If you are a committed, dynamic, and inspirational teacher of Mathematics seeking to join a successful and supportive department aspiring to new heights in a popular and high-performing school, this could be just the job for you.
The School
The Glasgow Academy is an ambitious, warm, welcoming, thriving and forward-thinking co-educational HMC independent day school of around 1650 pupils aged 3-18. It is highly popular, growing in a planned way over the last 14 years. It consists of the Senior School, of around 800 pupils of 11-18 years of age, and a Preparatory School (which has three sites all of which has a Nursery/Kindergarten). Recruitment at the school is very strong at every age group.
We have a long tradition of fostering academic excellence and we are proud of our pupils’ achievements. Results in external examinations are consistently among the best in the country. The Academy topped The Times' league table for national academic rankings in 2024 for all Scottish exam qualifications (National 5/Highers/Advanced Highers). Our pass rate at Higher for 2023/2024 was 96% with 74% of entries awarded A grades. The National 5 A-C pass rate was 99% with the A pass rate at 86%. In S6, the pass rate was 92% for Advanced Higher with 52% of entries awarded grade A.
Beyond academic achievement, we want all of our pupils to thrive and contribute to a rapidly developing modern world and to do that we must ensure they leave The Academy with a socially conscious, innovative and global outlook. Our aim is that we provide our pupils with rich learning experiences that best prepare them for life after The Academy and also places value on the importance of sustainable education for future generations. Through further development of our local, national and global partnerships, our aim is that we have a greater impact on lives within and out with The Academy community.
The school's latest £15 million new building won Best Building in Scotland 2016, the UK's richest architectural prize. The school has invested around £27 million in its facilities over the last decade or so and continues to invest heavily and strategically.
The Department
Mathematics is a popular subject at The Academy and uptake is very high. The successful candidate will be expected to excite children about Maths, enable them to gain fine academic results, ensure success in competitions, and enhance the reputation of the department and school.
In addition to the Head of Department, nine teachers contribute to the teaching of Mathematics within the Senior School. They contribute extensively to the wider life of the school, for example through involvement in house activities, pastoral care, residential trips, and co-curricular clubs and societies. Several members of the department play an active role in SQA examination teams, including the setting of questions, an invaluable experience for both staff and pupils. Staff involvement in development groups ensures that the department is at the front of mathematical education in Scotland.
We have an excellent track record in Scottish and UK mathematical competitions, as well as nurturing the best mathematicians at all levels. We run clinics that provide an opportunity for pupils to ask their own questions and we are expected to be available to give extra help outside the classroom. We are an innovative department with a positive, enthusiastic team spirit. The department is always striving to improve through professional reading and high-quality discussions during meetings where we share best practice. The department is well equipped with iPads, Apple pencils, and interactive touch-screen boards in each classroom.
Pastoral care, continuity of support/guidance from year to year, and individual knowledge and understanding of children are very important in our school, so all members of staff are expected to be a tutor looking after a tutor group of about 14/15 children that they see every morning throughout the children's time in Senior School. Along with their tutees, all teachers are members of one of our four Houses, taking part in House activities and duties.
The Person
You are likely to hold an excellent honours degree or doctorate and must be passionate about motivating young people, inspiring academic and intellectual excellence, and great pastoral care. You must have proven successful experience in raising children's attainment in maths.
Experience of teaching up to Higher Mathematics level is essential and Advanced Higher Mathematics or Advanced Higher Statistics would be desirable, and available for the right candidate. The role will involve the organisation of the Scottish Maths Challenge or other super-curricular opportunities for pupils in S1-6.
You will have an enthusiastic "Can do, will do" attitude and will instil high standards, high expectations, and the value of hard work in children, plus the belief that intelligence is not fixed and that abilities can be developed considerably through sensibly focused endeavour.
You will care deeply about children's success and will be skilled at motivating children to work to their full potential. Strong commitment, good communication skills, diplomacy, dynamism, proactivity, teambuilding skills, and the very highest standards are key to this post. So are a calm and nurturing disposition, flexibility, and being an improving presence. Above all, you will work very hard and effectively for the children in your care.
The Values
Our shared values and code are very important to our school community. The Academy values and code can be found here.
The Appointment
The appointment is for February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter and is a full-time permanent post.
The Academy Salary Scale, which is currently over 6.7% above the national scale, runs in six unequal increments, with placing according to experience. A very competitive defined contribution pension scheme is also available.
All teachers at The Academy must be registered with the General Teaching Council Scotland.
The Glasgow Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all appointments are subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
The Glasgow Academy is committed to providing equality of opportunity and ensuring that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief, marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.
The Glasgow Academy is a War Memorial School with a long history of employing ex-serving personnel, reservists, and spouses of serving personnel. We look favourably on applications from those mentioned above; we understand the extra burdens placed on these individuals and as an organisation are fully committed to supporting them and their families.
It is a legal requirement that all employees must demonstrate that they are entitled to live and work in the UK. You will be required to produce documentary proof e.g. passport and work permit, where applicable, to demonstrate your eligibility to work if selected for interview.
The Glasgow Academicals' War Memorial Trust is an educational charity registered in Scotland, Charity No SCO15638.
How to apply
Applications should be made using the official application form and must be submitted by email to recruitment@tga.org.uk by 4pm on Thursday 28 November. Interviews (which will include teaching a sample lesson) will take place w/c 9th December.
Candidates should include details of their particular interests and what contributions they feel they can make to the wider life of the school.
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