Teacher of German

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

TEACHER OF GERMAN

Introduction
The German Department aims to provide outstanding teaching in what is the most-widely spoken native language in Europe, whilst instilling an appreciation of the rich cultural heritage and diversity within the German speaking countries. German is a well-established subject at this School and has been taught at Westcliff High School for Boys (WHSB) for over 50 years. We have achieved consistently strong results at both GCSE and Advanced Level and German remains a very popular choice for our pupils.

The Department offers a variety of additional clubs which pupils can attend, aimed at supporting those in need, or extending the knowledge of the most able. We have a particularly effective mentoring scheme, in which Year 10 and 11 pupils mentor those in the Lower School. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 also participate in various competitions, such as the Spelling and Translation Bees and pupils in all years take part in the Anthea Bell Prize and Stephen Spender Prize. Further to this, we organise a range of activities for School Enrichment Days and the European Day of Languages. We have links with a school in Germany.

The post would be suitable for a Graduate with a Degree in German who is interested in pursuing a teaching qualification. Currently, the School trains teachers through the University of Buckingham's Teacher Apprenticeship route (with the option to add the PGCE), and we also have a new connection with the National Modern Languages SCITT for whom we are hosting two MFL trainee teachers this year.

The post would also be suitable for an Early Career Teacher (ECT) in either their first or second year of the Early Career Framework. ECTs at WHSB follow the ECF training through the National Institute of Teaching. ECTs also benefit from a reduced timetable and a dedicated mentor.

Accommodation and Facilities
The German Department is well-equipped. In both the Lower and Middle Schools, we use a mixture of textbooks, online resources and teacher prepared resources. Pupils are also offered the opportunity to buy a grammar workbook which accompanies the GCSE textbook. The Modern Foreign Language Department is based in six spacious classrooms (one of which is a newly refurbished computer room). There are whiteboards, projectors and speakers in all classrooms. All staff are trained in the use of the software available in the computer room, to enable them to use it effectively to support Teaching & Learning.

Curriculum
The curriculum incorporates contexts familiar to pupils in their everyday lives and teaches them the vocabulary that they need to communicate with young German people of their own age on topics that interest them. They are introduced to the everyday life and the culture of Germany and other German-speaking countries, encouraging intercultural understanding. At the same time, we ensure pupils are taught language learning skills and strategies that they need to become independent language learners.

In the Lower School, we use STIMMT 1, 2 and 3 and for GCSE we use STIMMT (Year 11) and the new course book for Pearson Edexcel GCSE (Year 10). Teachers are also able to use Active Teach and Active Hub, which provide an easy-to-use technology, designed to add dynamism and engagement to whole-class teaching. From Year 7 onwards, we use a range of extra materials and assessments to introduce, consolidate and extend pupils' understanding of the new GCSE 9-1 specification.

The new Pearson Edexcel GCSE 9-1 Curriculum builds upon the work that has been completed in Years 7-9, both consolidating as well as extending it in order to enable pupils to achieve the very highest grades.

The majority of the course is covered in Year 10 and the aim is to finish the course content by the February of Year 11, allowing sufficient time for revision in preparation for the GCSE examinations.

For Advanced Level, we use the new AQA approved German course book (Hodder Education) and a range of stimulating online resources and authentic source material. A Level students work with our German Language Assistant in pairs once a week.

Examination Results
GCSE and A Level results in German have been consistently good. The GCSE German average grade was 6.96 in June 2024 and 62% of grades were 9-7. 86% of grades at A Level were A*-A in June 2024.

Job Purpose:
The teacher is required to carry out the general professional duties of a school teacher under the reasonable direction of the Head of Department and Headmaster and to perform such particular duties that from time to time which may reasonably be assigned him/her by the Headmaster. Teachers on the Upper Pay Scale (UPS) will be expected to make broader contribution to the School as a normal part of their work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The following responsibilities are included in the professional duties which the teacher is required to perform:

General Duties:

· to support and promote the School's general purposes, ethos and Learner Profile;

· to be familiar with and respect and follow the School's Policies and Procedures;

· to maintain a good understanding of whole School Evaluation and Development Planning;

· to act as a role model to pupils through always being punctual and well prepared and to maintain appropriate professional relationships and an atmosphere conducive to learning;

· to attend School and Year Assemblies and to carry out a share of supervision duties in accordance with published rotas;

· to contribute actively to the maintenance of the School as an orderly community by upholding the provisions of the School's Rules and the Pupils' Code of Conduct;

· to maintain good order and discipline among the pupils, safeguarding their welfare both on School premises and when engaged in authorized activities elsewhere;

· to participate in staff and other meetings relating to the School's curricular, pastoral or administrative arrangements;

· to assist with covering or taking other classes as and when required (e.g. staff illness) and being available for examination invigilation;

· to communicate and co-operate on educational issues with persons or bodies outside the School as appropriate;

· to contribute to the extra-curricular life of the School as appropriate and attend and support School and House events wherever possible.

Teaching:

· to ensure that lessons are planned in appropriate detail (considering pupils' prior attainment) and are prepared and delivered in accordance with the Learner Profile, departmental Schemes of Work and regulatory standards, reinforcing the need for high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils;

· to take account of pupils' educational needs (differentiating where appropriate), to teach in a manner appropriate to a Grammar School (as outlined in the School's Teaching and Learning Handbook ), including the setting and marking of work, to be carried out by the pupils in School and elsewhere (homework), according to agreed schedules;

· to assess, record and report on the development, progress and attainment of pupils in accordance with the School's policy, in order to ensure pupils fulfil their potential. This record of assessment should be available to the Head of Department or Directors of Studies on request;

· to regularly mark pupils' work, giving appropriate feedback and keeping records of marks;

· to provide mark lists, grading lists, written reports, internal comments or references relating to individual pupils as the School may require;

· to communicate with Head of Department and Form Tutor regarding the progress of individual pupils, as necessary;

· to attend Parent Evenings to discuss the progress of pupils and use such occasions to offer constructive advice on what pupils need to do to improve their progress;

· to participate, within the guidelines laid down by the Head of Department, in the evaluation and development of appropriate methods of teaching, syllabuses and materials, writing Schemes of Work as reasonably requested and contributing to the development of departmental policy;

· to assist with displays and publishing of pupils' work;

· to utilise ICT as an effective tool to aid teaching and other classroom resources as appropriate;

· to assist with departmental voluntary activities, societies, trips and initiatives.

Pastoral Care:
Teachers will act as Form Tutors under the direction of a Progress Leader and Director of School and they will:

· be 'in loco parentis', responsible for the welfare of pupils in the Form and the first point of contact for those seeking help or guidance or wishing to express concern;

· take an interest in the personal circumstances and development of each pupil in the designated Form Group, in his/her happiness and security, and to be available for advice or consultation with parents as well as provide comments on Reports, and to handle correspondence;

· promote the academic progress and well-being of individual pupils and any Form Group, class or group, ensuring consistent feedback is given, which guides pupils. Discussing Reports and supporting self-evaluation activities with the designated Form Group;

· providing tutees with guidance and advice on educational, careers and social matters, monitoring their welfare and making relevant records and reports (including reference and personal profiles) in accordance with the School's policies. If necessary, directing pupils to sources of more expert advice on specific questions;

· ensure that the Form Group's Pupil Planners are kept up to date and to ensure they are used effectively by pupils including as a means of parent(s)/School communication;

· promote the Learner Profile and high standards of behaviour, attendance, punctuality and attitudes to work.

· ensure that pupils' dress and appearance conform to the requirements set out in the Code of Conduct;

· encourage pupils to develop their interests and talents through participation in extra-curricular activities and the broader life of the School;

· discharge effectively a range of Form administrative duties.

Personnel and Continuing Professional Development:

· to attend and participate in Staff INSET and training courses and events, as requested;

· to contribute, as requested, to the selection, appointment and professional development of staff, including the induction of new teachers;

· teachers on the Upper Pay Scale will be expected to make a greater contribution to the School's Appraisal and CPD arrangements as part of their normal working arrangements.

Conditions of Employment

· The above responsibilities are subject to the general duties and responsibilities contained in the written Statement of Conditions of Employment (the Contract of Employment).

· The postholder is required to support and encourage the School's ethos and its objectives, policies and procedures as agreed by the Governing Board.

· To uphold the School's policy in respect of child protection and safeguarding matters.

· The postholder shall be subject to all relevant statutory requirements as detailed in the most recent School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document.

· The postholder may be required to perform any other reasonable tasks after consultation.

· This job description allocates duties and responsibilities but does not direct the particular amount of time to be spent on carrying them out and no part of it may be so constructed.

· This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. It will be reviewed at regular intervals and it may be subject to modification at any time after consultation with the postholder.

· All staff members are required to participate in the School's Appraisal Scheme.

Information about the School

Westcliff High School for Boys (WHSB) is an Outstanding Grammar School. We continue to hold dear our values and traditions whilst fostering academic excellence and a dynamism which allow us to provide a twenty-first century world class education.

Our record of success is reflected in our outstanding A Level and GCSE results and we are committed to providing the highest standards in all aspects of our provision for pupils.