropriate use of ICT 
• Commitment to improving, monitoring and evaluating teaching and learning 
• The ability to teach Spanish at GCSE, A Level and up to Oxbridge is required (and the ability to teach French at Key Stage 3 would be an advantage)
• An ability to make all pupils feel valued and involved in your lessons 
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• To keep abreast of educational research and pedagogy so that lessons enable all pupils to make progress

Philosophy & Ethos:

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people 
• High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and conduct 
• Commitment to best practice in pastoral support and student welfare 
• Commitment to helping with extra-curricular activities and curriculum enrichment 

The Package

• Salary: Appropriate point on the United Learning teachers’ pay scale + Head of Department responsibility allowance
• Pension: Contributary pension scheme
• Remission of fees: For your children at the school (in line with the usual admissions policy)
• Tailored Continuous Professional Development
• Employee benefits: Over 250 exclusive employee benefits through Perkbox including free access to online wellness and workout classes, money off your weekly shop, high street purchases and meals out.
• Dining: Free school lunch during term time
• Sports and leisure: Use of the swimming pool, the Courtyard Gym and tennis courts (at specific times)
• Wellbeing: Staff access to confidential advice, staff social events