Teacher of Chinese (Mandarin)

Package Description

Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh

Contract Type: Full time, Fixed Term Contract

Salary: Commensurate with skills and experience

Benefits: Competitive salary, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)

Job Introduction

George Watson's College seeks to appoint a Teacher of Chinese (Mandarin) from August 2023. This will initially be fixed term until June 2024. Duties will include teaching Chinese (Mandarin) to pupils in other selected primary and secondary schools in Edinburgh and East Lothian as part of the Swire Chinese Language Centre Edinburgh, a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Swire Chinese Language Foundation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply please click the Apply for this job button, please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mrs Maggie Sproule, Head of Swire Chinese Language Centre Edinburgh.

Any specific questions relating to the advertised post can be put directly to Mrs Maggie Sproule, Head of Swire Chinese Language Centre Edinburgh by emailing: m.sproule@gwc.org.uk

Candidates called for interview will be asked to teach a lesson as part of the selection process.

If you require more information about the School, please visit our school website.

Closing date: 11:59pm on Wednesday 7 June 2023

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 13 June 2023

Main Responsibilities

The person appointed will:

• maintain the Standard for Full GTCS registration. They will be required to undertake relevant CPD, be observed and write up all activities in the GTCS Profile;
• work effectively as a member of the department to deliver quality teaching and learning and a well coordinated programme of study, in accordance with the Department’s scheme of work, and ensure pupils are properly prepared for examinations;
• contribute to the teaching of Chinese (Mandarin) at other schools participating as part of the Edinburgh Chinese Language Centre for Excellence as directed by the Principal;
• ability and experience to teach courses to Higher level and/ or equivalent, ensures that pupils are very well prepared to take these and any entrance requirements for their next phase of education;
• a range of methodologies and resources are used to stimulate interest, promote creativity and encourage pupils to enjoy learning;
• differentiate lessons appropriately to meet the needs of individual pupils and to ensure every student has the opportunity to experience success;
• set high expectations for all pupils, to deepen their knowledge and understanding maximise achievement;
• prepare and provide classroom activities that are appropriate to each year group and differentiated for the learners’ needs;
• be confident of their ability to work and respond to the needs of the full range of abilities in both selective a non-selective environments;
• develop new resources and course materials, as directed by and/or in collaboration with the Head of Chinese;
• assess, record and report on work of pupils as required by the School, ensuring that assessments are punctual, meaningful and informative;
• attend parent evenings and communicate with parents whenever necessary and contribute effectively and positively to the corporate life and welfare of the School;
• arrange, or assist in the arrangement of regular extra-curricular visits, including accompanying pupils on overseas visits that support teaching and learning and promote further the study and enjoyment of Chinese (Mandarin) at the School;

For full details of the main responsibilities, please refer to the job description

The Ideal Candidate

The person appointed will:

• be a trained and qualified graduate teacher of Chinese (Mandarin), registered or eligible for registration with the General Teaching Council of Scotland;
• be an academically rigorous, dynamic, creative and flexible teacher in developing new ideas and resources, as well as adapting to curriculum changes; 
• be a team player with outstanding languages skills, who is keen to explore innovative and stimulating ways to use their passion and expertise to positively encourage the next generation;
• have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be flexible in working across different schools;
• have the means to travel between schools to teach within the working day.

About the school/organisation

George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.

We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.

Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.

Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.

We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.

Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.

Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.

When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.

Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.

All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk