Teacher of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications, experience and personal attributes:

Essential:

• A good honours degree in a relevant or associated subject 

• Experience of teaching Religion, Philosophy and Ethics across the secondary age range and demonstrable passion for the subject

• Detailed understanding of current developments in the secondary curriculum and assessment

• A clear motivation to work with young people

• The ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and boundaries with young people

• Commitment to further professional development

Desirable:

• a teaching qualification such as a PGCE

• Ability to teach an additional Humanities subject

TEACHING AT ST HELEN’S

All teachers are expected to ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning by:

• Preparing and delivering challenging and differentiated lessons

• Setting homework in accordance with the School’s homework policy

• Marking work in accordance with the School’s marking policy

• Using all available data and information to ensure that each student is provided with an appropriate programme of study

• Having a good understanding of the schemes of work they are following and how these fit into the overall scheme of work for the subject they are teaching

• Keeping up-to-date with developments in the teaching of their subject

The teacher should have knowledge and understanding of:

• Effective learning and teaching styles

• Theory and practice of providing effectively for the individual needs of all children (e.g. classroom organisation, planning, teaching strategies and removing barriers to learning)

• Monitoring, assessment, recording and reporting of pupils’ progress

• An appreciation of how assessment supports effective learning

• The need for high quality pastoral support to complement the academic experience of pupils aged 11-19

• Legislation and best practice concerning Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, Individual Learning Needs and Keeping Children Safe in Education

The teacher will be able to demonstrate:

• Willingness to participate in the wider life of the School

• Willingness to make a significant contribution to the School’s extensive  co-curricular programme

• Commitment to participation in the School’s expanding programme of educational visits

The teacher will be able to:

• Promote the School’s aims, ethos and ‘whole school’ approach to learning

• Develop effective relationships with pupils, parents, staff and governors

• Create a happy, challenging and effective learning environment

• Communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) to a variety of audiences

• Work collaboratively with others

• Work in a fast-paced and stimulating environment

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children

RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS 

The Department currently has five full-time specialists and one part-time specialist. We follow a programme broadly based on non-statutory guidance for the subject but tailored to St Helen’s students who come from a variety of religious and non-religious backgrounds. Academic standards are high and results are excellent. Colleagues use a range of teaching methods, with an emphasis on encouraging reflection, discussion and evaluation of different philosophical and ethical approaches to religious issues. There is a range of teaching material available, including: course books for all year groups, internet-based resources including access to video material via Planet eStream, posters and artefacts, and access to a well-stocked library. Currently, in Years 7, 8 & 9 (Middle School), students begin with a study of creation stories from around the world, their meanings and related lifestyles. They then study the lives of ‘founders’ and ‘messengers’ from several major religions before beginning a study of belief and practice in Judaism and Islam.

Upper School, or Years 10 & 11, allows pupils to opt for GCSE (AQA) Religious Studies in Christianity, Hinduism and a variety of philosophical and ethical themes, including medical ethics, the existence of God, relationships, and social justice. There are three groups in each year with 15-20 pupils in each group. Pupils who do not choose to take the GCSE follow a short course in Philosophy and Ethics.

Sixth Form students who choose Religious Studies for (OCR) AS and A level study Philosophy of Religion, Religious Ethics and Development in Christian Thought. Typically, two groups each comprising 5-10 pupils will study this course in Years 12 & 13.

The Department also contributes to relevant aspects of the PSHCE Programme across Senior School.

The School has good relations with local synagogues and Year 9 pupils attend Holocaust Memorial Day events in January or February each year. Pupils may also visit local places of worship or participate in conferences and excursions. Sixth Formers studying Religious Studies have an annual opportunity to attend specialist lectures relevant to their course.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT ST HELEN’S INCLUDE

• Competitive salary scale with the opportunity for pay progression

• Membership of the Teachers’ Pensions Scheme

• Access to the School’s swimming pool and fitness suite

• On-site parking and excellent public transport links

• Free lunch and refreshments

• Generous sick pay and maternity pay

• A beautiful working environment – the School is set in a conservation site in excess of 20 acres

• A supportive community of highly motivated students and staff