Primary Project Coordinator

Whitgift School; Slough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

An established educational institution seeks an enthusiastic teacher to lead a unique outreach initiative. This role involves inspiring primary pupils through innovative Computing lessons and engaging them in a range of subjects. The successful candidate will manage the program, ensuring a valuable learning experience while collaborating with specialist staff and contributing to the co-curricular life of the school. With a generous salary and benefits package, this opportunity is perfect for those passionate about education and making a difference in young lives.

Benefits

Teachers’ Pension Scheme

Healthcare Plan

Access to On-site Gym

Employee Discount Club

Discount on School Fees

Season Ticket Loan

Accommodation Assistance

Removal Expenses Assistance

Qualifications

• Experience teaching primary aged pupils, preferably Year 5 or 6.
• Strong classroom management skills and ability to inspire students.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Whitgift Primary Project and teach Computing lessons.
• Manage all aspects of the project and liaise with visiting teachers.

Skills

Classroom Management

Teaching Computing

Innovative Lesson Planning

Language Instruction

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Degree in Education or Related Field

Tools

Various Software for Coding

Robotics Kits

Bunsen Burners for Science Experiments

Job description

Permanent, Part-time 0.8 (Monday to Friday with shortened hours) Full time considered

Salary: Generous package dependent on qualifications and experience

Whitgift Primary Project is a long-standing outreach initiative supported by the John Whitgift Foundation. Formerly a partnership set up in 2000 consisting of the Croydon Advertiser, Croydon Business and Education Partnership and Whitgift School, the Primary Project is now funded completely by the John Whitgift Foundation. Over 26,000 primary pupils have experienced an enrichment week at Whitgift since the Project was launched. Each week, a class from a local primary school are taught lessons with a focus on Computing, as well as additional lessons from other subject specialists.

Following the current post holder moving into a different teaching role at Whitgift, we are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher to lead the Whitgift Primary Project, who has experience of teaching primary aged pupils in the state sector, preferably in Year 5 or 6, and who is able to teach innovative lessons in Computing to this age group. The successful candidate will possess strong classroom management skills and an ability to inspire primary aged pupils in particular, but also to teach secondary pupils. In making this appointment, we are looking for the right calibre of person whose teaching will be notable for its energy and high standards. We welcome applications from experienced teachers.

The Whitgift Primary Project

Whitgift is a unique environment and the learning experience we are able to offer the primary pupils is very different to their normal school day. Specialist Whitgift staff are allocated to oversee the project and are on hand to teach, support and encourage the pupils to ensure their visit is an extremely enjoyable and valuable experience. Whitgift Sixth Formers also contribute to lessons in a teaching assistant role.

For a large proportion of the week the pupils are learning new, and improving upon their existing, Computing skills. The lessons involve a range of software and hardware to teach skills in coding, movie making, robotics, editing, and general ICT skills. Where possible the Computing work is tailored to fit the pupil’s current school topic. The pupils enjoy learning and experimenting with the new programmes and their skills and confidence improve throughout the week.

Many languages are taught at Whitgift and during the week the pupils will usually have two language lessons taught by specialist language teachers. In the past years the pupils have learnt Japanese, German, Spanish, Chinese and British Sign Language. The lessons are always interactive and the teacher spends a significant part of the lesson speaking in the language which they are teaching. This can be daunting for the pupils at first but it is made readily accessible and they quickly start to understand. They are often amazed at how quickly they can learn to speak in a new language.

The pupils also experience lessons in Science, Music and PE during the week. The Science lesson takes place with a Science teacher in one of the Chemistry department’s laboratories. The pupils are shown some exciting demonstrations and then they do their own practical work, heating various chemicals with Bunsen burners and making scientific observations.

The Music lesson is another practical session. With one of the School’s Music teachers the pupils learn to use different instruments through a series of exercises and games. The sports facilities at Whitgift School are outstanding and the primary pupils will have the opportunity to play hockey, try fencing or do another sport during their time at Whitgift.

The pupils complete homework every evening based on their learning at Whitgift that day. The Project is fully booked each year, and we are always looking to improve to make the week as valuable a learning experience for the pupils as possible.

The Coordinator manages all aspects of the Primary Project, liaises with visiting teachers and books schools, teaches most of the lessons which are Computing focused, and reports to the Assistant Head (Partnerships & Development).

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to lead what we believe to be a unique format in terms of partnership between an independent school and primary schools.

Staff are expected to contribute fully to the co-curricular life of the School and this is reflected in the salary offered. A strong commitment to the pastoral system is also anticipated.

In return we offer a generous salary and benefits package including membership of either the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (with 3 x salary life assurance cover) or a defined contribution (DC) scheme which can be tailored to meet financial goals and includes 5 x salary life assurance cover, an Employee Discount Club, discount on school fees for the Foundation Schools (permanent posts only, upon successful completion of the probationary period), access to our on-site gym, membership of a healthcare plan, a range of family-friendly benefits and season ticket loan.Accommodation may be available. Assistance is offered towards removal expenses.

We welcome applications from all parts of our community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our student intake.

Applications will be reviewed daily, and interviews may occur at any stage after applications are received so we invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Whitgift School (part of the John Whitgift Foundation) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers, the Disclosure & Barring Service and online media checks (including personal, professional and other online activities).

The Company

For more than 400 years, Whitgift has been transforming boys’ lives through education.

Whitgift 2025 was created as a result of the input and imagination of staff and students and the next few years will represent an exciting time of evolution for the school, both in terms of our site development plan and the educational partnerships we are embarking on.