Teacher of English

Teacher of English  

The opportunity has arisen to join one of the largest and most successful English departments in Scotland at this prestigious 5 – 18 HMC school of 1200 pupils. Dollar Academy is set in a beautiful central location, about 40 minutes north of Edinburgh. This post is a maternity cover, but the successful candidate is likely to be guaranteed a full year in post, starting in August 2017.   

Candidates should have a passion for literature and the ability to teach to Oxbridge entry level, together with a strong commitment to developing pupils’ enjoyment of, and engagement with, the wider world of English. All members of the department contribute to the rich cultural life of the Academy through drama productions, creative writing, debating, journalism, Yearbook and Magazine publications, lunchtime readings, visiting speakers, theatre and cinema trips: we look to create a learning environment where strengths are built on and difficulties overcome.  

English is taught to the majority of pupils up to Higher level. Up to 40 Form VI pupils choose to take English at Advanced Higher and many go on to read English at University. At all levels in the classroom, literature is central – English and Scottish primarily, but also the literature of the Commonwealth, the Americas, and texts in translation. There is a strong emphasis on encouraging our pupils to develop their curiosity, creativity and intellectual excitement, whatever their level of ability.   

There are eleven teachers in the department which is housed in the main Playfair building at the heart of the school. We recognise the importance of a collaborative approach and shared focus, while also valuing the freedom and flexibility which allows individual teachers to pursue their own enthusiasms in order to make teaching stimulating and learning dynamic. Classrooms are attractive and well resourced; we benefit from excellent library and IT facilities, and are constantly extending our book and audio visual resources. Close links with the Support for Learning Department and the Junior School also promote our pupils’ learning experiences.  

Drama is taught within the curriculum in Form I and is offered as a separate subject from FIII.  Recent dramatic productions in the new Maguire Studio Theatre have included Gogol’s The Government Inspector, Durrenmatt’s The Visit and Stoppard’s The Real Inspector Hound. The debating scene is also very lively, with weekly lunchtime debates running throughout the year and pupils representing Scotland on the international circuit, while the annual Burns Suppers are distinguished by stylish and witty speeches from Form VI.  

The Academy has a rich co-curricular programme in which all members of staff are expected to participate. The ability to coach a team in one of the school’s major sports, or offer an activity, would be particularly useful.  

The salary for the post will be in accordance with the SNCT main grade scales with the Dollar enhancement of 10% in addition. It should be noted that the Chartered Teachers pay scale does not apply to teachers employed by the Academy.   

Candidates should either be registered with the GTC Scotland, or eligible for registration. 

Applicants must complete the Academy’s Teaching Staff Application Form which can be downloaded from the Academy’s website http://www.dollaracademy.org.uk/vacancies      and provide a covering letter. A CV is optional.   These should be emailed to: rector@dollaracademy.org.uk      

The closing date is noon on Friday 10 March 2017.   

All appointments are subject to receipt of a satisfactory PVG Scheme Record or Scheme Record Update from Disclosure Scotland.  

Contact: 01259 742511 or rector@dollaracademy.org.uk