Teacher of English with Drama

Vision for the English Department and Performance through Drama 

Hutchesons’ Grammar School aims to be known as a school where every pupil is able to flourish and reach their potential academically, physically, creatively, spiritually and socially. 

English and Drama play an incredibly important role in developing our young people, offering them the opportunity not only to achieve academic excellence but to experience a rich variety of literature, to create, discuss and perform. 

The English and Drama Departments provide an exciting and inclusive space where pupils are encouraged to be themselves, where their achievements are celebrated, and their passions are nurtured. 

Ethos and Aims of the Department(s)

The English Department is fortunate to work with all pupils from S1 to S5. Around 150 pupils study English at National Five and Higher level respectively and the Advanced Higher course is increasingly popular with approximately 30 young people currently studying across two classes. The Department also has responsibility for Drama teaching in S1 and so the successful candidate will contribute to the delivery and development of this exciting curriculum in our bespoke Drama facility. Drama is also a popular subject choice within Hutchesons’ with many pupils undertaking Drama at National 5, Higher and AH level where they are taught by specialist Drama teachers and suitably experienced English teaching staff.

The English Department is comprised of a team of twelve experienced and enthusiastic professionals, supported by two Senior Teachers and led by the Head of Department. They meet weekly to plan, exchange good practice, develop resources and undertake moderation and cross marking sessions led by colleagues who are SQA Appointees. A passion for professional development is shared by the teachers in the Department and many have recently completed or are currently undertaking various courses and further qualifications. 

The English curriculum at Hutchesons’ offers pupils the opportunity to experience a vast array of literature. From A Midsummer Night’s Dream in S1 to Macbeth in S5, our pupils enjoy the classics alongside those more contemporary texts as Salt to the Sea and A Monster Calls. Indeed, there is scope for teachers to select the literature they most enjoy teaching; we have a very well-resourced Departmental base and book cupboard and work closely with our two school Librarians to ensure a rich variety of literature is available to all. Teachers within the English Department are celebrated for their specialisms and are encouraged to choose the texts which most inspire them for delivery in their classes. Members of the English Department also supervise at least one Advanced Higher dissertation each year, again inviting them to share their own research and passions with the young people they support. 

All pupils in S1 participate in Drama helping to develop core knowledge and skills associated with the artistic practice of the subject. Pupils adopt, create, and sustain a range of roles, responding appropriately to script work and stimuli. They explore a range of drama skills including mime, movement, improvisation, voice and devising work.

Teamwork and collaboration are central to all drama activities and pupils work as a whole class, in pairs or larger groups to complete their practical tasks. Through Drama pupils are challenged about their perceptions of the world, learn to be strong communicators, and develop successful problem-solving skills. They learn to evaluate the effectiveness of their work and build a strong knowledge of both performance and production skills. 

We are highly ambitious for our pupils and the Department has a consistently excellent track record of examination success at all levels. We are proud that all pupils undertake Higher English in S5 and, on average, upwards of 70% achieve an A each year.  Similarly, the academic attainment of those examined in Drama is extremely strong.

Finally, in addition to its place in the academic curriculum, English and Drama staff play a huge part in the rich co-curricular programme on offer and there will be scope for the successful candidate to contribute to our many clubs and societies. These include, but are not limited to, Debating, the school show, the school magazine, and our Literacy Groups. 

Overview 

The successful candidate will report to and be line-managed by the Head of English and will work closely with all members of the English and Drama departments. They should be an excellent classroom practitioner who can inspire pupils across all ages and stages, instilling in them a love of literature and performance. 

The effective delivery of an outstanding curriculum is vital to enable the highest level of pupil progress and attainment. The successful candidate will be expected to plan and deliver lessons of the highest standard, utilising stimulating resources and differentiating appropriately to manage the needs of individual pupils. The successful candidate should have a sound understanding of the SQA course specifications and be confident in their delivery of presentation classes. 

The successful candidate should have a strong academic background and a passion for teaching young people. They should be an effective communicator and demonstrate an ability to engage confidently with pupils, colleagues and parents alike. 

It is expected that the successful candidate will contribute not only to the life of the English and Drama departments but also to the wider school community. This might mean assisting with performance, sport, Duke of Edinburgh, or running a lunchtime club. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching and Learning

• Be alert to the needs of each individual pupil. At Hutchesons’ ‘every story matters’ and the educational, pastoral and social needs of each pupil is paramount. 

• Keep abreast of current educational developments to ensure a full contribution to departmental discussion can be made. 

• Prepare lessons and achieve a classroom atmosphere that creates a sense of belonging and allows our pupils to flourish and achieve.

• Set appropriate levels of class and homework which is marked and returned effectively to help track pupil progress.

• Report on each pupil’s progress as required by the school.

• Prepare pupils for both internal and external examinations as directed by the Head of Department.

• Follow and uphold the Department’s Discipline Policy alongside the School’s Discipline Policy.

Wider School Duties

• Be involved in the school’s House System as a Form Teacher and undertake the associated duties with rigour and compassion.

• Be aware of the school’s Wellbeing and Safeguarding Policies and report matters of concern to appropriate colleagues.

• Undertake Lunchtime playground duties as appropriate.

• Be prepared to be involved in the extra-curricular and co-curricular aspects of the school.

The points above cannot, by their very nature, reflect all aspects of the role. These should be read in conjunction with the School Handbook to ensure a full understanding of the requirements. 

How to Apply

Candidates should email a letter of application and CV, together with the completed Application Form to: rector@hutchesons.org

Please Note 

We will be reviewing applications as and when they are received and reserve the right to interview and appoint before the closing date, therefore, you are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.