Teacher of Secondary Mathematics

Role

Initially, this is a part-time role (36%), teaching two Maths classes (8 hours per week in total) in Key Stages 3 and 4. The lessons will take place over four days of the week. The ideal candidate would also offer a half-hour lunchtime Maths extension club once a week.

We expect this to have grown to a full-time role after one or at most two years. From September 2021, the job will include the teaching of A Level Maths and perhaps A Level Further Maths.

Mathematics at GES

Mathematics is not a discrete set of facts but a vast interrelated web of ideas and strategies, which build on top of each other to enable you to solve increasingly complex problems. It is enjoyed by everyone who understands what they are doing. The reason so many people dislike or even fear the subject is because their experiences with the subject are of repetitive procedures that they know little about.

First and foremost, we want all children to understand their work, rather than just applying methods blindly. As such, we employ the Socratic approach of asking questions, encourage the discussion of varied approaches to solving problems, and are not afraid to teach our students deep concepts such as the distributive property.

In order to provide a consistent and cogent experience of Mathematics to our pupils, we are building a department that collaborates closely. We practise joint planning and use the same mathematical models in most topics. Examples include the area model for multiplication, which runs all the way from multiplying integers in Year 7 to factorising cubics at A Level, and scale factors, which we apply in various topics from proportion and percentage change to similar triangles and trigonometry.

The department embraces modern, research-informed approaches to teaching and learning, including the interleaving and optimal spacing of topics, retrieval practice and an online homework platform. We see the benefits of both direct instruction and discovery approaches to learning, and so make use of both.

All pupils at GES study Maths to GCSE level and currently we plan to enter all of them for the higher tier examination. As the school expands to A Level, we expect to offer Maths and Further Maths A Levels.

Key responsibilities

• Teach the lessons assigned to you, planning appropriately to meet the needs of all pupils, making effective use of resources, and securing the best possible standards of learning and achievement.
• Maintain good order and discipline amongst pupils, in accordance with the School's   behaviour policy, and have due regard for their welfare, health and safety.
• Maintain a productive learning environment by employing good classroom techniques, resources and management skills.
• Follow guidelines for assessment as set out by the School and keep appropriate records.
• Establish professional and effective communication with parents, reporting to them formally and informally on the development, progress and attainment of pupils.
• Liaise with the Deputy Head and with Tutors about any pupils with specific learning needs or giving rise to learning or pastoral concerns.
• Contribute to the creation of a stimulating learning environment around the School.
• Show an active commitment to the wider life of the School, including extra-curricular activities and events.
• Show commitment to your own professional development and take an active interest in educational debate and development.
• Carry out administrative and supervisory duties efficiently and conscientiously.
• Supervise and, so far as is practicable, teach any pupils who are assigned to you by the teacher in charge of cover arrangements.
• Undertake such other tasks as may be reasonably assigned by the Deputy Head or Head from time to time.
• Act in accordance with the policies of the School and in particular with the principles laid down in the Staff Handbook, Staff Code of Conduct, ICT Acceptable Use Policy and Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy.

Person specification

We keep an open mind in the consideration of any applicant who believes they have something special and valuable to contribute.

Essential

• Experience of teaching Mathematics to pupils from 11 to 18 years old
• Knowledge of the English National Curriculum
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• The desire to work in a highly collaborative department in which all teachers use the same mathematical models to create a consistent experience for pupils.
• An enthusiastic and creative approach to teaching, which inspires pupils and enables learning to be engaging and relevant
• A commitment to helping students to develop a broad range of skills and attributes
• A commitment to an interconnected curriculum and to working with colleagues across a range of disciplines
• The ability to communicate effectively with pupils, colleagues and parents and to work as part of a collaborative team
• An interest in education beyond the classroom and across the age range
• Flexibility, a sense of humour, and a willingness to contribute to all aspects of school life, including trips, projects, special events, Key Stage 5 general studies courses, and extracurricular clubs

Desirable

• Experience of teaching A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics
• A degree in Mathematics
• Qualified teacher status
• Good IT skills and experience of using IT in teaching and learning

How to apply

Please submit a completed GES Application Form (available on our website) to the Head of HR, Ms Aurore Alefsen by email to hr@geschool.ch before 12:00 noon on Monday 24 February 2020. A brief covering letter to the Head and/or curriculum vitae may also be submitted but will not be accepted in place of a complete application form. Interviews will be held at the School on Monday 2 March 2020. 

Safer recruitment

Geneva English School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and enhanced national/international criminal records checks.