Teacher of Physical Education and Sport with Expertise in Rugby

St Columba’s 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 670. The Junior School is situated a quarter of a mile from Senior School and has a roll of just over 250. 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 Physical Education Department has the following staffing:

· Director of Physical Education & Sport: Mr Eric Milligan 

· Senior Hockey Coach and Teacher of PE: Mrs Laura Carlton

· Registrar and Teacher of PE: Mr Brian Manson (retiring June 2017)

· Teacher of PE: Mrs Lorna Urie 

· Teacher of PE: Mrs Jillian Bellew 

· Head of Guidance and Teacher of PE: Mr Alan Tait

· Teacher of PE: Miss Fiona Ramsay

Core Physical Education is taught to pupils at all stages from Early Years (age three and four) to Senior VI. Currently, SQA Certificate Physical Education courses are not offered, this is under consideration. The Department is responsible for a wide range of extra curricular sporting activities in both Junior School and Senior School with the main Saturday morning team sports of rugby and hockey being central to the wider life of the School.

An enthusiastic and committed teacher with good inter-personal skills and expertise in rugby is required to join the department from 21st August 2017. 

The post is remunerated on the SNCT main scale (reviewed in April each year); a further three per cent St Columba’s enhancement is paid. 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 School has a comprehensive professional review and CPD programme in place and the successful candidate can expect financial support to pursue further qualifications if desired. 

Letters of application and CVs with the names and email addresses of two referees should be sent to me by Tuesday 2nd May 2017. Interviews will take place during the week commencing 8th May 2017. 

Please note that applicants must be registered or eligible for registration with the General Teaching Council of Scotland. Candidates are welcome to contact Mr Eric Milligan to discuss the post informally. Initial contact should be made by email emilligan@st-columbas.org or by telephone 01505 872238.

David Girdwood

Rector 

April 2017