TEACHER OF MATHEMATICS Required for September 2016 VACANCY INFORMATION

TEACHER OF MATHEMATICS Required for September 2016 VACANCY INFORMATION

Teacher of Mathematics 2

BACKGROUND Thank you for your interest in a teaching position at Cheltenham Ladies College. At College we aim to embody excellence, independence and empowerment in the education of young women. Our academic provision to approximately 850 girls, aged between 11 and 18 years, includes GCSEs, AS and A Levels and the IB Programme, underpinned by a comprehensive cocurricular programme. The girls are well-motivated, disciplined and conscientious, willing to learn and extremely rewarding to teach. There is mutual respect between staff and girls. Classes are small and the girls are encouraged to take an active part in lessons by challenging, debating and developing their viewpoint. A teacher at CLC engages with the girls, fosters curiosity and creates a challenging and stimulating classroom environment that motivates them to learn, think independently, take risks, empathise with others and perform to the best of their abilities. Regular, constructive feedback between teacher and pupil, in all aspects of work and play, is at the heart of our success and enables each girl to realise her true potential. Our staffing model differs from other schools in that our teaching community is responsible for academic life, tutoring and co-curricular activities only. Teams of live-in Housemistresses and House Staff at 15 houses manage boarding and day house matters, including meals, prep and house evening and weekend activities. They are supported by a roundthe-clock medical team. Our new Wellbeing Programme is integrated within the timetable and a dedicated team lead the PE and sports programmes. For this reason, the role is non-residential. College was inspected by the ISI in October 2014 and received the highest possible grading (Excellent) in all aspects, as well as being awarded Exceptional for the quality of pupils achievements and learning, the only aspect for which this judgement is available. We have recently also been confirmed as the top UK boarding school for IB results and a top three UK girls boarding school for A/Pre-U Level results. We hope that this gives you a taste of teaching life at College. To find out more about the role of a teacher at CLC, department details, person specification and benefits, please read on. Please also visit our website www.cheltladiescollege.org to find out more about College. We employ around 600 staff in total, with approximately 150 teaching staff. We have a healthy gender balance of employees, employed on both a full and part-time basis. Teaching takes place on a single main teaching site; our boarding and day houses and our sports facilities are located within a 10 minute walk in nearby residential areas. Teacher of Mathematics 3

TEACHING AT CLC THE APPROACH, RESOURCES, COMMITMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES A typical day starts at 8.15am and there are six lessons per day that run until 4.30pm. The full-time teaching commitment is 20 hours per week and generous time allowances are built into the timetable to enable effective preparation, marking and report writing. Clubs run until 6.00pm and teachers are expected to lead a co-curricular activity at least once a week. Classes continue on a Saturday morning (16 within each academic year) with time off given during the week to compensate. We employ a number of part-time staff and commitments are managed on a pro-rata basis to the full-timers. We offer tremendous possibilities with regard to subject combinations and girls are provided with numerous opportunities to discuss new subjects at each stage of their education. Unlike many schools, we do not have predetermined option blocks. Instead, with guidance, girls are allowed to choose a subject combination to suit their needs and aspirations for which the timetable is then constructed. Schemes of work are in place and developed to enable effective lesson planning. In many circumstances teachers are provided with a laptop or ipad that can be used in class or at home with wireless links to the network. The majority of classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards. Most departments have a staff room and, where feasible, are based close to the Head of Department. A performance review framework is in place, as is encouragement and commitment towards professional development that includes peer observation and external speakers. Alongside a wellstocked library, resources are plentiful and a large amount of budget is spent annually on textbooks and periodicals. SUMMARY JOB DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITIES Plan and deliver lessons to departmental schemes of work that inspire and engage the girls using effective learning strategies and classroom management. Contribute to the ongoing development of the schemes as well as departmental and individual girl teaching strategies Monitor, assess, record and report on girls progress as well as advising girls on GCSE, Sixth Form and HE choices. Act as a subject mentor for the latter as appropriate Tutor a small group of tutees, overseeing their general wellbeing and academic progress. Act as the main point of contact for parents and Housemistresses on their academic and cocurricular life Deliver elements of College s PSHCE / Wellbeing Programme which is embedded within the subject curriculum Organise and run co-curricular activities Assist with the running of examinations, mustering and invigilation Attend and prepare for a variety of meetings such as those with parents, the department, across the academic cohort, Housemistresses and lead tutors as well as INSET Accompany girls on school trips and attend all major College functions such as weekday Prayers, Open Days, Cups & Awards, House Athletics, pupil events within Drama and Music, end of term services and House entertainment if associated to the tutor group Undertake other duties commensurate with the role Teacher of Mathematics 4

THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT Mathematics forms one of the largest departments in the Sixth Form, with over 70% of girls currently studying the subject at some level. Over 70 girls are studying Further Mathematics and almost 60 girls are studying Mathematics as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. At present there are 15 members of the Department mostly full-time, but a number of staff are part-time. The Department is well led with effective teaching and learning the focus of continuing professional development; teaching staff are encouraged to share good practice through peer observation. Members of the Department work in a well-equipped office where a large variety of teaching resources are readily shared. In addition to the Head of Department there is a Second in Department and Sixth Form Coordinator. The girls are well motivated and keen to do well. A lively, questioning approach is encouraged in lessons and girls are given opportunities to continue their interest in Mathematics beyond the classroom through co-curricular clubs such as Euler Society, Chess, STEP and origami! The average set size in years 7 to 9 is sixteen and thirteen for GCSE. However, the girls are set from Years 7 to 11 and groups are smaller for girls who require more individual support. The girls have a wide range of options in the Sixth Form such as Mathematics AS or A level, Further Mathematics AS/A level and IB Mathematics Higher/Standard or Studies. All girls follow the Edexcel International GCSE with the top sets also prepared for the OCR Free Standing Mathematics Qualification in Additional Mathematics. Edexcel is also the Awarding Body used for A level. In addition to the core Pure Mathematics modules, both Mechanics and Statistics options are available. Throughout College, girls have the opportunity to enter the Mathematics Challenges organised by the UK Mathematics Trust. For the last two years a team of younger girls has taken part in the UKMT team challenge. This year we have qualified for the national finals. The Department supports the Gloucestershire branch of the Mathematical Association and Royal Institution masterclasses. We continually develop the use of ICT to support teaching. The classrooms are wireless networked and set up to enable on-line resources to be used easily. Each member of the Department is issued with a laptop or ipad and can be used in class or at home. Girls are encouraged to use Excel and Autograph as tools to aid their learning. Department Results Results at IGCSE and A2/IB are consistently very strong. Last year 91.5% gained grades A* or A at IGCSE, 74.2% gained grades A*/A for Mathematics and 75% for Further Mathematics at A Level. 67% of IB students achieved level 7/6 at Higher Level. Staff plays an active and important part in preparing students for higher education. Teacher of Mathematics 5

PERSON SPECIFICATION The person specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE E = Essential D = Desirable Good honours degree in a closely related subject area Teaching qualification Experience of teaching to GCSE and A Level Experience of teaching within the IB Diploma Programme Knowledge and understanding of independent education E D TEACHING AND TUTOR ABILITY E Highly effective classroom teaching by having a solid, up-to date working knowledge and understanding of a range of teaching and learning strategies and knowing how to use them or the potential to deliver this Professional approach and the ability to promote high standards of achievement and behaviour and make a positive impact on teaching, learning and pastoral care Ability to use new technologies effectively to facilitate teaching and learning Willingness to participate in the wider pastoral life of College, for example: taking on the role of a tutor involvement with other co-curricular activities attendance at meetings and College events Genuine commitment to putting students first and an enjoyment of working with young people Ability to engage, build trust and effective relationships with colleagues and the girls and apply discipline and other school policies as appropriate PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS E Ability to inspire, empower and motivate students to engage with new initiatives and developments and to encourage them to take responsibility for their own personal development Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing Proven ability in organising and scheduling events, activities and resources Ability to prioritise and to work flexibly to tight deadlines Committed and effective contribution to personal, colleague and departmental development Committed to the safeguarding of children E Teacher of Mathematics 6

THE VACANCY BENEFITS This is a full-time position starting in September 2016. You will need to be enthusiastic, imaginative and conscientious and able to teach the subject across the entire age range, up to and including A Level. Experience of teaching IB would be an advantage but training can be provided. However you must be able to communicate your interest in the subject to the students, matching pace of delivery to ability. The salary for this role is between 24,000 and 42,000 per annum depending on experience, plus a Tutor allowance. Applications are welcome from anyone interested in a teaching career, whether currently teaching in the maintained or independent sector or those who do not have a teaching qualification. Closing date: 29 th February 2016, 12.30pm Interview date: 8 th March 2016 PENSION SCHEME AND LIFE COVER Membership of the Teacher s Pension Scheme, which includes a death in service benefit of 3x annual salary For those who chose not to join the TPS an alternative life cover benefit is in place. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT A comprehensive inset and development programme and a generous budget to support continuous professional development. SPORTS CLUB MEMBERSHIP Membership of our Sports Centre is available to you (currently free of charge) and your family (at a reduced rate). Facilities include a pool, fitness suite, sports hall and squash courts. DISCOUNTED FEES A two-thirds discount on College day fees (or prorata if you work part-time). CHILDCARE VOUCHERS Offered by Kiddivouchers through a salary sacrifice scheme. CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME Providing a tax-free salary sacrifice scheme. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME Access to a free and confidential counselling service. RELOCATION Relocation assistance may be given, if appropriate. RESTAURANT Use of a subsidised restaurant as well as other refreshments available at no cost. Teacher of Mathematics 7

SAFEGUARDING LIVING AND WORKING IN CHELTENHAM You will be required to become familiar with College s Safeguarding policy and comply with its requirements to safeguard and protect the welfare of children. In addition you will be asked to read and understand the following documents: Child Protection Policy, Staff Code of Conduct, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Relationships between Adults and Girls in College. All staff undergo mandatory training on the safeguarding arrangements in College that covers the Child Protection Policy and the identity of the Designated Safeguarding Lead. You will be interviewed and assessed against the criteria set out in the job description and person specification. All employment offers are made subject to checks in line with the Independent Schools Inspectorate and National Minimum Boarding Standards legislation. These are as follows: clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service; satisfactory Department for Education and Barred List checks; evidence of your right to work in the UK; satisfactory references and medical clearance. With a population of approximately 110,000, Cheltenham is a thriving Regency town in Gloucestershire. It s situated in the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and home to some of the most beautiful villages in England. The town of Cheltenham has much to offer, with good shopping and excellent restaurants, wine bars and cafes. It is known as the centre of Jump Racing and the renowned Cheltenham Festival takes place every March. The town also hosts thriving artistic and cultural Festivals, bringing the stars of Literature, Music, Jazz and Science to Cheltenham throughout the year. The town itself and its surrounding areas, including the Cotswolds, Gloucester and the Forest of Dean, have a healthy supply of housing to suit all needs and a range of excellent schools, both state and independent. Commuter links into Cheltenham are good and the M5 motorway is close by. There are easy road and rail links, with Bristol, Birmingham and Oxford all accessible within an hour s travel. Regular trains and buses also run to London which is approximately 100 miles away. Teacher of Mathematics 8