Assistant Head of PTE (Philosophy, Theology and Ethics - Core RE)

*Applications from all faiths are welcomed*

The College is seeking to appoint a well-qualified, able and enthusiastic individual to the post of Assistant Head of PTE, who will help to lead and inspire a team of experienced teachers. You should have a track record of outstanding success, be committed to providing the highest quality Catholic experience for all students and be visionary in supporting the leadership of PTE and further developing the team.

Philosophy, Theology and Ethics at Notre Dame

As a Catholic College we make Christ known to all members of our extended community through the way we work and the way we act. The virtues of faith, hope and love are at the centre of our teaching, support and guidance. In the words of St Paul we promote ‘be ambitious for the higher gifts….there are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.’

At Notre Dame, General RE, which we call PTE (Philosophy, Theology and Ethics), is a key part of the core curriculum. All students, in both lower sixth (L6) and upper sixth (U6), and our Level 2 students, who are all are expected to attend a one hour weekly session.

PTE stands for Philosophy, Theology and Ethics. It is an exploration of faith programme that aims to give post-16 students an opportunity to reflect on the deeper questions of life, such as who we are, why we are here, and how we want to live our lives and conduct our relationships. The emphasis in the lessons is on active participation and learning from each other, and, on occasion, visiting speakers. The importance of PTE lies in two main areas. The first is that it augments and supports the distinctive ethos of the College; that we are a community which puts the human being at the centre of all we do, helping to develop values, attitudes and character separately from the main examination subjects. The second is that PTE is the only lesson where the students can meet people outside their chosen subjects, thus allowing them to develop wider relationships, encouraging inclusivity and understanding among our diverse student population.

Through the PTE programme, students will be presented with further opportunities to explore and live out their faith. For those who wish to participate, there is the opportunity to travel as part of the Leeds Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, where students care for and befriend sick and vulnerable pilgrims from our area. Further information including the full job description and person spec can be found in the post description (detailed in the Applicant Information pack).

This post is on an extended contract of 210 days per year.

Closing date: 9am on Wednesday 25 September 2024.

It is intended that interviews will take place week beginning Monday 30 September 2024.

The College is committed to Safeguarding and promotes the welfare of young people and expects all staff, students and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a satisfactory Social Media check.

In promoting equal opportunities, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We would appreciate no speculative enquiries from employment agencies at this stage.