Please apply by downloading an application form from our website and submit with a supporting statement.
We are seeking an experienced teacher from September 2024 (3 terms) with outstanding knowledge of French language and culture, capable of delivering the highest standards of teaching and learning through exceptional classroom practice. The successful candidate will join a small but highly motivated team of MFL teachers, with responsibility for the French teaching in the school from Year 7 to Year 13 in the dedicated French classrooms.
French (Years 7-9) and German (Year 9) are taught as compulsory subjects in the curriculum. They are options at GCSE and A Level. While a modern language is not a core subject at GCSE, the uptake at Year 10 is consistently strong. The two languages are not set against each other, allowing some students to take both at GCSE if they wish and in the Sixth Form too. The Edexcel/AQA specifications at both GCSE and A Level serve our students well, offering academic rigour and an overview of the culture of the target language countries.
The department has high expectations and considers that a methodical acquisition of grammar and vocabulary, combined with much speaking and listening, is essential in training successful linguists. The department has a history of success with students of all abilities, partly due to our class sizes which are ideal for language teaching.
In our international school community, where languages are at the core of our working life, we have little difficulty persuading our specialist musicians of the importance of language learning, not only as a means to a qualification but also as a useful skill for their future professional life. In recent years, we have seen increasing numbers of students who wish to study outside the UK, so languages are definitely valued as a life skill. We are proud to be going against the national trend, with buoyant numbers of students opting for a language at the Purcell School; a consequence, undoubtedly, of our students’ cosmopolitan view of life and genuine curiosity to discover other cultures.
The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
JOB TITLE: TEACHER OF FRENCH
– All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal.
– Your line manager is the Head of MFL.
This job specification sets out the duties of the post at the time of drafting. Specific responsibilities are as follows:
FOR ALL TEACHING STAFF
To carry out teaching commitments as agreed with the Head of MFL
- To participate in the School’s appraisal scheme
- To support and implement the School’s behavioural policy
- To monitor students’ attendance at lessons and to liaise with the Vice Principal when difficulties arise
- To assist in providing cover for absent colleagues
- To supervise students during internal and external examinations
- To supervise students during breaks on a duty rota
- To attend assemblies
- To attend the weekly staff meeting and other relevant meetings by arrangement
- To attend Parents’ EveningsTo participate in School Inset meetings
- To contribute to the School’s extra-curricular and/or boarding provision
- To assist occasionally at whole school events
FOR ALL STAFF
- To promote the aims and values of the School
- To support and protect the interests of the students
- To support colleagues in their work
- To ensure the smooth-running of the School and the well-being of the School community
- To act in accordance with the current legal requirements, School policies and guidance on the safeguarding of children and young people
- To undertake such administrative and supervisory duties as may be required
- To follow the procedures and policies set out in the Staff Handbook
- To promote equality by actively protecting staff and students from discrimination
- To comply with current Health and Safety regulations and best practice
