Temporary Teacher of Politics

Highgate is looking for an enthusiastic and inspiring teacher of Politics for a one-year post, starting in the Summer term, 2022. The position would suit an experienced teacher or an ambitious and creative entrant to the profession. 

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in Politics, or a related degree such as PPE, International Relations, etc. from a university with an excellent reputation for Politics. Applicants should demonstrate a profound and continuing academic interest in their subject and an enthusiasm for sharing this passion with pupils and colleagues. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to professional development, an enthusiasm for learning and a willingness to experiment, as well as the ability to reflect deeply on their practice. A genuine interest in the School’s academic extension programme will be an added recommendation. 

The School has considerable experience and success in guiding unqualified entrants to the profession through induction and into established teaching and leadership positions at the school. For all teachers new to Highgate, regardless of experience, there is a strong and supportive framework of induction. The role includes opportunities to contribute to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school, both of which are valued highly at Highgate. We encourage applications from candidates who experience barriers and inequity due to their ethnicity, gender identity, physical or mental health, sexuality, and/or socio-economic background.

The department 

The successful applicant will join an experienced department of six teachers who teach over 90 pupils in Highgate’s Sixth Form. Politics is one of the most popular subjects at A Level. The pupils follow the Edexcel specification, which covers UK Politics, Political ideologies, and US Politics. Outcomes in A-Level Politics are excellent, and well above national averages: in 2019, our Politics cohort of 42 achieved 48% A*, 83% A*/A and 100% A*-B; in the same academic year 10 pupils applied for Politics or a Politics related degree at university. Pupil outcomes over the next two years through Centre Assessed Grades and Teacher Assessed Grades were even better. Pupils regularly take up places at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as at overseas universities.  

The Politics department runs a weekly programme of extension classes to Year 12 pupils (often collaborating with the Economics, History or Philosophy departments) in the Lent term, introducing pupils to topics outside the scope of the A-level curriculum. This programme continues as a more bespoke mentoring programme for all Sixth Formers who intend to pursue Politics, or a related discipline, at university. Colleagues in the department also have a significant co-curricular footprint, including the extremely popular current affairs focused Masaryk Society (which attracts over 30 pupils from all years every week), the Junior Politics Society, the annual pupil publication the Arbiter, delivering academic lectures and taster lessons to Year 10 and Year 11 pupils, running mock elections and referendums, and many other ways besides.   

The department is well equipped and resourced, with its own classrooms and dedicated office, which is shared with colleagues in the Economics department. All of the classrooms have interactive whiteboards. The Politics Department is free-standing, but its members can and do teach History or Economics, though the ability to teach another subject is neither a requirement, nor a recommendation, for this post. 

Working at Highgate 

Teachers at Highgate enjoy a welcoming, comfortable and exceptionally well-resourced environment and are provided with significant assistance from a range of support staff.  Salaries are competitive.  The School pays the employer’s contribution to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Terms are shorter than in the maintained sector. Staff have free access to the School’s sports facilities, including a fitness suite and the newly refurbished swimming pool. 

Highgate is strongly committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to create a welcoming, respectful and safe environment for all members of our community, from every ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability/disability, religion and background.  We know that more diverse teams are stronger teams, and that the more inclusive we are, the more our staff and pupils will feel a sense of belonging and will thrive. To enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know when you submit your application whether you have any special requirements. 

As this role will have regular unsupervised contact with children you must, if appointed, comply with Highgate’s Safeguarding & Welfare Policy.  If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety and welfare of our pupils, these concerns must be reported immediately in accordance with the Policy. A copy of this Policy will accompany all offers of employment.  

Highgate is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and overseas police check if necessary. Candidates from overseas must provide information about their past conduct, for example, by providing documents issued by overseas teaching authorities.  

Please note that this role is ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore, you are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not ‘protected’ (i.e. filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview.  

Jack Reilly, the Head of Politics, or James Newton, Deputy Head (Academic) (jack.reilly@highgateschool.org.uk or james.newton@highgateschool.org.uk) are happy to answer any questions about this post. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE 

Please complete the on-line application form (https://www.highgateschool.org.uk/work-with-us) 

Closing date: 8:00am on 01 December 2021 but applications will be considered as they are received.