Teacher of PE

The English College in Prague is looking to appoint a teacher of Physical Education. We are flexible regarding the exact qualification and experience of the applicant, but are looking for someone who would enjoy teaching regular PE throughout the school, and also supporting intra-and inter-school Sport, the Duke of Edinburgh programme and other activities-based trips such as canoeing, cycling and skiing as part of the school’s :More programme.

The successful candidate will relish the idea of working in a school which values relationships in the learning environment - whether that be the classroom, the Sports Centre or on trips. The ideal candidate will understand modern approaches to the teaching of physical education in its most holistic sense. While we do not currently offer the IB “sports, exercise and health science” course,  a candidate with knowledge of this qualification would be at an advantage because it could be something that the school works towards in the future. Very importantly, the successful candidate will be interested in in-school pedagogical development. All teachers in the school are intensively involved in teaching and learning activities, such as classroom-based action research groups, personal research projects, mutual observations and piloting various initiatives to see if they work well in our context. In summary, a strong interest and desire to connect with, and learn from, other colleagues is essential.

The PE department is just formed of two people, the Director of Sport & Activities and a Teacher of PE. The current incumbents of the department are a man/woman team (working at the school for 27 years together) who are both leaving at the end of the year - so there is an opportunity for a really fresh start. Because of the need to interact with other schools, and more widely with other service providers for matches, trips and expeditions, we are looking for at least one of the candidates to have fluent Czech. It would not be significant whether the Director of Activities or the Teacher of PE is the one who speaks the language, but at least one must do so. Because of this, exemplary communication and collaboration within this department is absolutely critical.

The school does not have on-site PE facilities but currently uses a commercial facility that is 10 minutes walk from the school. This leads to some operational challenges, and the physical disconnect between the school and the sport facilities requires the PE staff to work actively to maintain lines of communication and a presence with other colleagues based in the main building.

The right candidate will be joining a diverse and dedicated team who maintain a dynamic learning and extra-curricular environment in which the needs and talents of the individual student are recognised and nurtured.

Short School Statement

We are an unusual, exciting and academic HMC secondary school, educating both Czech and international students, that is committed to fostering good relationships. While we prepare our students for a small number of core IGCSEs, and Common European Framework language exams, our main focus is on delivering success in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the Czech Maturita qualification. Each year, our graduates go on to study at universities in the UK (usually including Oxbridge), continental Europe and occasionally, Asia and North America. The majority of our teachers are native speakers of English, immersing our students in the language as authentically spoken and supporting their own language development, and our teaching style is typically that found in the best British schools. We offer the successful candidate adventure, challenge, permanent contracts and good remuneration in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. For further information including a description of living and working in the Czech Republic, please visit the English College in Prague website via this link. 

Watch this video about teaching  at the English College.

Job Specification Overview:  

• PE has had the same department staff for the last 27 years so this is an exciting opportunity for a new team to come in and reframe how PE and Sport might develop at the English College in Prague. In the department we wish to  
• retain a healthy balance between inclusivity, team-play and competitive behaviour  
• modernise the teaching of PE  
• develop more sporting competitions between schools  
• review the existing trips and retain the best, but also adapt and expand where necessary  
• continue to be one of the biggest Duke of Edinburgh centres in the country

The ideal candidate will: 

• Have experience of teaching PE and Sports 
• Have a degree directly relevant to either subject and have a PGCE and already have obtained Qualified Teacher Status - although QTS training for appropriately experienced and qualified candidates is possible 
• Be experienced and confident in running school trips and holding high profile events (sporting and otherwise) 
• Be excited about working collaboratively with another new colleague to create a new department 
• Be curious about the possibility of whether the IB “sports, exercise and health science” course may be a worthy aim for the school in the next few years

Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and References Statement

The English College in Prague is totally committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to a police check, ICPC or similar, depending on their country of origin or previous employment. Identity checks, employment checks and qualifications checks all form a non-negotiable part of the recruitment process. Any gaps in employment will be examined and we will require at least two references, including one from your most recent Headteacher. Safeguarding and child protection training is given on arrival and the induction process also assiduously follows UK best practice in this area. 

How to apply:

Fill in the ECP application form which you can download after clicking at Apply Now and send a short covering letter to the Headmaster, Dr. Nigel Brown, at headmaster@englishcollege.cz. Please include a complete  career history as well as the names, email addresses and telephone numbers of two referees, including your current or most recent Headteacher. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted either online, or in person in London or Prague (travel expenses will be reimbursed), depending on the circumstances.