Head of Spanish and Teacher of Another Language
Sydenham High School GDST
Lewisham
- New
- Salary:
- Competitive plus benefits
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- January 2025
- Apply by:
- 13 September 2024
Job overview
Sydenham High School is looking for an exceptional leader to join our Languages department and develop this dynamic and strong department to maintain the high academic expectations of our school and to contribute significantly to our community.
The Languages Department at Sydenham High is a dynamic and strong department comprising a mixture of full-time and part-time members of staff, some of whom have other responsibilities in the school. In a selective school, it is a pleasure to stimulate and inspire the students’ bright and alert minds, and Languages is a popular subject. The members of the Department therefore employ a variety of teaching methods in order to meet the aim of encouraging every girl to find success, enjoyment and satisfaction in their studies. There are four dedicated Languages classrooms in the school centred around the Languages Office. At Sydenham High School we teach four foreign languages (French, Spanish, Italian and German) from Year 7 to Year 13.
In Year 7, girls are taught French in form groups. Towards the end of Year 7, the pupils will choose a second language which they will continue until the end of KS4. All pupils study a language at GCSE and some pupils will choose to study two languages at GCSE and a few continue to A Level. The AQA examination board is used for GCSE and girls are usually entered at the higher level. Last year around 41% gained grades 9 -8 with 59% achieving a grade 8/9 in Spanish. Spanish is also offered A Level. The AQA syllabus is followed, and girls also have an additional weekly session with our language assistant.
Teaching is supported by Clevertouch screens in all Languages classrooms, and course specific textbooks for GCSE and A Level. Pupils in all years have also access to various digital platforms to support their learning. We run many co-curricular clubs in the Languages department and are also offering trips locally but also abroad in all languages.
Ideally the candidate will show considerable initiative and be prepared to innovate both in the classroom and in the field. Staff are expected to be digitally literate and are encouraged to develop their personal digital skills.
The role is full-time for the right candidate who is able to offer a second language (ideally French or Italian, and take part in our co-curricular community).
Starting salary will depend on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and a strong professional development programme. These benefits include:
● Access to extensive professional development opportunities
● Interest free training loans for qualifications
● Generous pension schemes
● Employee Assistance Programme
● Cycle to work scheme
● Free school lunches
● A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
● Financial guidance and support
● Retail and lifestyle discounts
● 30 days annual leave for full-time support staff
For more details, please contact hr@syd.gdst.net or the School Office on 0208 557 7000.
Applications should be received by 9am on Friday 13 September 2024.
Recruitment is ongoing and we reserve the right to appoint at any time during the process. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
References for candidates invited to interview will be taken before the interview.
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included.
GDST are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches, and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
About Sydenham High School GDST
Sydenham High School is a mainstream, independent, all-through girls' school with sixth form, situated in Lewisham, south-east London. The school caters for over 750 students aged 4-18.
Sydenham High School was founded in 1887 by the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), the leading group of independent girls’ schools in the UK. The Senior and Prep Schools have their own grounds located minutes apart and an 8 acre sportsground, used by all pupils, is a 20-minute drive from the school.
Head
Antonia Geldeard
Mission, vision and values
Our purpose
We aim to inspire the future generations of creators, independent thinkers and trailblazers. We open eyes and hearts by educating the whole person: to balance mind, body and soul. Our diversity of academic and enrichment opportunities enables every girl to forge her own path, strive to be her best and excel. We seek to empower every girl to discover and nurture her unique talents whether in the classroom, the laboratory, the library, the studio, the field, the water, the community or beyond.
We believe that educating the whole person leads to happy, confident and courageous children who flourish and make a positive difference to their community.
Our values
Courage and character: With our school motto at the fore, (‘Nyle ye drede’, ‘Fear nothing’), we aim to foster in every girl the strength of character and courage to discover and pursue her own path.
Curiosity for learning: We seek to empower every girl to learn without limits, cultivating an intellectual and creative mindset through an inspiring and joyful approach to education.
Culture of kindness: We focus on developing a happy and respectful community with strong relationships, prioritising every child’s wellbeing and celebrating diversity.
Generosity of spirit: We aspire to be outward looking, giving back, taking on leadership and having a positive impact.
The school motto, Nyle ye Drede, (‘Fear Nothing’), lies at the heart of all Sydenham High does. A Sydenham High education is centred upon the pupil, where academic excellence and pastoral excellence go hand in hand. The school actively encourages pupils to step outside their comfort zones, developing both independence of mind and the courage to take risks. This mentality is fostered throughout the school, allowing every pupil to develop academic enthusiasm, an enquiring mind and the ability and awareness to stand up for what is right.
Sydenham High School emphasises the importance of a broad curriculum complemented by a bespoke co-curricular offering. The school delivers an education that goes beyond the classroom, through a range of additional academic programmes, lunchtime societies, local and international trips and in-school events. These allow pupils to make connections between topics and apply their learning to real life. .
ISI report
“Pupils make rapid progress and achieve excellent results. Pupils develop high levels of self-confidence and the inner strength needed to succeed, as a result of an understanding not to fear failure. Their sense of responsibility to themselves, their school and the wider community is highly developed.”
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