Teacher of Maths

Mathematics Department Details

There are seven members of staff within the department, three of whom are part-time. In principle, all staff teach across the full age and ability range, and this post includes some Higher teaching. Staff are encouraged to continue developing their subject knowledge and skills through both internal training and outside courses. There are six maths teaching rooms which the maths staff share. Five are grouped close together and each has its own networked computer; five of the rooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards, while the other is equipped with a data projector. In addition, there is a departmental resource base. There is also some peripatetic teaching.

Curriculum offered and the organisation of teaching groups

All pupils are expected to take Mathematics to National 5. Each year group is arranged by ability into sets: there are five sets in P7, six in S1 and S2 and five in S3 and S4. Setting allows differentiation of emphasis between teaching groups in the lower school, stimulation, motivation and encouragement being respectively the broad effects aimed for.

P7 classes have seven periods of maths per week; S1 and S2 have five periods. In P7 to S2 pupils work on improving their knowledge and understanding of a wide range of mathematical topics, as well as their basic numeracy skills, as outlined in the Curriculum for Excellence.  A range of resources are used including TeeJay textbooks and Apps such as Showbie and Mathspace.

In S3 and S4, classes have five periods of maths per week.  The top four sets work towards the SQA National 5 qualification and use the National 5 text published by Hodder. A small bottom set has IGCSE as its target.

In S5, we have four sets (consisting of about 45 pupils) preparing for SQA Higher Mathematics, on an allocation of seven periods per week. There is also a small set working towards National 5 Maths, in some cases as a foundation for Higher next year. The Higher sets work from the Heinemann text, while for National 5 the Hodder book is used. In S6, we have an Advanced Higher Maths set and an Advanced Higher Mechanics set, on an allocation of nine and seven periods per week. There are also a few pupils who are sitting Higher, either from a National 5 in S5, or to improve their existing Higher. S5 and S6 pupils are also specifically prepared, as required, for Oxford Entrance and Cambridge STEP papers. This is on a lesson &/or tutorial basis.

Groups of pupils are entered annually for the UK Primary, Junior, Intermediate and Senior Mathematical Challenges; and also the UKMT Team Maths Challenges. Participation in both the Primary and Secondary Scottish Maths Challenges is encouraged and a team from S3 and S4 takes part in the Enterprising Mathematics competition. Standardised National Tests are used in P7 to S2 to monitor progress in relation to other pupils in Scotland, though teaching is not driven directly by the requirements of these tests. Results are used, in conjunction with the outcome of internal examinations, to aid in the adjustment of setting.

The Post

The School operates a 45 period week plus a contribution to the school’s co-curriculum. The successful candidate will be able to teach pupils from a selection of Year groups form Primary 7 (Geits) to S5 (6ths).

Duties and Responsibilities associated with all teachers at the Edinburgh Academy are:

1. To plan, prepare and teach lessons to all assigned pupils according to their educational needs.
2. To assess, record and report on the progress of the pupils within the guidelines written in the Staff Handbook.
3. To engage with the wider School Curriculum, in a manner which is consistent with the ethos of the School.
4. To carry out such administrative and other routine tasks as are outlined in the Staff Handbook.
5. To demonstrate a commitment to both individual professional development and to the developing curriculum in the School.
6. To carry out any other duties and to assume any other responsibilities as the Rector shall from time to time reasonably request.
7. To be conscious at all times of the importance of the external image of the School and to act in a professional and constructive manner with pupils, parents and external agencies.

Short-listed candidates will be asked to plan and teach a lesson.

Remuneration Package

The Edinburgh Academy pay scale shadows the national scale for teachers and promoted posts, but also offers a special supplement in recognition of the extra contributions made by teachers out with their classroom duties.  This supplement is currently 8% addition to national scales. The successful candidate will be entitled to join the Scottish Public Pension’s Agency’s Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme. The terms and conditions may be discussed at interview.

Applications

The appointment is available from August 2018. Applications are welcome from well-qualified graduates for this post of Teacher of Mathematics.

Candidates should complete all sections of the application form which can be emailed to the Rector’s Office rectorsoffice@edinburghacademy.org.uk .

Candidates are welcome, if they wish, to send a copy of their curriculum vitae, including full details of qualifications and experience, and/or a covering letter explaining why they think they are particularly suited to the role and how it may fit in with future aspirations. However, please note that this is entirely optional and the short listing for interview will be based on the application form.
The appointment will be made without regard to gender or ethnic origin.

Further details are available from The Rector’s Office – 0131 624 4911 rectorsoffice@edinburghacademy.org.uk

The closing date for application is Wednesday 6th June

Conditions of Appointment

The appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, verification of identity and proof of qualifications, and to a satisfactory medical screening.

Child Protection
The Edinburgh Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and PVG Disclosure Scotland.

Equal Opportunities
The School is an Equal Opportunities employer, and welcomes applications for this post from appropriately qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, race or sexual orientation.