Graduate Teacher of Geography (Maternity Cover)
We are seeking to appoint, for September 2025, an unqualified graduate in Geography or a closely related subject to teach in one of the school's most successful and dynamic departments. As an independent school we are in the privileged position of being able to offer teaching experience to those without formal teaching qualifications considering a career in this sector. All necessary support will be offered to the successful candidate.
The Geography Department is housed in five classrooms plus a department office, a resource centre and a computer suite. All the classrooms have data projectors linked to the school network and interactive whiteboards to make the most of shared resources. The sharing of ideas and the development of resources is central to our approach and every teacher contributes to this. The department currently has six teachers with several staff also holding middle and senior management posts in addition to their teaching. The department is keen to maintain an equal balance between physical and human geography and is enthusiastic in embracing the acquisition of geographical skills through fieldwork and the use of GIS. The department has a long tradition in this area - proximity to the Purbeck coastline is a distinct advantage! Geography is a popular subject at Canford, and it makes a significant contribution to the school's excellent exam results.
In year 9 (Shells) all pupils take Geography. Our numbers are strong at KS4, currently we have over two thirds of the year group opting to continue with Geography where we follow the iGCSE Edexcel syllabus. Teaching groups are mixed ability and range in size from 15 to 20. On average over 95% of pupils obtain 9 - 6 and only very rarely do we have anyone below 6. Last year 94% of pupils obtained grades 9 - 7 at GCSE.
At A level we are following the CIE specification. We generally have over 40 pupils in four teaching groups in the lower sixth (year 12) with the majority continuing to A level in year 13. On average 90% of pupils obtain A* to B grades. We are proud of the number of our students who continue to take Geography and Geography related subjects to degree level (including Oxbridge).
The department is dynamic and outward looking and we are always looking for ways to enrich the experience offered to our pupils. We have a strong focus on teaching and learning innovation and reflection. Applicants should share this ethos.
Canford is a very successful co-educational boarding and day school with some 644 pupils aged 13 - 18, of whom about a third are day pupils. It has one of the most beautiful settings of any school in the country and is a very enjoyable and exciting atmosphere in which to work, our pupils are fantastic to work with. The pastoral side of the school is very strong.
Canford has its own salary scale. Accommodation may be available.
Applicants are welcome to contact the Head of Geography, Alex Boulton, for further information at ab@canford.com.
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.
The closing date for applications is midnight 24th March 2025.
Early applications are very much encouraged and will be considered as they are received.
We may close the vacancy early should the right applicant apply.
TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION
Canford is 'a school community where all are inspired to explore, empowered to express and challenged to excel'.
This vision is not just a form of words. It underpins how we live and work together, how we seek to educate and support our pupils and how we develop our staff who commit so much of themselves to those young people in our care. As a community we bring a sense of purposeful engagement and a courageous attitude to the challenges and opportunities which life brings; we aim high but pursue our goals with humble ambition and we strive to make a real and positive difference to our world through gracious leadership.
Purpose:
All teachers should make a positive contribution to good practice in the school by generating enthusiasm for the work in their departments, building good relationships with colleagues, parents and pupils, and by encouraging and establishing high standards in the teaching and learning of a specific subject or group of subjects. In addition, they are asked to contribute fully to the wider educational offering including pastoral and co-curricular provision and to the development of the whole school community in accordance with the aims of the school.
All staff are expected to promote the safeguarding, wellbeing and welfare of all pupils at all times.
The core teaching hours take place from 0800 to 1800 Monday to Saturday, with wider contribution required for pastoral and co-curricular activities during evenings and weekends.
Workload will be determined by the SLT. Duties are likely to vary from teacher to teacher, but will include the following:
Academic responsibilities
1. Prepare and deliver effective lessons according to schemes of work or as set out by the Head of Department/Line Manager.
2. Set and mark work regularly for all pupils.
3. Keep accurate records of pupils' progress and achievements.
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 assessments/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. Attend INSET meetings as required - demonstrate active engagement with CPD and an ability to share and apply this learning effectively.
12. Attend Staff meetings as required.
13. Adopt a professional approach to teaching modelling behaviour expected of pupils.
Co-curricular expectations:
Canford offers a wide and varied co-curricular programme including Sport, Music, Drama, CCF, Outdoor Adventure and Community Service. Typically, a full-time teacher without additional responsibilities would contribute 4 afternoons sessions (Monday to Saturday) per week, throughout the academic year. This would be pro-rata for part-time staff:
1. Activities will be allocated which best align with a teacher's skills and interests, where possible.
2. A requirement to support weekend and evening activities during term-time.
3. An expectation to support School trips outside term-time.
Pastoral expectations:
1. House duties will be required, allocated during evenings and weekends. Part-time teachers will be provided a pro-rata allocation.
2. Staff attendance at assembly, chapel each week.
Other expectations include:
1. All staff will be allocated tutees and will be required to meet the expectations of a Canford tutor, including tutor meetings in line with expectations set out by the School.
2. An expectation to drive on School business, which may require you to complete a mini-bus driving assessment qualification (depending on ability/qualification).
3. Timely completion of compliance training such as safeguarding, first aid and annual declarations to confirm an awareness and understanding of the School's policies and procedures.
4. Support marketing and admissions events such as Open Day, admissions assessment processes and other events involving feeder schools both on and off site where required.
5. Support colleagues and engage with wellbeing initiatives both for pupils and staff.
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:
1. An honours degree in a relevant subject.
2. A track record of achievement and ambition.
3. Excellent subject knowledge.
4. Excellent communication skills.
5. Expert classroom management skills and rapport with pupils.
6. A considerable work rate and high degree of administration efficiency.
7. Good/effective ICT skills.
8. Love of working with young people.
9. Enthusiasm to participate in the School community, supporting a wide range of activities.
10. Strong, dynamic character.
11. Excellent interpersonal skills with good pastoral instincts.
12. Stamina, emotional intelligence and resilience.
13. Willingness to work on professional development and to assist others to do so.
14. Willingness to continue learning throughout your career.
15. Proven aptitude for organisation and quick logical thought.
16. Attitude, style and presence of a role model for pupils.
Desirable:
1. A recognised teaching qualification such as a PGCE.
2. Experience of classroom teaching.
3. Understanding of the boarding school environment.
4. Experience of working within a boarding school.
5. 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.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.
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