Dunottar School - Teacher of History

The Department

The History Department at Dunottar is a forward thinking and highly successful department having been one of a small number of UK Secondary schools to have achieved the Gold Status Quality Award from the Historical Association—a real indicator of the quality of the History programme. It is a popular subject across all key stages with a strong take-up at GCSE and A Level. We engage students in lessons by using a wide range of teaching strategies. To complement the work in class, we undertake a number of trips which currently include a trip to Berlin, World War One trenches and Hever Castle. As a Department we have also been responsible for implementing the initiative for a cross-curricular World War One day.

The Role (Fixed Term - 2 Terms)

We are looking for a knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher who shares our passion for History and a desire to make History accessible to all at Dunottar. We seek to appoint an outstanding teacher; one who has the vision, enthusiasm and energy to help develop further the work of the department, alongside contributing to the exciting journey that Dunottar is on. The post offers an exciting challenge for someone with initiative and imagination to make a difference.

The successful candidate will share our passion for developing the work of the department and sharing good practice. They will also play an active role in the extensive and varied co-curricular program at the school, both during the working week and some weekends.

Key Responsibilities

• Enable pupils to acquire new knowledge and to make good progress according to their ability to increase their understanding and develop their skills in the subject being taught.
• Display evidence of well-planned lessons, and effective teaching methods, activities and management of class time.
• Show a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils, and that these have been taken into account when planning lessons.
• Display a high level of knowledge and understanding of the subject matter being taught, and communicate this enthusiastically to students.
• Employ an excellent range of teaching strategies, high-quality resources and activities, thus enabling all students to fulfil their academic potential.
• Ensure that marking of pupils’ work is both regular and thorough and that full records are kept in line with the Assessment, Recording and Reporting Statement.
• Ensure that pupil assessment is used to inform lesson planning so pupils can make progress, and evaluate pupil performance both in terms of the school’s stated aims and national norms.
• Use effective strategies for managing behaviour and encouraging students to act responsibly.
• Have high expectations of students.
• Create a stimulating and positive learning environment.
• Keep abreast of current thinking and development in the relevant subject area.
• Assist the Head of Department with the development of appropriate schemes of work.
• Share resources and training materials with colleagues.
• Contribute to departmental activities, e.g., enrichment work, clubs, societies and trips.
• Provide or contribute to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual pupils.
• Attend parents’ evenings.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings when required.
• Be involved in a House, attend House meetings and support House events.
• Take part in the co-curricular life of the school.
• Attend and support assemblies and co-curricular events e.g., concerts, plays.
• Pastoral Care is the responsibility of all members of teaching staff at Dunottar, staff must:
• Contribute to the pastoral care and personal development of pupils.
• Report any pastoral concerns to the Head of Year or in serious circumstances the Deputy Head Pastoral.
• Be fully conversant with the Child Protection policy and report any concerns or allegations to the Senior Designated Person.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and the post holder may perform other duties reasonably required by the Headmaster. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage during the recruitment process.

Person Specification

• A record of excellent academic achievement including a relevant honours degree 
• PGCE/QTS

Personal Qualities:

• High levels of personal and professional integrity 
• Self-confidence, personal energy and dynamism 
• Personal warmth, good rapport with pupils, colleagues and parents 
• Excellent organisational skills 
• Excellent oral and written English skills 
• Appropriate levels of personal presentation 

Teaching and Learning:

• Enthusiasm for, and an excellent knowledge of, the relevant curriculum 
• Evidence of creative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning including the appropriate use of ICT 
• Commitment to improving, monitoring and evaluating teaching and learning 
• The ability to teach History up to GCSE
• An ability to make all pupils feel valued and involved in your lessons 
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• To keep abreast of educational research and pedagogy so that lessons enable all pupils to make progress

Philosophy & Ethos:

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people 
• High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and conduct 
• Commitment to best practice in pastoral support and student welfare 
• Commitment to helping with extra-curricular activities and curriculum enrichment