Teacher of Mathematics

Brighton College is seeking to appoint a Teacher of Mathematics. The start date is flexible.

THE DEPARTMENT

The department consists of 15 members of staff from a number of different backgrounds, ranging from fresh graduates to those with over two decades of experience. The subject is taught throughout Years 7 to 11 in classes which generally range in size between 15 and 25. All pupils take GCSE Maths in the Upper Fifth, with a total of 115 taking either Maths or Further Maths in the Upper Sixth. We follow the Edexcel home syllabus for both GCSE and A-Level.

The results in recent years have been excellent, with the pupils regularly achieving 100% 9-6 at GCSE and 96% A*-B at A-Level, and most recently 90% A*-A at A-Level. The department also has a comprehensive Oxbridge programme, with much recent success in this area.

Brighton College are the current regional champions for the junior UKMT Maths Team Challenge competition, and were runners-up in the senior competition, having won it the previous year. Having won both events for the first time in recent years, the department is aiming for success at a national level in the coming years. Recent years have seen record numbers of pupils achieving Gold Awards at all levels of the UKMT Maths Challenge, as well as reaching and succeeding in follow-on rounds such as the BMO, reflecting the emphasis on extension and enrichment within the department.

Irrespective of background or experience, each member of the department is expected to be a reflective and forward looking practitioner. The departmental moved into a new purpose built teaching block in September 2017, which has further enabled the development of innovative teaching practices. The department has also been at the forefront of the school’s development in the use of Microsoft Surfaces as a teaching and learning aid, although candidates are not expected to immediately be proficient in this area.

ROLE SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will be expected to teach Maths across the curriculum, from Year 7 to A-level. An ability to contribute towards the department’s extension programme, including a willingness to support pupils with applications to leading universities (including Oxford and Cambridge), will be a distinct advantage. All teachers within the Department are expected to assist in the development of schemes of work, through the creation of teaching resources and the compilation of content for our virtual learning centre.

All teachers at Brighton College are expected to contribute to the school’s pastoral system, generally as a tutor in one of our 14 houses (of which six are boarding houses and eight are day). There is also an expectation that all teachers will contribute to the co-curricular life of the school, through the extensive Games programme, and/or through the leadership of one of almost 100 school societies. Candidates are encouraged to point to interests and enthusiasms as part of their application.

All teachers joining Brighton will have the benefit of guidance by an experienced mentor, whose role it will be to provide support during their probationary period. Thereafter, all teachers are expected and supported to participate in continuous professional development, throughout their time at the College.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Brighton College is an exciting place to work, and it is our staff who make our community such a vibrant and stimulating environment. The academic success of Brighton is due to excellent, innovative and well-planned teaching. Above all, therefore, we are looking for individuals who foster a passion for learning and who demonstrate an ability and genuine desire to develop pupils to their fullest potential. 

Many teachers joining the College have a proven track record of effective teaching, having obtained excellent public examination results with previous classes. However, we are also equally happy to appoint candidates who are currently on a PGCE, or candidates with no formal teaching qualification. Several members of our teaching staff have pursued different career paths, and have made the move to teaching at a later point. We view this diversity as a strength.

More importantly, in the application process, we will look for candidates who demonstrate the ability to thrive within an environment that staff describe as both invigorating and refreshing. The ability to inspire children, and the willingness to support the ambition, values and breadth of College life, will be of central importance. Successful candidates will be self-reliant, resilient and adaptable. Brighton College is actively committed to diversifying the teaching body and actively encourages applications from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic candidates, including those who have the potential to excel as teachers but do not yet have teaching qualifications.

Beyond this, candidates should have a strong academic record, including a good degree in a relevant subject. Those without teaching experience must be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in young people and teaching. We will look for evidence of the capacity to contribute to the broader life of the College, and for evidence of passion and enthusiasm for the relevant subject.

For the right candidate, there could be the opportunity to work in one of our international schools in due course.

For further details, please see the Applicant Info Pack.