Teacher of French

JOB DESCRIPTION

At present, The Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Department has a full time Head of French and four other part time members of staff. Teaching is allocated according to the expertise and interests of the members of the department and the needs of the pupils.

The department organises various activities in the school including clubs, competitions, language days, theatre plays and assemblies. We run alternate GCSE trips to France and Spain during the year, both of which are hugely successful. Fifth and Sixth Formers can go on courses abroad independently.

The MFL department has four dedicated rooms. All classrooms have Smartboards and projectors, with access to the Active Teach software. Regular use is made of the software linked to the course books, subscription websites and shared home-produced material. There is also access to other interactive whiteboards in the school.

Girls study French, Spanish and Latin in mixed ability groups in First Form and then choose two languages to study in Second and Third Form. Many will continue a language to GCSE, and some girls continue to the AQA A Level examination and choose to study languages at university. In order to maintain a positive attitude in the classroom and enable choice, languages are not compulsory at GCSE but remain very popular at Prior’s Field. Girls have one 55-minute lesson per language in First Form, two in Second and Third Form, and three in Key Stage 4. Where girls are bilingual special provision, often within the school, is made for them.

We are very fluid with our setting and girls’ progress is regularly reviewed, resulting in much movement throughout the year to ensure they perform to the best of their ability. Nevertheless, we differentiate within each set and stretch the exceptionally able with a variety of projects, whilst supporting those girls who need additional support.

This role reports to the Head of French

Responsibilities of all teaching staff include:

• Supporting the ethos of a boarding school and working in accordance with the school’s aims and policies.
• Taking on two boarding duties per term (one evening and one weekend).
• Maintaining good order and discipline among pupils, safeguarding their health and safety at all times when they are the responsibility of the school.
• The school places a high priority on excellent pastoral care and this responsibility is shared by all staff.

Maintaining high standards of time keeping, attending assemblies, playing an active role in the life of the school, including the extra-curricular activities programme, supporting school functions and attending year group social events, where appropriate.

Carrying out supervisory and general duties as reasonably required, upholding good standards of behaviour and punctuality among pupils.

Participating in meetings as required.

Preparing and teaching lessons in accordance with agreed departmental and school schemes of work and teaching strategies.

Knowing and adhering to all school and departmental polices.

Setting and marking work regularly, including homework, according to school policy and in a style agreed within the department.

Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils in accordance with departmental and school policies.

Undertaking duties as a Form Teacher.

Participating in arrangements for preparing and assessing pupils’ work for public examinations.

Contributing to the formulation and revision of departmental schemes of work, teaching resources, assessment materials and developing new courses.

On taking up a new appointment, participating in the school’s programme of induction and review of new staff.

Participating in the school’s Annual Appraisal programme.

Participating in arrangements for staff development and INSET.

Participating in administrative and organisational tasks related to all the above, including management and supervision of all ancillary staff when appropriate.

Attending all required school functions, as directed by the Head: staff meetings, parents’ evenings, homework duty, Open Days, Options Information Evenings etc. and preparing exhibits, demonstrations as required.

Undertaking any other duties deemed appropriate by the Head within the context of the school ethos and the teaching programme.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Desirable

Experience and qualifications

QTS or equivalent x

A degree in a relevant subject x

A relevant subject specialism x

A demonstrable track record of delivering excellent student x

outcomes at KS3 and KS4

A demonstrable track record of delivering excellent student x

outcomes at KS5

Evidence of being an excellent classroom teacher at secondary x

level

Exemplary and up to date knowledge of teaching the relevant x

subject

Previous experience of working at a similar level x

Previous work experience in a UK independent school with a x

boarding element

Experience of budgeting/financial management and resource x

management

Experience of successful leadership of, or within, a relevant x

subject

Experience as a tutor x

Skills and competencies

The ability to demonstrate knowledge of latest specifications x

and curriculum developments

Knowledge of national educational policy, priorities and x

initiatives

Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to relate well x

to people on all levels, to resolve conflicts in a sensitive manner

and to encourage and motivate

The ability to motivate and inspire and to build warm and x

effective professional relationships with staff, pupils and

parents

Strong organisational skills x

An understanding of how to use data to analyse past and current x

performance in order to improve outcomes

A flair for creative solutions to problems x

The willingness to acquire skills as appropriate x

A good understanding of the latest evidence and thinking x

regarding effective practice in the teaching and assessment of

the relevant subject

A secure understanding of what excellent teaching in the x

relevant subject looks like

An interest in pupils of all abilities and willingness and ability to x

inspire them

The ability to formulate and lead short and long term x

development plans

The ability to plan and implement change x

The ability to analyse situations or problems and suggest x

strategies for improvement

Effective communication skills both in writing and speech x

Effective IT skills x

Knowledge about how young people learn x

Knowledge of use of appropriate target setting and monitoring x

procedures

The ability to teach outstanding lessons across the age range x

The ability to develop effective schemes of work x

The ability to add value to pupil outcomes x

The ability to operate safe practices x

A full awareness of the current issues relating to teaching your x

subject in schools

Knowledge of higher education curriculum opportunities x

Have the ability to lead by example, empower others and x

command respect

An excellent record of punctuality and attendance x

Personal qualities

Be passionate about education, the relevant subject and x

learning

Be keen, enthusiastic, innovative, resourceful, adaptable, x

flexible and inspirational, with a sense of perspective

Have a high degree of emotional intelligence x

Have a genuine respect for and motivation for working with girls x

and young women

Have a sensitivity to the needs of girls and young women as well x

as colleagues

Be able to earn the respect of pupils, staff and parents x

Be strongly committed to improving outcomes for all students x

and the drive and determination to make this happen

Demonstrate the ability to show initiative and to work x

independently and as part of a team

Have a vision for provision of the relevant subject across all key x

stages and the drive to implement it

Have the imagination and confidence to develop and share new x

ideas

Have personal integrity, honesty, energy, stamina, resilience and x

enthusiasm

Have the charisma to lead, challenge, support and motivate x

members of staff

Demonstrate sound judgment and discretion x

Have a willingness to give generously of their time to support x

school events and activities

Have a commitment to personal development and life-long x

learning

Be an effective and supportive team leader and team member x

Have high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, x

appearance, behaviour and positive, respectful relationships

with students, parents and colleagues

Be a reflective practitioner x

Set high expectations for themselves and their students x

Be committed to safeguarding our pupils in line with the x

school’s Safeguarding Policy

Have an affinity with, and commitment to, the independent x

education generally and Prior’s Field in particular