Teacher of French at Key Stages 1, 2 and 3

We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic, predominantly Primary-trained (or with strong experience of teaching at Primary level) Teacher of French to join our academically ambitious and highly popular Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department from either mid-February or April 2025.  Initially offered on a 1.5 or 2-term contract, there is the strong possibility of this fixed-term contract leading to a permanent position. 

The successful candidate will be a skilled teaching practitioner who demonstrates a genuine interest and passion for the subject and has the ability to convey this to our pupils. They will have the ability to teach outstanding lessons across Key Stages 1 and 2, will have excellent classroom management skills and will be able to inspire and motivate our Reception to Year 8 pupils through a diverse range of learning styles. 

The possibility of being subject coordinator at KS1 and KS2 will also be explored at interview. This will be a stand-alone role and the successful applicant should have demonstrable experience in a similar role.

Our pupils in Pre-Prep follow La Jolie Ronde methodology. Year 4 and Year 5 pupils follow a school-designed curriculum and Year 6, 7 and 8 pupils follow the Dynamo course syllabus. Our older students follow the Pearson (Edexcel) specification at GCSE.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the planning, teaching and assessment within the MFL department. It is essential that they have, at minimum, a Bachelor's degree, proven excellence in all aspects of the French language, possess good English and have a detailed grammatical knowledge of both French and English. They must be a team-player, able to work in close partnership with other members of the MFL department and be fully committed to developing our students’ spoken, reading, listening and writing abilities in French, as well as their cultural understanding and appreciation of France and French-speaking countries. Needless to say, it is essential that they consistently model excellent practice, have experience of using technology and iPads in the classroom, and will look to make a significant contribution to this thriving department. Teaching staff at Harrodian can also expect to lead a form, run lunch-time/after-school clubs and contribute to shaping the extra-curricular life of the school. 

The Modern Foreign Languages department at Harrodian is thriving and well-resourced. It is centred around a friendly staff base, currently comprising twelve highly qualified teachers and five native level-speaker language assistants, offering teaching in Italian, French and Spanish between them. French is well-subscribed and the French department consists of eight teachers and two language assistants. Pupils are taught French from Year 1 in Pre-Prep and study two languages in Years 7 and 8, choosing from French, Italian, Spanish and Latin. Our results are very strong, with virtually all students gaining 9-5 grades in one or two MFL GCSEs. All four languages are taught to A level. Teaching is lively and innovative and the department seeks to promote languages outside the classroom by running a range of subject-related enrichment activities, including lunchtime clubs and local and overseas trips and exchanges. Involvement with these latter responsibilities will particularly suit a teacher with strong organisational and communication skills.

Founded in 1993, the Harrodian School is co-educational and set in 25 acres of grounds with excellent facilities. Harrodian offers teachers and students alike a friendly, welcoming and exceptional school environment where classes are small and standards and expectations are high. We place a strong emphasis on the ability to convey enthusiasm and enjoyment of the subject to students across the ability range. A sense of fun, a readiness to respond to students’ individual needs and an open approach to teaching are qualities that we value highly. A teacher’s willingness to assist with a large range of extra-curricular activities is important in this dynamic and vibrant school. Teaching staff are expected to offer support to the learning, pastoral and co-curricular needs of our pupils to ensure the all-round quality of education offered at Harrodian.

Benefits

Harrodian offers a range of benefits, including a free car park (on a first come first served basis), a cycle to work scheme, free lunches during term time, free access to some of the School’s sport and leisure facilities at stipulated times, and a defined contribution pension scheme.

For further information about the role and application details, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 9am on Thursday 7th November 2024.

Please note: We intend to appoint as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive and interviews may be held ahead of the closing date. The School reserves the right to appoint at any stage of the application process.

Interview dates: TBC.

As part of the interview process, all candidates will be required to teach a lesson. Preparation work in advance of the lesson will be required, and details will be provided prior to interview.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. Harrodian is unable to act as a sponsor for an employment visa.

Safeguarding and employment checks: Harrodian is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service, checks with any applicable Overseas Criminal Records body, medical clearance and proof of legal right to work in the UK. In accordance with current Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations, online searches may be done as part of due diligence checks. Please read our Safer Recruiting Policy and Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy by selecting from our list of policies HERE.

All positions within the School are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Enhanced DBS check will give details of all spent and unspent convictions and other recordable matters. A policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available from HR. References will be taken up, and the School may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications.