We are seeking to appoint a dynamic, creative and inspirational teacher or coach to inspire students with a love of a wide range of games, sport and physical activity. The successful candidate will join a highly motivated school and be capable of delivering the highest standards of teaching and learning through exceptional practice.
Successful teachers at The Purcell School are committed, industrious and open to development, not only within the confines of the classroom but within the wider life of the School as well. We seek to appoint teachers who are confident and warm, who possess charisma and who recognise that organisation, open-mindedness, structure, clarity, diligence and a sense of vision are vital ingredients in a successful life as a teacher.
The School does not offer any formal qualifications in sport or physical education nor do we run any competitive sport in terms of fixtures. The primary focus of this post is to provide statutory Physical Education for Years 7 – 11 and to oversee / facilitate a range of active recreational activities for 6th form students and boarding students. Each year group has at least one timetabled period of PE each week during which they explore a range of different sports and games throughout the year with an emphasis on enjoyment and fulfilment rather than competition. The successful candidate will have complete autonomy over how these sessions run and the content of the sessions. As a leading school for musicians, we are mindful of the risk of injury and the impact this could have on future musical development. Therefore, all sporting activities need to be conducted safely and with due regard to health and safety requirements. The Teacher of PE or Sports Coach is the only sports specialist in the school but will enjoy the support of a wide range of staff across the academic, boarding and pastoral areas of the school. The School has a wide range of sport and games equipment, a small, newly refurbished fitness suite, a (albeit rather old!) sports hall, a hardcourt area and two large field spaces.
This is a wonderful opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic sports or fitness professional to focus their work on encouraging engagement with, and enjoyment of, sport, games and fitness.
This is a part-time post to start on January 1st 2024. Working days will be: Monday mornings; Tuesdays (all day); Fridays (all day) and there is no flexibility in these for the current academic year.
The salary will be based on the School’s salary scale, according to the successful candidate’s experience, with a contributory pension scheme.
Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process.
All members of staff are expected to contribute fully to the School’s extra-curricular and/or boarding provision.
Lunch can be taken free of charge at School during term time
For more information, refer to the Candidate Information Pack.
If you wish to apply, please complete the School’s Application Form (available on our website) and send it with a supporting Personal Statement to the Principal as soon as possible. Please do not send a separate curriculum vitae as these will not be accepted. Closing date for applications is Friday 29th September 2023.
Personal statements should outline your experience, subject knowledge and evidence of your achievements. If you have a specific area of specialism or industry experience, please demonstrate how this enables you to create inspirational lessons. The Personal Statement is your opportunity to tell us how your skills and experience , both within your subject and beyond, can contribute to an outstanding student experience.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the school where you will have the opportunity to meet key staff, and to lead a small lesson. Interviews will explore subject knowledge, pastoral experience, and the ability to relate appropriately to students. Candidates will be required to produce evidence of identity and qualifications prior to the interview.
Applications should be made to the Principal, sent by email to recruitment@purcell-school.org or by letter to:
Recruitment, The Purcell School, Aldenham Road, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 2TS
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 PE or SPORTS COACH
All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal.
Your line manager is the Director of Teaching and Learning.
This job specification sets out the duties of the post at the time of drafting. Specific responsibilities are as follows:
FOR THE ROLE:
- To advise the School on sporting and fitness activities appropriate for its students
- To ensure that all sporting and fitness activities within the school are undertaken safely and are sufficiently risk assessed
- To ensure the School meets its statutory obligations to provide PE to all students in years 7-11
- To offer a range of recreational sport and fitness activities to sixth form and boarders
FOR ALL TEACHING STAFF:
- To plan, implement and deliver an appropriate programme of learning.
- 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’ Evenings.
- To 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.
| Experience and Knowledge: |
| A degree or equivalent professional qualifications relating to sport and/or fitness coaching |
| A comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of sporting, fitness and recreational activities suitable for a school environment |
| Exemplary knowledge and understanding of the concepts and skills essential for student success |
| Thorough knowledge of health and safety as applicable to group sport situations |
| Evidence of a high level of accomplishment in any area of sport and/or teaching and sports coaching |
| A broad skill base and to be comfortable in teaching a variety of disciplines |
| Ability and Skills: |
| The ability to use an imaginative ranged of teaching strategies to promote high expectations and high levels of challenge |
| The ability to use assessment for learning to improve teaching and learning |
| The ability to establish a safe and purposeful working atmosphere that supports learning and in which students feel secure and confident |
| The ability to develop appropriate learning resources and to contribute to the department’s Schemes of work |
| The ability to promote positive relationships in the classroom and beyond |
| Good communication, planning and organisation |
| Effective and systematic classroom management |
