Teacher of Classics

HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference); London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

Teaching careers in HMC independent schools

Teacher of Classics

• North London
• Channing School

Channing School seeks to appoint an outstanding teacher of Classics to help with the teaching and development of the Classics Department across the age and ability range.

All students in Years 7 and 8 study Latin. In Year 9, students can opt to take Latin, Classical Civilisation and/or Latin with Classical Greek (‘Gratin’). Approximately a third of KS4 students study Latin, Classical Civilisation or Classical Greek. We offer all three subjects at KS5 and several students each year apply to study Classics or Classical Studies at university. A major feature of the school is the huge diversity of the extra-curricular activities on offer to girls and it is expected that all staff will contribute in some way to this side of the life of the school. An ability to create and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children is essential.

Classics at Channing

This is an exciting opportunity to join an enthusiastic department whose work is greatly valued and supported by students, the Senior Leadership Team and the Governing Body.

The Classics department is well-resourced and fortunate in its facilities on site. There are currently four staff in the department. The department has its own bright and modern teaching rooms for KS3 and KS4. There is a stock of texts to support GCSE and A Level study in addition to the extensive collection in the main school library. The Classics department enjoys using iPads, visualizers and virtual reality headsets in the delivery of the curriculum.

All students study Latin in Years 7 and 8, following the Cambridge Latin Course, with additional Challenge Booklets created by the department. In Year 9 Classical Civilisation, students follow a department-created course on women in the ancient world; in Classical Greek, students use John Taylor’s Greek to GCSE, completing the Intermediate Certificate in Classical Greek in the summer of Year 10.

At GCSE, we follow the OCR specifications. Every year, approximately 20 students take Latin GCSE and approximately 30 take Classical Civilisation GCSE, studying the Myth and Religion and Roman City Life papers. At A Level, we offer Latin, Classical Civilisation and Classical Greek. In Latin and Greek, students study an introductory course devised by the Department that gives them an overview of Latin literature, comprising a range of ancient authors. In Classical Civilisation, students study World of the Hero, Greek Art and Love and Relationships.

There are a wide variety of co-curricular activities on offer: Mythologers, a club for Years 7-9 which explores Greek and Roman myth, Classics Society for Years 10-13, and a Classics Schools Challenge and Classics Symposium for Years 10-13 and local schools. Trips each year include the Verulamium Museum and the British Museum, as well as the KCL/UCL Greek plays, among others. We take a trip abroad during the Easter holidays most years.

Job Description – Teacher of Latin and Classics

Teachers at Channing are expected to:

• Plan lessons of suitable intellectual challenge and effective differentiation within the classroom, including provision for the most able students and those with special educational needs.
• Develop and sustain good working relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents.
• Keep regular records of pupil progress and fulfil the requirements of the school's arrangements for reporting to parents.
• Take a full part in the department's programme of outings and activities.
• Keep up-to-date with national developments in Classics, teaching and learning, and have an active interest in individual professional development.
• Plan for the effective use of ICT in the Department.
• Have a working knowledge of Safeguarding issues in the workplace.
• Work closely with form tutors/Heads of Section.
• Attend INSET, departmental and staff meetings.
• Attend Parent Evenings, Open Days and the annual Founders’ Day, usually the first Saturday in July.

Person specification – Teacher of Classics

The person appointed will have demonstrated competence in the following areas:

Qualifications: Degree in Classics. An enthusiastic teacher with suitable qualifications who can motivate and inspire children to learn and achieve their potential. The ability to offer Greek would be desirable but not essential.

Experience: Must have successful teaching experience in a secondary school and a working knowledge of Safeguarding issues in the workplace.

Knowledge: Good understanding of the secondary Latin and Classical Civilisation curricula. Knowledge of successful strategies to develop independent learners. Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.

Relating to others: Ability to establish positive relationships with staff, pupils and parents.

A person willing to work as a team member – giving as well as receiving advice, discussing ideas and experiences as a shared purpose. Demonstrate flexibility and be able to develop links between the school and community.

Organisational Skills: Plan and organise lessons effectively. Demonstrate a high level of organisational skills and the ability to delegate effectively.

Decision Making: A decisive problem solver able to see the bigger picture and the impact of decisions.

Communication Skills: An effective and open communicator with children, adults, colleagues and professionals. A firm commitment to consultation and communication both internally and externally, supported by excellent communication skills.

Computer literate: Channing is a Google School and all staff are issued with an iPad and a laptop. Students are issued with their own iPads (Years 7-9) and Chromebooks (Years 10-11). They are free to use these devices or bring their own devices (usually laptops) in the Sixth Form.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive
• The School will enrol you from the first day of your employment in a pension scheme with the School contributing the equivalent of 10% of your salary on a monthly basis
• A free lunch is provided
• Use of School sports facilities when available
• Employee Assistance Programme provided by Education Support
• Training and development opportunities available

Channing School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. To assist in this, the school follows a formal recruitment procedure for the employment of all staff which adheres to the recommendations of the Department for Education (DfE) in "Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education" and the school’s Child Protection Policy. A copy of this procedure is available on request.

Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant will be treated less favourably than another on the grounds of a protected characteristic. Ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration.