Teacher of Spanish

Post Summary

We are seeking to appoint a teacher of Spanish to students across key stages 3 and 4, including a substantial amount of GCSE teaching. The advertised post is a 0.8 of full-time, maternity cover post, commencing on 6th March 2022. The contract will run for 1 year, but due to the nature of maternity cover may be terminated with ones month notice.

The post and the department

This is an opportunity to join a lively and successful Modern Languages department in the year 7-11 section of the school. All students study Spanish from year 7. In year 9 they choose two of French, Spanish and Latin/Classical Civilisation. In years 10 and 11 French and Spanish are option subjects at GCSE, with two groups running in each year and each language. The course taught is the Edexcel International GCSE. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching all GCSE Spanish groups, as well as KS3 Spanish. They will work as part of a team of 3 other MFL teachers in years 7-11.

Teaching is in small groups of up to 16 students in years 7-9 and somewhat smaller in years 10 and 11. These small groups enable us to focus on students’ individual needs and help them to achieve their full potential. While not narrowly selective, academic expectations are high. At all levels, we prepare students towards their next examinations but also want really to teach them the language and prepare them for continuation – for example in years 10-11 we help students to achieve their best possible results in the GCSE, but also treat them as potential future A level or university language students and equip them to be successful at a higher level. Moreover, at GCSE all language students have oral sessions with the language assistants, and this happens during their timetabled language lessons. MFL at d’Overbroeck’s is a well-equipped department, with teachers supplementing the use of textbooks and online teaching platforms with specific language-learning software. We also encourage all students to read and watch films in their target language, beyond the specification requirements.

Technology is used to support teaching and learning throughout the school, including the use of interactive whiteboards, data-logging equipment and online learning. We use Microsoft Teams and One Note as our online platforms.

Outside of lessons we are keen to provide students with opportunities for extension and support- for instance, the language leaders programme in years 9-10, language competitions such as the Spelling Bee, or events such as Celebration of Languages Day. There is usually one trip to France and one trip to Spain each year, and students also have the opportunity to practise their language skills on a crime trail in Oxford.

The person

The successful person will:

·        be a talented and passionate linguist, with high-level language competence in Spanish. We place a high degree of importance on strong academic skills and subject knowledge, as well as oral fluency;

·        be able to convey enthusiasm and enjoyment of the subject to students across the ability and age range. Flexibility of approach, a sense of fun, a readiness to respond to students’ individual needs and an enthusiastic, open approach to teaching are among the qualities we value;

·        set high standards and expectations, both for their own professional conduct and for their students;

·        create a supportive and encouraging environment for learning, with close attention to students’ individual needs;

·        Be competent in the use of educational technology and the delivery of teaching online;

·        be capable of taking personal responsibility and working independently as the principal teacher of Spanish at GCSE;

·        Work closely with the Spanish language assistant to deliver engaging speaking sessions

·        work collaboratively and constructively as a team member within the Modern Languages department;

·        play a full role in the wider life of the school, including contributing to the school’s programme of extra-curricular activities.

d’Overbroeck’s offers teachers and students alike a friendly and welcoming environment where classes are small and standards are high.

Necessary qualifications

All applicants will be expected to have a very good degree in Modern Languages, including Spanish, and be able to demonstrate their teaching ability. d’Overbroeck’s does not require that its staff possess a PGCE or equivalent, although most members of staff do possess a formal teaching qualification. Having taught the International GCSE would be an advantage but is not compulsory.