Teacher of PE and Games

The Directors of The Gardener Schools Group have established Kew House School in the conviction that there exists an opportunity for a different kind of independent secondary school in London - academically demanding but with a modern approach to selection criteria, the flexibility of the curriculum, the shape of the school day and term and recognition of creativity and talent.

The school opened with 63 students in September 2013 and now has a role of over 550. We opened for internal and external sixth form candidates for the first time in September 2016. The school will grow to full capacity over the next 2 or 3 years with 600+ students aged 11-18.

The successful candidate will be a well-qualified enthusiastic graduate teacher. They will have the opportunity to assist in further developing and building the subject in the school. This is a full-time post from January 2021. We would welcome applications from newly qualified applicants and experienced teachers.

The school operates its own pay scales comparable with national teacher pay scales and will offer a salary commensurate with experience and the nature of this role.

Sport has a role of great importance within the curriculum. The Games Department is exceptionally well resourced and highly successful. The facilities we have access to ensure the delivery of a dynamic and exhilarating curriculum for our students. A thriving after school fixture and club programme is in place offering a range of activities for our students. All year groups enjoy at least 4 hours of sport per week.

The successful candidate will be a well-qualified and enthusiastic graduate teacher with the ability to inspire students in a range of subject related disciplines. The post holder will have the opportunity to help in the growth and development of the subject. As a member of a growing department, it will be essential that the candidate is an outstanding teacher with the ability to teach across these disciplines.

Location The school is housed in a very modern and newly equipped building, close to rail and road links near Kew Bridge. These include Gunnersbury Underground station (7 minutes) and Kew Bridge British Rail Station (2 minutes).

Facilities The building is equipped with modern, cutting edge facilities including science labs, art and design, a design and technology suite, music department and rehearsal rooms, restaurant, café, flexible teaching suites and meeting rooms.

The use of information technology is given great importance within the school and a digital curriculum is a core component of the education for Kew House students. As such, access to computers, tablets and other digital media is available throughout the building in flexible spaces and smaller hubs.

The school is well placed to make maximum use of the full range of sporting facilities close to the school. These include the Fountain Leisure Centre, the River Thames for rowing and a full range of pitches and athletics facilities nearby. The school participates in a very full range of sports including an engaging sixth form provision.

Curriculum We offer a full range of GCSE and A level/BTEC subjects including the EPQ. The curriculum is structured around a two-year Key Stage 3 and flexible timetabling. The school pursues excellence in all areas, whether examinable or not. The school’s aim is to provide a rich and broad education to all students whatever their specialism. Whilst we aim to achieve the highest academic results for each student, we do not serve as an examination “factory”.

An extensive extra-curricular programme is in place. This consists of sport, creative activities and curriculum extension sessions. We include guest speakers and workshops to inspire the students. Residential and other school visits are encouraged, making the optimum use of the resources and facilities available locally, nationally and internationally. Most students take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and staff are expected to support this programme.

The Individuals in Society (IS) course focusses on personal development, emotionally, practically and intellectually. This is a timetabled teaching programme.

Pastoral The ethos of the new school is that of a family and social hub, giving emotional support and security to all students and employees. Each student receives individual attention both educationally and pastorally. The approach emphasises the partnership with parents; their involvement, with parents often spending time in school, is part of the ethos of Kew House. As the school matures, our vertical tutor groups will add to the family approach.

Appointments

The school welcomes applications from teachers in the state sector, a significant number of staff have joined us from this sector. We also welcome applications from newly qualified teachers.

All appointments are made in accordance with our equal opportunities policy and applicants should let us know of any special needs they may have.

Kew House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and questions will be asked at interview to assess suitability of candidate to work with our children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory Criminal Record (DBS) check.

Staff Development

The school is committed to staff development and the position will provide a good springboard for further promotion within the school and beyond. All staff will be encouraged to attend INSET courses and will be provided with ample professional development opportunities.

The Recruitment Process

Candidates are required to submit a completed application form together with a supporting letter of application and details of two referees. One referee should be able to comment on the teaching skills of the candidate, and one must be the current or most recent employer.

References will be taken prior to interview. Candidates must provide original documents as proof of identity at interview.

The closing date for applications is 6 November 2020.

Short-listed candidates will be contacted by telephone and asked to attend an interview by arrangement. This may include a video call prior to the expiry date, given the current situation of school closure, travel and transport.