What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking for a skilled and energetic teacher of Spanish. You will be joining a dynamic and collaborative department which is committed to instilling a love of languages. Working in our purpose-built language centre, you will be providing for a range of year groups from Key Stage 3 to 5: all students learn Spanish from year 7, before choosing a second language in year 8. Furthermore, all students choose a language GCSE, and can continue languages in the sixth form on the International Baccalaureate programme. You should be a committed classroom practitioner with a passion for language and pedagogy, finding ways for students to succeed, as well as your own professional development.
What the school offers its staff
• Many opportunities for CPD in subject knowledge, pedagogy and leadership through numerous platforms.
• A supportive work environment.
• A commitment to wellbeing including incentives such as health care provided by Simply Health, free staff parking and tea/coffee, and respect for professional autonomy.
• An open culture, where colleagues feel safe in disclosing any mental health conditions and one in which every individual feels properly supported with reasonable adjustments being discussed and offered when required.
Further details about the role
MFL operates within a strongly supportive team framework where everyone is valued. There is a culture of joint planning and sharing of teaching and learning opportunities as well as resources. Languages is housed in its own modern suite of 8 classrooms (one of which is an IT suite), supporting practice rooms, department office and café.
Students currently study Spanish from Year 7 and then they choose either German or Mandarin to study as their second language in Years 8 and 9. All students study a language at KS4 and some students opt to continue with both their languages to GCSE. The department follows the AQA courses in all four languages at KS4. In the Sixth Form students can study languages with the IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate): Spanish, French, German, Mandarin and Japanese are offered.
Results are consistently outstanding and this shows the level of commitment of the students as well as the very high expectations of the teaching staff.
The Head of the MFL Department coordinates the sharing of best practice though the South West Academy Trust, a group of schools including Torquay Girls’, Churston Ferrers, Colyton, Bournemouth, Poole and South Wilts Grammar Schools, which works with staff from Exeter University to extend the challenges and opportunities for both staff and students.
Various trips are organised by the department to France, Spain, Germany and China which boost students’ enthusiasm for their language learning.
The successful candidate will find a very supportive working environment with high professional standards and a strong work ethic. There are excellent opportunities for talented and lively teachers and anyone joining the department will be encouraged to take a full and active part in its work and activities in inspiring students with a love of languages.
Commitment to safeguarding
Torquay Boys' Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This responsibility falls to all staff and as such safeguarding training is provided upon commencement of employment, with regular and annual updates. All applicants must be aware they will be subject to enhanced DBS and child protection checks.