Teacher of Classics (maternity cover)

THE CLASSICS DEPARTMENT

The Classics Department currently comprises the Head of Classics, and three other full-time Classics specialists. The ethos of the department is twofold: to teach classical languages, challenging pupils to go beyond the specification, and to inculcate an appreciation of the culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans and their influence on society today. 

Latin is a compulsory subject in years 7 & 8, in which the Roman civilisation background is also taught. In year 9, most pupils opt to study either Latin or Gratin, i.e. Latin with some Ancient Greek. The rest choose Classical Civilisation, in which the current focus is Homeric Greece and Women in Athens and Sparta.

Latin is a popular option at GCSE for which we usually have two classes, while we also offer Classical Civilisation and Classical Greek, albeit the latter is likely to be an after-school option on a reduced timetable.

These three subjects are all options in the sixth form, with any teaching of Greek then coming back into the mainstream timetable.

The Classics Department offers a lunchtime Classics Club for year 7, a Classics Society for year 9 as well as a Greek Society for year 8. We are also trialling a year 7 lunchtime club collaborating with the Art Department, which will include a visit to Roman Bath. We are active in running trips over the year, including annual trips to Butser Farm for year 7s and an annual trip to see the Classics Play at UCL. Planning is also underway to resume residential trips abroad this year. Our most recent ones were to the Bay of Naples area and to Sicily.

The Classics Department at St Helen’s is a diverse, experienced and successful department.

The role will report to: Head of Classics

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

All teachers are expected to ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning by:

• Preparing and delivering challenging and differentiated lessons
• Setting homework in accordance with the school’s homework policy
• Marking work in accordance with the school’s marking policy
• Using all available data and information to ensure that each student is provided with an appropriate programme of study
• Having a good understanding of the schemes of work they are following and how these fit into the overall scheme of work for the subject they are teaching
• Keeping up to date with developments in the teaching of their subject
• Take a full and active role in the School’s Co-Curricular programme.

Other Duties:

• Carry out such duties as may reasonably be required by the Head of Department
• Support and promote the school’s ethos, aims and objectives.
• Work towards and support the school vision and the current school objectives outlined in the School Strategic Plan
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of pupils and adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• Work within the School’s health and safety policy to ensure a safe working environment for staff, pupils and visitors.
• Promote equality of opportunity for all students and staff
• Help sustain a school culture and curriculum which promotes an ethical education for all including promoting positive strategies for challenging discrimination of any kind.
• Maintain high professional standards of attendance, punctuality, appearance, conduct and positive, courteous relations with pupils, parents and colleagues.
• Engage actively in the performance review process.
• Undertake other reasonable duties related to the job purpose required from time to time.

THE PERSON

It is essential for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications, experience, and personal attributes:

• A good honours degree in a relevant or associated subject.
• A love of teaching and learning and a commitment to further professional development
• Be able to work well with others and develop the curriculum through collaborative planning.
• Excellent classroom practice with experience of teaching Classics across the secondary age range including KS5.
• Detailed understanding of current developments in the secondary curriculum and assessment
• Be able to lead learning in their classroom, develop each child and demonstrable passion for the subject.

It is desirable for the successful candidate to have the following qualifications, experience, and personal attributes:

• A teaching qualification such as PGCE (or equivalent)
• Evidence of further professional development
• Knowledge and experience of how technology can be used to support learning.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please apply as soon as possible as shortlisting/interviews will progress up until the closing date. Should a suitable candidate be appointed, we reserve the right to close the advert early. 

Due to the high volume of applicants, we receive, if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume we will not be progressing your application further on this occasion.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the school where they will be interviewed by the Assistant Head (Teaching & Learning) and members of the Senior Leadership team, be observed teaching a lesson, and have a tour of the school.

St Helen’s school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as detailed in Part 3 (Safer Recruitment) of the KCSIE 2024 guidance document. Applicants will be asked for proof of right to work in the UK and undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the disclosure and barring service.