Pre-Prep Classroom teacher (Maternity cover)

Belhaven Hill School is Scotland’s leading co-educational full boarding and day preparatory school, set in a beautiful coastal location in Dunbar, 30 miles east of Edinburgh. There are currently 124 pupils aged between 5 and 13 years old, with about 60% of those full boarding.

The School is looking to recruit an outstanding Classroom teacher to Belhaven’s new Pre-Prep, opened in April 2022, to join the existing highly dedicated team of teaching professionals as maternity cover for two terms. Our new venture has enabled us to create three distinct class groups at the lower end of the School, with an expanded age range of 5 to 13 year olds. This is an opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated person to contribute to this exciting new development at the School.

We are looking for a creative and enthusiastic teacher who is willing to embrace challenge and change and who thrives on being part of a team. The successful candidate will have an enthusiastic and caring attitude with the ability to engage in a warm and supportive way with the children. They will enjoy making learning fun, strive to encourage a real love of learning both in and out of the classroom, and recognise and build on the strengths of the children in their care. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the ethos of the School, a passion for working with children and high standards of professional practice.

While teaching at Belhaven Hill is demanding and requires a full commitment, the work is fulfilling and fun. On appointment, new staff are provided with a mentor and, for the duration of this post, will be supported by the induction process.

Key Responsibilities:

• To work for two terms (Summer and Autumn terms 2023) as a classroom teacher in Form 7 of the Pre-Prep (P2 equivalent - 6-7 year olds)

• To plan, prepare and deliver assigned programmes of teaching and learning activities to individuals, small groups and/or classes under the overall direction and supervision of the Pre-Prep Lead

• Demonstrate sound knowledge of both the Curriculum for Excellence and the National Curriculum

• Plan, prepare and deliver stimulating, imaginative lessons which inspire the children and encourage a genuine spirit of enquiry

• Provide constructive and timely feedback to the children in various forms that enables them to assess their learning, make progress and fulfil their academic potential

• Keep clear records of the children’s progress and attainment in accordance with School policy and use this data to inform future planning

• Produce written reports for parents and give them verbal feedback through parent consultations

• Keep up-to-date with changes in subject requirements

• Demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development

• Ensure that the School provides a stimulating learning environment where children’s work is celebrated

• Encourage all pupils to be part of a school community which affords equal value to all its members, is seen to be just and encourages courtesy, courage and creativity.

• To do lunchtime, playground and break duties as part of a rota system

• Actively seek to educate the children outside whenever possible

• Actively encourage the positive use of technology in and out of the classroom

• Actively establish good relations with parents both day-to-day and through more formal meetings

• Build strong relationships with the children and with colleagues

• Be sensitive to the children’s pastoral needs and share information where appropriate in order to ensure their wellbeing

• A willingness to take on some duties in the prep school, by arrangement, to maintain the connection between prep and pre-prep.

Key Qualifications and Experience:

The Candidate should have:

• A passion for education

• A sound knowledge of phonics and emerging reading and writing

• Qualifications as required by GTCS

• A current First Aid qualification

• Evidence of working successfully as part of a team

• Experience of working with children of a similar age in a school or similar setting

• Experience of working with children with special educational needs

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with pupils, parents, colleagues, school-based staff, governors, and external bodies

• Excellent organisation and time management skills with the ability to prioritise and work to deadlines

• Confidence in teaching the early stages of modern foreign languages

• Ability to inspire, motivate and support pupils

• Flexibility and adaptability

• Commitment to maintaining the caring and supportive ethos of the school

Personal Attributes:

• Set a good example to pupils they work with

• Consider carefully issues of confidentiality when dealing with school matters

• Have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour, academic and social abilities

• Desire to contribute to school life beyond immediate classroom

• Excellent role model

• Highly professional with positive outlook

• Team player

• A good communicator with adults and children

• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with all members of the Belhaven community

• Committed to own professional development

Compensation:

The salary will be discussed at interview. Belhaven Hill staff are recommended to contribute to the SPPA Superannuation Scheme but may contract out. On site accommodation may be available and can be discussed at interview.

If you feel you can meet the requirements of this post, we will be delighted to hear from you. Please send a short handwritten letter of application along with the School’s application form (which can be downloaded from the School website) and the details of two referees. All electronic applications should be sent to bursar@belhavenhill.com and all postal applications should be sent to:

Bursar & Estate Manager

Belhaven Hill School

Belhaven Road

DUNBAR

EH42 1NN

The closing date for all applications is Monday 5th December 2022.

Additional details:

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. A copy of the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available to download form the School’s website www.belhavenhill.com. Please take the time to read this document.

It is the policy of this School to employ the best qualified personnel and to provide equal opportunity for the advancement of employees including promotion and training and not to discriminate against any person because of their race, colour, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, religion or religious belief, disability or age.