Teacher of Mandarin

We are delighted to announce that we have been selected to participate in the Mandarin Excellence Programme - an intensive language programme funded by the Department for Education.  

The nationwide programme offers students an unprecedented opportunity in terms of language provision and aims to see at least 5,000 school pupils in England on track towards fluency in Mandarin Chinese by 2020.   

In being the most widely spoken language in the world, Mandarin Chinese is recognised as one of the most important languages for the UK’s future. The programme therefore provides a fantastic opportunity for students to acquire vital language skills at an early stage – something essential for work and for life in an increasingly connected world.   

Students on the programme will study eight hours of Mandarin Chinese every week – including four hours of classroom taught lessons – with selected groups of pupils beginning from Year 7.   

We will be at the forefront of delivering the programme – with support from the UCL Institute of Education and the British Council. 

We are seeking an inspirational teacher of Mandarin to be part of this exciting development. The successful candidate will be expected to teach four hours of Mandarin a week and to liaise with colleagues and pupils to facilitate the extra weekly out-of-hours learning that pupils are required to take part in.  

As well as being an excellent linguist, we are seeking someone who will be able to educate and enthuse our pupils in Chinese culture and bring the subject to life for them.  

Training and support is available through the Mandarin Excellence Programme. More information can be found at: http://ci.ioe.ac.uk/mandarin-excellence-programme/   

There is a teacher meeting day on Wednesday 27 June in London which is an opportunity to meet colleagues and receive support from the Mandarin Excellence Programme. If other commitments allow, we would like the successful candidate to attend on this day. Costs would of course be covered.

We can offer: 

• A school with a distinctive Christian mission, ethos and strong traditions, dating back to 1864 
• The opportunity to work in a school graded as outstanding in all areas by both Ofsted and SIAMS (Church school inspection) 
• A highly achieving 11-18 school with consistently excellent results at GCSE and A Level 
• Fantastic pupils who are hardworking, enthusiastic and impeccably behaved 
• Supportive and aspirational parents  
• A dedicated, enthusiastic and highly professional staff team 
• A professional working environment in which all staff are valued, listened to and able to fully use their gifts and talents.  
• The opportunity to contribute to outstanding teacher training as part of the Ripley TSA SCITT  
• The opportunity to teach A Level in our large and expanding Sixth Form
• Excellent teaching resources and facilities, from the Grade 2* listed Chapel to brand new buildings and facilities 
• Extra-curricular sporting facilities for staff including fully equipped gym, swimming pool and running track 

Career development recruitment incentives: 

• A bespoke CPD programme for all staff, exciting career opportunities and individual teaching and leadership coaching 
• Access through the Teaching School to a range of middle and senior leadership programmes  

This position is required from 31 October 2018.  

Closing date: midday on Monday 11 June 2018.   

Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing Monday 18 June.  

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. In line with our safeguarding policies we are unable to accept CVs.   

Along with your application form, please also provide a letter (of no more than 2 sides, using Tahoma 11 font) outlining your experience relative to the job description and explaining what you will bring to the role of Teacher of Mandarin.