Applicant Information Pack
Modern Foreign Languages Teacher and Lead (Maternity Cover)
A Foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer
Richard Backhouse - Principal
Berkhamsted has led the way in pursuing a ‘foundation structure’. As a group of six schools, it combines scale of resource with individual attention and development of pupils – and staff. We start with our values: we aim for excellence – aiming high with integrity –in all that we do. We are ‘adventurous’, and support development, research, and experimentation in teaching and learning We ‘ serve others’ – at both pupil and staff level: ours is a non-hierarchical school in which the opinions of all matter, and in which we all share in the support and contribution to our local community.
Above all, we are committed to developing remarkable people, both our pupils and our staff. We are looking for highly committed, ambitious and adventurous people to join a thriving staff body, whom we can support to flourish here, and whom we can help to grow Our staff are so important that we have a Chief People Officer as one of our most senior members of staff.
Tracey Evans - Chief People Officer
Our staff are our biggest asset at Berkhamsted, and so investing in not only their professional development but also their wellbeing, is a key priority. We foster a working environment that supports staff both professionally and personally. We offer a wide range of staff wellbeing initiatives. Colleagues can easily access financial, physical, emotional and social well-being support from school
We seek to enable all members of the school community to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by equality respect and opportunity. We work hard at Berkhamsted, but we also know how to come together as a community and enjoy downtime, building relationships which simply last a lifetime
History of Berkhamsted Schools Group About Heatherton
Heatherton is a close-knit, dynamic and forward thinking school and believes that a child’s education should be inspirational, challenging and nurturing
Heatherton Girls belong to a warm, friendly and happy community where they feel secure and able to become independent learners who are willing to explore the unknown. Highly skilled and passionate teachers inspire our girls through a rich and varied curriculum and an array of extra-curricular activities
There are currently 158 pupils at Heatherton (aged 2-11)
Part of the Berkhamsted Schools Group
Heatherton is one of six schools that make up Berkhamsted Schools Group. Berkhamsted School is one of the country’s leading independent schools. It has a structure that provides the best in both co-educational and single-sex education, offering small class sizes and appropriate teaching environments for each age group, from age 2 to 18.
The School’s ‘diamond’ structure allows boys and girls to be taught together until the age of 11 (at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and at Berkhamsted Prep), separately from 11-16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint Sixth Form (Berkhamsted Sixth)
Heatherton Girls are provided with the opportunity of progressing to the Girls Senior School by sitting the Berkhamsted entrance exam six weeks prior to the external applicants. The School curriculum sits alongside the Berkhamsted Prep and Pre-Prep Schools Heatherton is located within easy access to local Grammar Schools.
Job Description
The ideal applicant will be a successful, enthusiastic and committed graduate teacher, qualified to teach French to KS1 and KS2 pupils and an introduction to languages to EYFS
The ability to teach an introduction to a second language is desirable- currently we have Year 5 Spanish and Year 6 Classics / Latin The ability to contribute to other Primary School lessons an advantage depending on time commitment and to be discussed at interview. A willingness to enter fully into all aspects of school life is essential
Outline
The successful candidate will be working closely with staff across the year groups to plan and develop an imaginative and exciting MFL curriculum ensuring continuity, coherence and progression They will have the ability to communicate this enthusiasm to colleagues, pupils and parents, and will be a natural leader who thrives when working as part of a team.
It is expected that the successful candidate would contribute in any way possible to the overall wellbeing of the school and will lead both day and residential visits each year.
Salary and Hours of Work
This is a Part time position (currently 4 days per week – to be discussed further at interview) but Full-time could be negotiated and salary is subject to qualification and experience. Involvement in the school’s extracurricular programme is required Inevitably some of the duties and responsibilities may involve a commitment to work outside school hours. It is expected that the MFL Teacher will wish to enhance and develop the role in accordance with their own strengths and ideas and in the continuing development and success of the school.
Job Description
Essential teaching skills and strengths
Proven track record of excellent classroom practice across the primary age range with a keen grasp of current education developments
Have an extensive knowledge and understanding of how to use and adapt a range of teaching, learning and behaviour management strategies, including how to personalise learning to provide opportunities to enable all young children to achieve their potential
A knowledge and understanding of:
The theory and practice of providing effectively for the individual needs of all children; National Curriculum requirements;
The monitoring, assessment, recording and reporting of pupils’ progress;
The statutory requirements of legislation concerning Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection and Safeguarding; the positive links necessary within school and with all its stakeholders.
Ability to promote the school’s aims positively, and use effective strategies to monitor motivation and morale
Have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to initiate, motivate and inspire staff, parents and children.
Communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) to a variety of audiences
Be able to create a happy, challenging and effective learning environment and have teaching skills, which lead to excellent results and outcomes.
Possess the analytical, interpersonal and organisational skills necessary to work effectively with colleagues
Be able to maintain excellent time management and organizational skills
Have an excellent ability to provide learners, colleagues, parents and carers with timely, accurate and constructive feedback on learners’ attainment, progress and areas for development that promotes pupil progress.
Have a creative, reflective and constructively critical approach towards innovation; being prepared to adapt their practice, and that of their team, where benefits and improvements are identified.
Be able to contribute to the professional development of colleagues using a broad range of techniques and skills appropriate to their needs so that they demonstrate enhanced and effective practice.
Job Description
A team player with a warm personality, who is both caring and passionate about education, and able to demonstrate initiative enthusiasm, flexibility, initiative, determination and creativity
A strong work ethic and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Be an efficient, calm, patient and approachable individual with a good sense of humour
Essential leadership skills and strengths
To promote your subject throughout the school
To work successfully and professionally with colleagues.
To be responsible for the standards of teaching and learning in the Department
To monitor, assess and appraise the quality of teaching within the department, both formally and informally.
To contribute to the induction of new staff.
To ensure Schemes of Work are in place and that they conform to the relevant syllabi.
Advise the SLT about resources, curriculum changes and staff development.
Maintain and write a yearly Development Plan which fits into the school’s strategic document. Ensure all departmental information is kept up to date.
To promote MFL in the public domain through social media and other interactions.
Job Description
Main Responsibilities
Classroom and Teaching
To prepare and teach lessons, that stimulate and enthuse children to reach their full potential.
To prepare and teach lessons based on objectives set by the School.
To prepare and teach lessons that are in line with the agreed syllabus and schemes of work of the school.
To complete planning documentation as required.
To incorporate the use of ICT, where appropriate.
To teach the pupils assigned to you according to their educational need
To mark and assess pupils’ work in line with school and departmental policy and to record assessments in a clear and useful way.
To ensure that pupils present their work carefully in line with school policy
To decorate allocated areas/classrooms with posters and displays of children’s work. These should be replaced regularly
To be prepared to teach all subjects across the curriculum and/or a specialist subject, if required
Job Description
To maintain good order and discipline among the pupils and safeguard their health and safety both when they are on school premises and when they are engaged in school activities elsewhere.
To maintain a tidy, organised and stimulating classroom and a high standard of display.
To use non-contact time effectively for preparation/marking etc.
To assess, record and report on the development, progress and attainment of pupils in line with agreed policy.
To correct any pupil whose standard of behaviour, dress or cooperation fall below required standards and advise a member of SMT
To ensure the pastoral curriculum is delivered with sensitivity and understanding meeting the emotional and social needs of the pupils.
Policies and Procedures
To be familiar with the School’s Staff Handbook and general policies for staff.
To be familiar with the school’s Child Protection policy
To be familiar with the School’s Health and Safety Procedure.
To be familiar with the School’s ICT Acceptable Use Policy
Job Description
Extra-curricular Responsibilities, Duties, Cover
It is the nature of the work at the School that tasks and responsibilities are varied. Therefore all staff are expected to work in a flexible way when occasion arises, when tasks which are not specifically covered in their job descriptions have to be undertaken.
These additional duties will normally be to cover unforeseen circumstances or changes and they will normally be compatible with the regular type of work.
If an additional responsibility or task becomes a regular or frequent part of the member of staff’s job, it will be included in the job description after consultation with that member of staff.
To take a full and active part in the extracurricular life of the school, specifically:
To run at least one after-school club per term, as directed by the Headteacher
To attend and assist at least four events during the school year that take place on a weekend. These might include:
Sporting events, such as sports days.
Musical and cultural events, such as fairs and concerts
Marketing events, such as Open Days.
There is an expectation that staff will attend School plays, productions, and other events that take place in the evenings, as required.
School Trips and Visits
To participate in (and lead) educational day visits
There is an expectation that staff will participate in school residential trips, as required.
Job Description
To participate in parent-teacher and curriculum meetings, which may be after-school or in the evenings, as required by the Headteacher.
Part-time staff may be required to attend these meetings even when the meeting falls on a day on which they do not teach in school.
To attend Prize Day, which may also fall on a weekend, as required by the Headteacher.
Part-time staff will be required to attend Prize Day.
To undertake additional duties
To register the attendance of pupils.
To participate fully in arranging assemblies and contributing to the spiritual and moral life of the school.
To supervise children outside lesson time as agreed in the prepared rota, before/during/after school sessions as directed.
To provide cover for absent colleagues, as required by the Headteacher.
Relationship with Colleagues and Meetings
To co-operate with colleagues and the SMT and contribute professionally as a member of the team
To play an active part in department meetings, daily briefings and staff meetings.
To accept advice and instruction from the Subject Co-ordinator/s with regard to departmental policies and schemes of work, maintenance of records and care of resources etc
Job Description
To assist the Subject Co-ordinator/s in writing, revising and updating aspects of the School’s Development Plan
To keep the Subject Co-ordinator/s and Form Teachers informed of any pupils who may be experiencing difficulties with the subject. They in turn may refer your concerns to the school’s Special Needs Coordinator
Maintaining Professional Standards
To maintain high personal standards of appearance, behaviour and punctuality.
To take responsibility and be proactive in pursuing opportunities for Continuing Professional Development.
To keep abreast of developments in the subjects taught and in pedagogy and to implement best practice in the classroom
To maintain a level of ICT competence that enables effective administration and communication both with colleagues and with parents. that supports the needs of pupils in the classroom
To attend Whole School INSET days, which may fall before, or after the end of term
Part-time staff may be required to attend these INSET days even when they fall on a day on which they do not teach in school
To take part in INSET and additional training as directed, including twilight sessions after school To participate in the School appraisal process.
Job Description
Absence from School
It is expected that, whenever possible, the teacher will request prior approval from the Headteacher for any absence from school and to give notice in writing to appropriate people so that cover can be organised.
It is expected that the teacher will set work whenever absent, and the work given to the Deputy / Head in good time
Confidentiality and Loyalty
It is expected that all School employees will understand that our work is confidential and that personal details about children and families should not be discussed outside school.
It is expected that all School employees shall remain loyal to the aims and values of the School and conduct themselves accordingly at all times.
Note
The job description may be reviewed at the end of an academic year or earlier if necessary. In addition, it may be amended at any time after consultation with you
This Job Description should be read in conjunction with the Contract, which outlines Grievance/Capability Procedures.
Benefits
We boast a competitive salary structure, alongside other benefits, which includes access to a comprehensive pension scheme.
The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We have a developed programme for staff with initiatives and support in the areas of Economic, Physical, Emotional and Social wellbeing.
Free classes and advisory services. memberships and discounted rates in local establishments, together with cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, free daily lunch, and fee reduction for staff's children are examples of some of the non-contractual benefits on offer in this programme.
Safeguarding and Protection
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Berkhamsted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding.
A copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a registered charity dedicated to education: 310630.
Application and Next Steps
The closing date for applications is 14th April 2024
This role commences in 1st September 2024 fixed term until 31st August 2025
It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children; applicants must be willing to undertake a number of safeguarding checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS). This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Berkhamsted Schools Group along with documentary evidence of qualifications
Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK. Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, the school has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. (If it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn)
Where the successful candidate has worked or been a resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.
Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform the School of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview
If you have any questions relating to this role please contact the HR department at recruitment@berkhamsted com
Early applications are encouraged, and interviews may take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to extend or close the deadline
