Teacher of Psychology

CATS College London offers an outstanding international pre-university educational experience to students aged 14+ from all over the world. CATS students live and work in our beautiful periodic buildings studying for GCSEs, A levels and University Foundation Programmes, and preparing for admission to universities across the country and elsewhere. We pride ourselves on our approach to teaching and learning, with small class sizes and an informal atmosphere ensuring that students are treated as individuals and build great relationships with staff.

OVERVIEW OF THE JOB

We are looking for an excellent teacher of Psychology to join our Science Faculty team. The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and demonstrate a real love for learning.  The post holder will develop, deliver, and support academic programmes in line with agreed standards and policies.

To teach (I)GCSE, A-Level, Foundation and other courses and discharge the duties of Personal Tutor (PT) within the College as required.

To plan, prepare and teach strong lessons for the classroom which enthuse and inspire students, and promote enjoyment of learning. To effectively use a variety of teaching styles, having regard to the individual learning needs of students.

To select, sequence and prepare appropriate materials, resources and approaches according to the course type and  learners.

To meet challenging, but realistic educational targets that demonstrate excellence in student academic progress.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB

As a subject teacher: 

• To assess, track and provide relevant and timely formative feedback on achievement, progress and developmental needs to students, academic and other managers/colleagues, including student records and integrate this into weekly and termly planning. 
• To set, evaluate, and mark promptly a range of formative and summative assessments as appropriate for students including placement tests, course work, homework, examinations in accordance with the College Assessment and Marking Policy and procedures and to record marks and grades on College systems as requested. 
• Ensure accurate attendance records are kept for every lesson using the College electronic systems. 
• To write half-termly reports on students with clear formative comments and targets as to how to improve work, by deadlines given, and provide regular estimated grades and feedback on tests as required. 
• To complete associated and administrative tasks to deadlines, as directed. 
• To ensure lessons are in line with Schemes of Work and their respective objectives, and that these are shared with students. To give feedback on materials, courses and lessons to academic and other managers/colleagues as required. 
• To develop materials and resources, implement, support and/or lead in the production and improvement of Schemes of Work as appropriate, and undertake other academic project work as directed. 
• To provide work for supervised study when a student has not completed assignments, notify Curriculum Director or relevant staff, and ensure work is marked promptly.

As a personal tutor: 

• To induct students appropriately, to provide academic advice, counselling, educational guidance, and tutorial support to students, including individual learning plans as directed. 
• To supervise students’ attendance and behaviour and follow up as appropriate, in accordance with the College Behaviour and Attendance policies. 
• To encourage students to participate in all sports and social activities. 
• To approve Exeats, in line with college systems. 
• To deal with student issues/emergencies as and when they arise. 
• To promote intercultural understanding and be flexible to specific cultural needs of students.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

• Experience of teaching AQA A-Level Psychology is desirable as is a demonstrated commitment to subject professional development. This post is 0.6 FTE, timetable Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Motivation 

• Is proactive rather than reactive in approach and can act on own initiative. 
• Takes responsibility and ownership for work issues and problems of a primary operational nature. 
• Implements improvements to work processes and practices within his/her remit. 
• In conjunction with the Principal and other staff, contribute to the establishment of best practices that can be shared across CATS Colleges. 
• Understands College goals and direction and brings these to bear in teaching.

Drive 

• Is energetic, enthusiastic and demonstrates a positive attitude. 
• Committed to the role and to team / College. 
• Gets things done through influence and fairness. 
• Can confront and overcome obstacles to progress.

Intellect 

• Demonstrates excellent critical thinking skills to understand student and staff issues. 
• Can suggest and where appropriate implement solutions appropriate to student and staff situations. 
• Gathers facts and analyses situations in objective, accurate and organised fashion.

Judgement 

• Can think and act rationally and maturely without undue bias or reliance on emotional responses. 
• Can weigh up information, issues and evidence and draw balanced conclusions from such. 
• Shows clearly that he/she is learning from experience. 
• Knows when to ask for support and advice from colleagues.

Credibility and Communication 

• Has positive, professional relationships with students, staff and parents/agents. 
• Projects appropriate professional image. 
• Speaks clearly, sensitively and persuasively; understands the needs of bilingual learners 
• Keeps line manager and team informed of progress or difficulties. 
• Share in promoting excellence in teaching; from productive teamwork to the self-monitoring and improvement of teaching standards in school. 
• Displays excellent listening and questioning skills 

Resilience 

• Can balance the normal demands or a range of work and responsibilities without disruption to other team members or College staff. 
• Can prioritise conflicting demands. 
• Remains balanced, rational and tolerant in dealing with others at all times.

Customer Focus 

• Demonstrates a clear empathy with students and staff and understands their needs. 
• Shows awareness of issues pertaining to working in a multi-cultural international environment. 
• Understands the demands of working within a market-led organisation.

Technical 

• Comfortable with use of Microsoft Office and other applications. 
• Excellent level of written and spoken English. 
• Problem-solving abilities. 
• Accuracy and timekeeping.

Start Date: January 2022

Applications will be reviewed immediately, and we reserve the right to appoint before the closing date for this reason early applications are encouraged.