Hymers College, a leading independent day school in East Yorkshire, is seeking to appoint an outstanding teacher of Spanish and French, predominantly at Key Stage 3, to cover the teaching commitment of a teacher of Modern Foreign Languages who will be on temporary maternity leave. The school runs a two-week timetable with a need of an appointment across at least two days in each week, but (in agreement with the successful candidate) up to 3 or 4 days in each week, i.e. negotiability between 40% and 80% of a full-time allowance.
The role would suit an experienced teacher with a proven record of academic, or a less experienced teacher with the ability to teach both Spanish and French. In either case, you will be keen to communicate your love of modern foreign language learning, both in your lessons and beyond the timetable, in a school where teachers are enthusiastic practitioners of their subjects and have a strong sense of community.
Recent experience of teaching Spanish and French should be included in the accompanying letter of application, including detail of the level linked to the language (e.g. Spanish to GCSE, French to A Level etc).
Modern Foreign Language learning at Hymers is enjoyed throughout the Senior School, with nearly all pupils learning both French and Spanish across Years 7 and 8. The study of at least one of French and Spanish is compulsory for nearly all pupils in Year 9 - take up is strong in both languages with 3 teaching groups in each subject in a year group that has 4 Form Groups.
At GCSE, the study of a Modern Foreign Language becomes optional, but uptake remains strong with approximately three quarters of each GCSE Year Group taking at least one of French and Spanish at GCSE. Outcomes at GCSE are extremely high: in 2024, in French, 56% of all grades were at a 9 and 70% were at grades 9-7; and in Spanish, 40% of all grades were at a 9 and 96% were at grades 9-7.
At A Level, over the last three years, 78% of A Level Spanish grades have been A* or A, and 57% of A Level French grades have been A* or A.
Teaching and Learning in the department is classroom-based and is supported through all pupils having use of a personal Chromebook, provided through the school’s one-to-one device ICT policy. The department makes a positive contribution to the school’s wide-ranging co-curricular provision, through participation in Spelling Bees, national MFL debating competitions and the running of a Language Society.
Successful staff will become part of the vibrant Hymers College teaching life. Opportunities in the co-curricular delivery of clubs and societies to enthusiastic students add an extremely fulfilling aspect to the job and one difficult to replicate in other schools.
You will have a university honours degree in Spanish or French or a related discipline or (if your honours degree is not in a related discipline) have recent experience of teaching Spanish and/or French. Ideally (but not essentially) you will also have a recognised post-graduate teaching qualification. The post would suit an experienced or recently qualified teacher. There is the scope to support the Continuing Professional Development of an outstanding teacher.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an ability to relate effectively with students, particularly those in Years 7-13, have high levels of enthusiasm, energy and drive, a sense of humour, and be flexible in their approach and enjoy working as part of a team. Excellent organisational, time-management, and good ICT skills are essential.
Hymers College has its own competitive salary scale. Please see the school website for the detailed job specification and application documents via: https://www.hymerscollege.co.uk/vacancies.
COMPLETED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING ACCOMPANYING LETTER OF APPLICATION, TO BE SENT TO THE HEADMASTER, MR J STANLEY (headmaster@hymers.org), NO LATER THAN 12PM ON FRIDAY 17 JANUARY 2025, WITH INTERVIEWS ANTICIPATED TO TAKE PLACE DURING THE WEEK BEGINNING MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2025.
Hymers College is committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff, ensuring that the staff community reflects the diversity of students and local community. We encourage applications from a diverse field of candidates. The appointment will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.
Hymers College is committed to safeguarding and the wellbeing of all children and young people within its care. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks as per the Independent Schools Inspectorate Regulations. N.B. Safer recruitment checks, including online searches in accordance with KCSIE (September 2022) will be made at all stages in the recruitment process.
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