Junior School Maths Teacher (Yr 3-6, possibility of Yr 7-8). 1-year FTC

The Junior School

The Junior School, for boys aged 7-11, is a happy and highly successful part of one of the country’s leading independent day schools; it has around 130-140 pupils in eight forms. The Junior School staff consists of the Head of Junior School, two Deputy Heads, eight form teachers, the Head of JS Sport, a learning support teacher, two teaching assistants, three classroom assistant and two sports interns, as well as a PA to the Head and two receptionists. In addition, members of the senior school Music, Art, DT, Modern Languages, and Sports departments teach some lessons in the Junior School. In J1 and J2 (Years 3 and 4), boys are mostly taught by their form tutor, but as they move into J3 and J4 (Year 5 and 6), teaching becomes more subject specialist.

The intimate size of the Junior School helps to create a family-like atmosphere where boys demonstrate a spirit of respect and tolerance. We aim to provide an education which enables each boy to acquire an independent and searching mind, to develop a broad range of extra-curricular interests, and to take pleasure in the life of ideas. Key dispositions such as kindness, perseverance, resilience and teamwork underpin all aspects of Junior School life.

The Role

The School is seeking to appoint a Junior School Maths Teacher, teaching Years 3-6 and possibly Years 7-8, from 1st February 2025 or ASAP thereafter. The role could be part-time or full-time and will be a one-year, fixed term role to cover a maternity leave. The role is likely to include acting as the form tutor to a Year 6 group. The role would be suitable for an experienced teacher, an Early Career Teacher (ECT), or someone without a teaching qualification who might be interested in pursuing the School’s Waynflete Teaching Certificate, which can lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The Candidate

The successful candidate will:

• show clear commitment to safeguarding children;
• be a well-qualified graduate, ideally in mathematics or a related subject;
• teach and promote maths within the Junior School (Years 3-6) and possibly in Years 7-8
• show clear enthusiasm for teaching Maths to pupils in the Junior School (Years 3-6), and possibly in Years 7-8 in the Senior School;
• plan and prepare lessons that cater for young, bright minds, and celebrate their strengths to encourage a welcoming, positive and valued learning environment;
• teach in an engaging manner in a highly successful Junior School;
• have a clear understanding of how to provide the platforms for each individual child to reach their potential;
• support the progress of all pupils in the Junior School by taking a role in support, enrichment and partnerships sessions;
• set clear expectations for pupil behaviour within an encouraging classroom environment;
• take a keen interest in the welfare of all Junior School pupils and oversee the pastoral wellbeing of boys throughout each day;
• act as the pastoral tutor to a Year 6 Junior School form;
• have a positive, cheerful and caring attitude, with a willingness to become involved in all aspects of life in our busy Junior School, such as games, music, drama, activities and trips;
• have excellent written and spoken communication skills;
• have sound IT skills;
• have the ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a wider team;
• display a high level of attention to detail;
• work hard to support pupil progress;
• be willing to take part in continuing professional development;
• respond positively to feedback.
• The Junior School Maths Teacher will report to the Head of Junior School, and ultimately to the Master.

Application Process

Candidates should submit the following two documents to the Recruitment Officer, Miss Yelena Molcanova (recruitment@mcsoxford.org), which can be found on the Job Vacancy link of the website (www.mcsoxford.org). To access Click here.

1. “MCS Application Form for Teaching and Support Staff” Form
2. CV (Curriculum Vitae)

All documentation should be sent no later than Thursday 3rd October, at midday. The school’s preferred method of communication is by email and it will not be necessary to send a hard copy of the documents by post.

References may be taken up in advance. If you do not wish references to be called for at this stage, please make that clear on the reference section of the application form.

We anticipate holding interviews from Thursday 10th October, which will include a taught lesson. We will be in contact with shortlisted candidates by telephone. Please be aware that all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a “Self-Disclosure” form before attending their interview. We reserve the right to interview and appoint before the above dates.

Equal Opportunities

Magdalen College School recognises and is committed to ensuring applicants and employees from all sections of the community are treated equally regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marital and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding Policy

Magdalen College School is committed to the safeguarding of pupils, and any offer of employment will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, the receipt of satisfactory references, the school’s pre-employment medical questionnaire, plus sight of relevant original ID documentation and degree certificate(s). This role will be in regulated activity and will require a children’s barred list check as well as an enhanced DBS check. The enhanced DBS check is due to this role being exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Remuneration and Benefits

MCS currently has its own salary scale, and salaries are more generous than those in the maintained sector; there is also a relocation allowance on a sliding scale, by agreement with the Master and Bursar, and dependent on current location. The school also operates a cycle to work scheme, and travel loans are available. MCS offers teaching staff a choice of pension arrangements; a Defined Contribution scheme with an employer contribution of 23.68% or the Teachers’ Pension Scheme with a salary sacrifice arrangement. Staff may move between the two schemes as suits their needs. The Master will discuss the pension with any offer of appointment.

Staff are encouraged to make use of the Senior Common Room within and after the school day, as an area for relaxation and shared discussion outside departments. There is also a quiet room located close to the SCR where staff can work and study. Tea and Coffee are served in the SCR at morning break, Lunch is provided in the Dining Hall, and cakes and cut fruit are available in the SCR at the end of the school day.

Head to mcsoxford.org/vacancies to find out more.