Teacher of Mathematics

St Columba’s School is an HMC, non-denominational School founded in 1897, initially as a School for Girls. It has been co-educational since 1982 with equal numbers of boys and girls. The current roll for the entire School, from Nursery to Senior VI, is 640. The Junior School is situated a quarter of a mile from Senior School and has a roll of 220.  The School currently holds Investor in People status at Gold level.

The first thing you notice at St Columba’s is the warm welcome. This is in part the result of our size. Teachers know each pupil by name. Indeed, recognition of the individual is an important feature of the School’s vision; considerable effort is made to create an environment which allows us to identify and nurture the unique talents and skills of each student, and encourage all of them to realise their full potential. Our success is evident not only in the excellent academic results achieved, regularly placing St Columba’s as one of the highest performing schools nationally, but in the impressive young people whom  you will meet in our classrooms, at an international debate, or on a rugby field:  they are polite, articulate and quietly self-assured.

There has been significant investment in facilities, including the opening of an additional Junior School building in 2001.  Between 2014 and 2016, a number of major developments of the School’s facilities have been undertaken including: the refurbishment of the Science building; the replacement of the Astro turf hockey pitch; and a major development of the Junior School grounds.  The extension to the Senior School which opened in October 2016, includes a pastoral care suite, a new library, 13 new classrooms and faculty bases.  Taken together, these developments represent a significant investment in the future of the School.  

In June 2011, St Columba’s was inspected by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education.  The report which is exceptionally positive is attached separately.

The Mathematics & Computing Faculty consists of three full-time and three part-time teachers and is highly regarded within the school community.  Candidates take seven National 5 subjects during SIII and SIV and are presented for National 5 Mathematics in SIV; Higher is offered to SV pupils and Advanced Higher in SVI.  The uptake at SVI is excellent with 48% of the year group opting to take Advanced Higher Mathematics.  Computing is currently taught as part of the Transitus and SI curriculum.  Results at all stages are excellent. The Faculty provides enrichment to the curriculum through participation in various local and country wide competitions.

We are seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic and inspirational Teacher of Mathematics to promote excellence within the Mathematics & Computing Faculty.  The successful candidate will be passionate about their subject and committed to encouraging and supporting pupils to set goals and achieve their ambitions. 

The post is aligned to the SNCT scales, reviewed in April each year; with a further St Columba’s enhancement.  Fee restriction of 50 per cent is granted for the education of the children of members of the teaching staff after one year’s service.  

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute fully to the extra-curricular life of the School.  

Staff at St. Columba’s School benefit from a comprehensive Professional Review and CPD programme at whole school and departmental level.  

Letters of application and CVs with the names and email addresses of two referees should be sent to the Rector by noon on Friday, 22 February 2019 either by email to recruitment@st-columbas.org or by post to The Rector, St Columba’s School, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm PA13 4AU.  Interviews are expected to take place on Friday, 1 March 2019.

Please note that applicants must be registered or eligible for registration with the General Teaching Council of Scotland.   The appointment will be subject to membership of The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.

Candidates are welcome to contact Mrs Fiona Houston, to discuss the post informally.  Please note that the School will be closed for half-term from 18th - 22nd February inclusive therefore contact should be made by email to fhouston@st-columbas.org.