Teacher of English

We wish to appoint a committed, dynamic and experienced English Teacher to join our English department, where literature and creativity sit firmly at the centre of teaching and academic results are excellent with a focus on professional development, Canford also offers an excellent benefits and accommodation package.

The English Department

The Canford English Department puts literature and creativity firmly at the centre of teaching: we want our pupils to find reading and writing about literature a positive and enriching experience that parallels their own imaginative work. Historically, we have a strong academic record and believe there are ways to combine exam success with co-curricular and supra curricular inspiration. Traditionally, our results have been strong at both GCSE and A Level.

Literature and reading are central in our focus. Even before they arrive, Shell (Year 9) pupils are sent a book list and encouraged to take part in a summer reading project. During the first year, pupils have two weekly reading sessions, in addition to English lessons.

We teach through discussion and participation: lessons are lively, imaginative and challenging. While paying due attention to accuracy in the use of spoken and written language, we want to foster a love of reading and self-expression.

Fourth and Fifth Form pupils enjoy a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, and study a lively and varied selection of poetry, a range of 19^th/20^th Century fiction and non-fiction texts and two plays (one Shakespeare play and a modern play). We follow the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Specifications for English Language and English Literature. Pupils submit coursework for English Language and complete one exam. Pupils also complete coursework for English Literature and complete one exam.

Pupils are expected to study the same texts across the year group, as we believe this allows them to support each other outside of class. There are regular common assessed tasks that enable us to effectively track pupil progress. Whilst there are shared resources for each text, staff are free to teach their groups in the most effective way they see fit. Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups.

We deliver the OCR A Level English Literature course which covers a wide range of text types and genres. Currently, we teach the American Literature component choice for their Comparative and Contextual Study Paper. Pupils are always encouraged to go beyond exam requirements and deepen their understanding of a particular period or topic.  Discussion and essay writing are the core activities. 

We like trips and aim to stretch our pupils beyond the classroom whenever possible.  Later this year we are fortunate enough to have an outdoor theatre company visiting to perform open air Shakespeare at Canford. We regularly run inter –year competitions and have submitted entries to prestigious national competitions such as the Newham Essay Prize, the Tower Poetry competition and the Global Acts of Unity poetry competition (a competition that helped promote the Global outlook we try to foster at Canford). The department leads on co-curricular creative writing and debating.

The Department itself occupies the Wessex block where there are six spacious and well-equipped teaching rooms, an office, a foyer with space for sixth formers to work and a lecture theatre that seats around 100 pupils.

BROADER SCHOOL LIFE

All members of staff are encouraged to play a full part in the co-curricular activities of the school, whether in sport, theatre, music, or art.  The pastoral side of the school is very strong, and over half the staff are involved in some way.

Canford has its own salary scale and accommodation may be available.

Applicants are welcome to contact Jenny Plater, Head of English, on jap@canford.com for further information.

APPLICATIONS

Please ensure you include details of referees in your application. Please also upload a covering letter and full curriculum vitae. For queries contact the HR Department on 01202 847590 or by email: recruitment@canford.com

Those interested are requested to apply as soon as possible, and at the latest by 6^th May 2024.  Interviews may be arranged prior to the closing date for suitable applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Requirements:

1. Prepare lessons according to schemes of work set out by the Head of Department
2. Set and mark work regularly for all pupils, in accordance with departmental guidelines
3. Keep accurate records of achievement for pupils
4. Apply assessment framework as laid out by the Deputy Head Academic
5. Set and mark a share of the internal examinations within the Department
6. Set and mark coursework as required
7. Write internal and external reports as required
8. Attend and contribute to Departmental meetings
9. Show willingness to share ideas and contribute to Departmental Resources
10. Take a share of responsibility for activities organised by the Department (eg field trips, lectures, societies)
11. Embrace new curricular initiatives and teaching strategies eg IT
12. Attend INSET meetings as required
13. Attend Staff meetings as required
14. Adopt a professional approach to teaching mirroring behaviour expected of pupils
15. Support a wide range of the School's extra-curricular activities as and when required.

No job description can fully encompass every aspect of this role and duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time.

TEACHER SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

• An honours degree in a relevant subject
• A track record of achievement and ambition
• Excellent subject knowledge
• Excellent communication skills
• Expert classroom management skills and rapport with pupils
• A considerable work rate and high degree of administration efficiency
• Good/effective ICT skills
• Love of working with young people
• Enthusiasm to participate in the School community, supporting a wide range of activities
• Strong, dynamic character
• Excellent interpersonal skills with good pastoral instincts
• Stamina, emotional intelligence and resilience
• Willingness to work on professional development and to assist others to do so
• Willingness to continue learning throughout your career
• Proven aptitude for organisation and quick logical thought
• Attitude, style and presence of a role model for pupils

Desirable:

• A recognised teaching qualification such as a PGCE
• Experience of classroom teaching
• Understanding of the boarding school environment
• Experience of working within a boarding school
• Ability and experience working in co-curricular areas such as sport, music, drama etc

Canford School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.