Senior School Teacher of English
Candidate Information Pack
A Warm Welcome
Academic Life
Our Campus
Living in Cairo
The Role About You
Benefits
Application Process
About us
Uppingham Cairo opened to pupils aged 3 to 13 in New Giza in September 2024 in sight of the Great Pyramids of Giza. It is the first overseas branch of Uppingham School, a leading co-educational independent boarding school in the UK and will expand over tim e to cater to pupils aged 3 to 18.
Based on the values and ethos of Uppingham School, Uppingham Cairo embraces Egypt’s rich history and culture to bring a school of exceptional quality.
We care about who our pupils become. We believe in the transformative power of education. Yes, our priority is to deliver a wideranging curriculum; however, in the context of the 21st century, it will be our pupils’ personal qualities and values, not just exam results, that will set our pupils apart.
A Warm Welcome
“We are building something extraordinary for the young people of Cairo.”
I am delighted that you are considering joining Uppingham Cairo as a Teacher of English.
This is a tremendously exciting time to be joining the School. Our first pupils joined us in September 2024, and they are already thriving in our ground-breaking Day Boarding environment. For the first time since 1584, there is another Uppingham. Not only in name but in character, philosophy, values and ambition - the connection is genuine, it is wholehearted and it is exciting.
As you will see from the wealth of information in this briefing pack, we are unashamedly ambitious for our new school. We know that we are building something extraordinary for the young people of Cairo, and we know how significant and important a task that is.
We are looking for exceptional pe ople to join us, as our school expands in all year groups, and our current 3rd Formers look forward to beginning their GCSE courses in September 2025.
If this role represents a challenge and an opportunity that genuinely excites you, I would be delighted to hear from you.
With all good wishes,
Emma Webb Headmistress
Academic Life
Our commitment to a holistic education is as wholeheartedly held here in Cairo as it is in historic Uppingham School in Rutland, UK. Intellectual rigour, exploration, critical analysis, creativity, risk taking, communication, teamwork - all are central to the way we guide, nurture and inspire our young people.
Our role is to give our pupils the skills, confidence and capabilities to navigate their own paths through life - and the unshakeable sense of self they need to influence the world around them.
Every child navigates through education differently. Pupils thrive when they follow a curriculum that is right for them. Through our innovative teaching and wide range of options, we create a curriculum suited to each child’s interests, aptitudes and aspirations.
Academic rigour and aspirations matter to us and through our unique Day Boarding Programme, social and community initiatives, we encourage and inspire pupils to become self-aware, thoughtful and independent. We help them to explore their motivations, strengths and ambitions; to find the right path for them. Our size means we offer unrestricted subject choices.
We challenge and stretch all pupils - in the classroom and beyond. We keep our curriculum fresh and relevant by embracing new technology and collaborating with leading institutions around the world to develop state-of-the-art learning programmes.
Uppingham Cairo is located in the prestigious New Giza area in sight of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Our campus is fully completed and is genuinely world leading; encouraging curiosity, discovery, self-expression and excellence in every pursuit.
Our facilities include:
• The Leonardo Art and Design Department, including bespoke facilities for Fine Art, Ceramics, Photography, Design & Technology, Computer Aided Design and Textiles as well as individual Studio Spaces for pupils from the 4th Form
• The Donald Campbell Sports’ Centre, including an indoor swimming pool, Multi-Purpose Sports’ Hall, indoor and outdoor Performance Gym and Indoor Running Track
• Natural grass Sports’ Pitch, Tennis, Mini-Tennis, Padbol, Paddle, Squash and Basketball Courts
• The Barbara Matthews Theatre, with a full size theatre, Black Box Theatre, Music Department classroom and Individual Music Practice Rooms
• The Johnson Early Years Department, with a Senior indoor swimming pool, beach, school farm and garden
• The Thring and Abercrombie Buildings house the Senior School academic department classrooms alongside Biology, Physics and Chemistry laboratories, computer science suites, the House Common Rooms, the Thring Dining Room, Dance Studio and the Thring Senior Library
• The Queen Elizabeth II Senior School Building house the Upper Pre-Prep and Lower Prep Departments alongside the QEII Dining Room, Music Room, Art Room, Exhibition Hall and Senior Library
• The Rutland Sixth Form Building, with bespoke study group classrooms, the Sixth Form Common Room, Sixth Form Laboratories and academic libraries
Living in Cairo
Uppingham Cairo is located on the edge of New Giza, a stunning new development 10km from Cairo city centre, in view of the pyramids and close by to the new National Museum of Egypt.
It is the first fully integrated upscale development in Egypt and, encompasses ten pedestrian neighbourhoods where all of Uppingham Cairo’s staff live. Lush greenery permeates all areas, with nearly 90% of the project’s total land area designated for open spaces and wide streets. There are restaurants, cafes and outdoor gyms, a world class 18 hole golf course, a sports club and shops.
New Giza is a very peaceful and safe oasis and yet close enough to Cairo to enable our staff to enjoy the extraordinary historical sites, restaurants, bars and nightlife and general hustle and bustle of vibrant Cairo which is only 30 minutes away.
The cost of living in Egypt is extremely low relative to the UK. Utilities for an apartment, for example, are around £15 per month and a meal for two in a mid range restaurant will cost around the same. Our staff can enjoy a very high standard of living on their expatriate salaries.
Domestic help is commonly employed and affordable, and the ability to save whilst enjoying a high quality of life is very good.
The Role Accountability
Accountable to the Head of English.
The School reserves the right to adapt the needs of the role as circumstances demand or opportunities arise.
Key Areas of Responsibility
English Teachers’ chief aims are to foster a love of English Language and Literature in all members of the school community, to effectively deliver the English curriculum and to actively participate in the development of English at the school.
Teachers at Uppingham Cairo (UC) are expected to make the education and welfare of their pupils their first concern, and are accountable for achieving the highest possible standards in work and conduct. Teachers act with honesty and integrity and ensure that their professional knowledge and skills are up to date within a climate of high expectations and continuous improvement. They forge positive professional relationships and work with parents in the best interest of the children in their care. Teachers always conduct themselves in an appropriate professional manner to foster the aims and ethos of UC and make a positive contribution in all areas of school life, from the promotion of good manners to involvement in enrichment activities.
English Teachers will:
Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils
• Foster a love of English Literature in all members of the school community
• Empower pupils of all abilities to develop their reading, speaking and writing skills, as well as their creative, analytical and critical abilities; enabling them to succeed in public examinations in English Language and Literature (including iGCSE, A Level and IB when offered)
• Establish a safe and stimulating environment for pupils, rooted in mutual respect
• Set targets that extend and challenge pupils of all backgrounds, abilities and cultures
• Demonstrate consistently the positive attitudes, values and behaviour which are expected of pupils
ole (continued)
Promote excellent progress and outcomes
Be accountable for pupils’ attainment, progress and outcomes, teaching English Language and Literature across the Senior School
Deliver a diverse, flexible and differentiated curriculum which broadens and deepens pupils’ understanding and appreciation of English Language and
Plan teaching to build on pupils’ capabilities and prior knowledge, nurturing and able whilst also making English accessible and enjoyable for
Encourage pupils to reflect on the progress they have made and identify the next
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how pupils learn and how this
Encourage pupils to take a responsible and conscientious attitude to their own
Demonstrate outstanding subject and curriculum knowledge
Have a secure knowledge of the English Language and Literature curriculum
Foster and maintain pupils’ interest in English Language and Literature and address misunderstandings and misconceptions
Demonstrate a critical understanding of developments in English Language and Literature and promote the value of scholarship
Keep abreast of external curriculum developments (including iGCSE, A Level and IB when offered), ensuring that Language and Literature Schemes of Work and planning are updated to reflect such developments
structured lessons
Develop and establish creative, responsive and effective approaches to learning and teaching in English Language and Literature
Impart knowledge and develop understanding through effective use of lesson time
Set differentiated homework (as appropriate) and plan other out-of-class activities to consolidate and extend the knowledge and understanding pupils have acquired
Reflect systematically on the effectiveness of lessons and approaches to teaching
Contribute to the design and provision of an engaging English Language and
Promote a love of English Literature and encourage pupils’ intellectual and
The Role (continued)
Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils
• Know when and how to differentiate appropriately, using approaches which enable pupils to be taught effectively
• Have a secure understanding of how a range of factors can inhibit pupils’ ability to learn, and how best to overcome these
• Demonstrate an awareness of the physical, social and intellectual development of children, and know how to adapt teaching to support pupils’ education at different stages of development
• Have a clear understanding of the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs; those who are gifted and talented; those with English as an additional language; those with disabilities; and be able to use and evaluate effective and appropriate distinctive teaching approaches to engage and support them in accordance with school policy
Make accurate and productive use of assessment
• Ensure a consistent and continuous focus on pupil achievement within English using data and benchmarks to monitor progress in every pupil’s learning as appropriate
• Know and understand how to assess pupils’ attainment in English Language and Literature in accordance with the Assessment Policy and procedures
• Analyse formative and summative assessment to track and secure pupils’ progress and set appropriate targets on a regular basis
• Use and record relevant data to monitor progress, set year group, ability group and individual targets and plan subsequent lessons
• Give pupils regular feedback orally and through accurate and diagnostic marking in line with the Marking Policy and encourage pupils to respond to feedback
• Integrate Assessment for Learning strategies into all lessons
Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a positive and safe learning environment
• Have clear rules and routines for behaviour in classrooms and take responsibility for promoting polite and courteous behaviour both in classrooms and around the school, in accordance with the school’s Behaviour Policy
• Have very high expectations of behaviour and establish a framework for discipline with a range of strategies, using praise, rewards and sanctions consistently and fairly
• Manage classes effectively, using approaches which are appropriate to pupils’ needs in order to involve and motivate them
• Maintain good relationships with pupils, exercise appropriate authority and act decisively when necessary
Strengthen community
• Take an active role in the development of a culture and curriculum which takes account of the richness and diversity of the school’s community and locality
• Act as an ambassador for English and the school in the wider community
• Seek opportunities to use local and regional resources to facilitate trips and visits
• Be an active member of professional English Language and Literature associations or groups where possible
Fulfil wider professional responsibilities
• Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school, e.g. house activities, assemblies, duties, Co-Curricular Programme, Parents’ Evenings and similar related activities
• Promote environmental awareness within the school
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues, knowing how and when to draw on advice and specialist support
• Deploy support staff effectively
• Take responsibility for improving teaching through appropriate professional development, responding to advice and feedback from colleagues
• Communicate promptly and effectively with parents with regards to pupils’ achievements, behaviour and well-being, in-line with communication procedures
• Use electronic communication systems to support teaching and learning and enhance communication with the wider school community
Key Expectations
All staff are expected to:
• Be aware of and committed to the ethos and values of Uppingham Cairo
• Carry out any task that can be reasonably be expected of them in their role
• Take an active role in the development and implementation of school policies and in the whole life of the School
• Contribute to the co-curricular programme
• Ensure that there are equal opportunities for all
• Follow school procedures as outlined in the staff handbook
• Be fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
About you
Essential
Education, skills, training and qualifications
• University degree from a recognised academic institution
• Recognised teaching qualification, UK PGCE or other teaching qualification giving QTS
• Strong pedagogical knowledge, including AfL
• Working knowledge of the National Curriculum
• Understanding of UK Safeguarding and Child Protection protocols
• Demonstrable commitment to personal professional development
• Strong ICT skills; an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the use of technology in education
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills with the ability to deal confidently with a wide range of people including staff, pupils and parents
• Outstanding planning and organisational skills
• Able and willing to contribute to the Co-Curricular Programme
Experience
• Experience of supporting pupils of all abilities to make excellent progress
• Comfortable working as part of a team
• Experience of, or a clear understanding of UK Independent Schools and/or British International Education
Personal Qualities
• Commitment to the ethos of the school and a belief in the unlimited potential of every pupil
• Ability to embrace and manage change
• Emotional intelligence. An ability to relate well to children and develop effective professional working relationships with adults
• Passion, resilience, integrity and optimism
• Approachable and empathetic to the needs of others
• Enthusiasm and an ability to use own initiative
