Teacher of Psychology (with Humanities)

What we seek:

The English College in Prague seeks a committed and creative teacher to join its thriving Humanities Faculty. We are looking for a candidate who can enthuse students, many of whom are academically excellent, and deliver lessons that are both exciting and rigorous.

Psychology is a very popular option at IB level. We are looking to appoint a Teacher of Psychology to work alongside our existing Head of Faculty in the delivery of the IB Psychology syllabus. The appointee will also teach classes in KS3-4 delivering History, Geography and/or our new combined Humanities Pre-IB course, outlined below. Structured and well-resourced Schemes of Work are in place for all of our courses, but we also encourage input and innovation from all members of staff as they deliver their lessons.

Ideally, the candidate will have experience of teaching Social Sciences or Humanities from KS3 to KS5. They should have experience of working in an academically aspirational school or the desire to do so. Ideally, they will have knowledge of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Previous IB teaching experience is preferable but not essential as all the necessary IB training will be provided. Experience shows us that a flexible and resourceful A-Level teacher will be able to deliver the IB syllabus effectively. We expect the successful candidate will be someone who has either newly or fully Qualified Teacher Status (or equivalent). A UK-accredited induction year can be offered by the school for newly qualified teachers.

Very importantly, they will be an active participant in the Teacher & Learning Groups - timetabled periods where small cross-curricular groups of colleagues meet to discuss and conduct an annual cycle of classroom-based pedagogical research and/or activities.

The school is currently developing its own Pre-IB Programme (KS4) to replace IGCSEs and therefore an interest in innovative and bespoke curriculum development would be a big advantage. In Humanities we will be rolling out a thematic cross-curricular Pre-IB course, which will encourage students to draw from all the Humanities subjects we offer in understanding and analysing global issues. We currently offer Economics, Geography, Global Politics, History, Psychology and Philosophy at IBDP level, so this is a very exciting opportunity for a candidate interested in innovative curriculum design and cross-curricular learning. 

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. 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 North America. We offer the successful candidate adventure, challenge 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.

Person Specification:

We are looking for someone with:

• A genuine understanding of the importance of establishing and maintaining good relationships for effective learning and academic leadership. 
• A creative approach to teaching Psychology and Humanities, combining engagement with academic rigour and an understanding of the importance of practical and investigation work.
• A passion for educating, inspiring and understanding children and a belief that every child can succeed beyond her/his expectations.
• A commitment to professionalism and the desire to be part of an HMC school with a prestigious history and an important role to play in providing all students with an internationally-minded liberal education. 
• A love of learning and a commitment to continuing to learn, through classroom-based research, collaboration and peer observation. 
• A desire to participate holistically in the life of a busy and ambitious school, through pastoral support and co-curricular activities (such as supporting school clubs or student charity work).
• The flexibility and sense of humour required to work abroad, with both the great benefits and minor challenges that it presents.
• An interest in getting to know Prague and the Czech Republic, its people, its culture and language.

Job Specification Overview:

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a good degree in Psychology or a related subject, as well as a recognised teaching qualification.
• Be able to teach Humanities and Social Sciences throughout the school. 
• Be able to work proactively with our teaching team in the Humanities Faculty, exchanging ideas and sharing resources.
• Be a team player and collaborative worker, but also able to infuse their teaching with their own personality and style. 
• Participate in relevant IB training and internally-arranged professional development, including contributing to training sessions where appropriate.

Staff Package:

• We offer assistance, both practical and financial, for those moving to the Czech Republic.
• An exceptionally well-resourced CPD environment with career development opportunities, in Europe and the UK.
• We usually fly successful candidates out in the term prior to taking up their appointment for an acquaintance visit.
• The College contributes to a Czech occupational pension scheme and employees enjoy the generous arrangements of the Czech health and social security system.
• We offer subsidised lunches, international ITIC membership (which offers discounts) and full access to the Czech National Technical Library’s physical and online resources) and a Multisport card giving subsidised access to many sports locations in and around Prague.

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 enhanced DBS clearance 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 follows UK best practice in this area. 

How to apply:

Fill in the 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. Shortlisted candidates will be notified shortly after the deadline for applications. Interviews will be conducted either by Skype, or in person in London or Prague (travel expenses will be reimbursed), depending on the circumstances.