Dunottar School - Teacher of Maths

The Department

The Mathematics department is a forward-thinking department which seeks to enthuse the pupils and develop outstanding and innovative teaching. Pupils are set after the first taught topic in Year 7 and setting continues throughout the school until Year 11. At GCSE, the Edexcel iGCSE course is followed and mathematics is a popular choice in the Sixth Form, again following the Edexcel specification, with a number of pupils going on to study the subject at university. To further enhance the pupil experience in mathematics, the school takes part in UKMT challenges, team challenges and there is an active mathematics club.  

We are a friendly, welcoming and supportive department which achieves excellent results through innovation but also collaboration and a collegiate approach. We work as a team and very much look forward to continue growing as such. 

The Role

We seek to appoint an outstanding teacher; one who has the vision, enthusiasm and energy to further develop the work of the department and to take it into its next phase. The post offers an exciting challenge for someone with initiative and imagination, who can teach up to A Level. The ability to teach Further Maths would be desirable. Applications are invited from well-qualified and talented teachers for this post. We would also welcome applications from newly qualified teachers. Part time applications (of 0.8) as well as full time applications will be considered.

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 by the teacher 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 pupil 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 relevant subject area(s).
• Assist the Head of Department with the development of appropriate specifications, schemes of work and teaching styles.
• Share resources and training materials with colleagues.
• Work with other members of the department to ensure that all resources are well looked after and that departmental areas provide a stimulating environment for teaching.
• 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 one or more co-curricular activity.
• 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 Section 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

Professional Qualifications and Skills:

• A record of excellent academic achievement including a relevant undergraduate 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 Maths at GCSE and A Level
• 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