Teacher of English

The opportunity has arisen to join one of the largest and most successful English Departments in Scotland at this prestigious 5-18 HMC school of 1,250 pupils. Dollar Academy is set in a beautiful central location, about 40 minutes north of Edinburgh. A full time or part time position is available.

Candidates should have a passion for literature and the ability to teach Oxbridge entry level, together with a strong commitment to developing pupils’ enjoyment of, and engagement with, the wider world of English. All members of the department contribute to the rich cultural life of the Academy through drama productions, creative writing, debating, journalism, Yearbook and Magazine publications, lunchtime readings, visiting speakers, theatre and cinema trips: we look to create a learning environment where strengths are built on and difficulties overcome.

English is taught to the majority of pupils up to Higher level. Around 40 Form VI pupils choose to take English at Advanced Higher and many go on to read English at University. At all levels in the classroom, literature is central – English and Scottish primarily, but also the literature of the Commonwealth, the Americas, and texts in translation. There is strong emphasis on encouraging our pupils to develop their curiosity, creativity and intellectual excitement, whatever their level of ability.

There are eleven teachers in the department, which is housed in the main Playfair building at the heart of the school. We recognise the importance of a collaborative approach and shared focus, while also valuing the freedom and flexibility which allows individual teachers to pursue their own enthusiasms in order to make teaching stimulating, and learning dynamic. Classrooms are attractive and well resourced; we benefit from excellent library and IT facilities, and are constantly extending our book and audio visual resources. Close links with the Support for Learning Department and the Junior School also promote our pupils’ learning experiences.

Drama is taught within the curriculum in Form I and is offered as a separate subject from Form III. Recent dramatic productions in the Maguire Studio Theatre have included Gogol’s The Government Inspector, Durrenmatt’s The Visit and Stoppard’s The Real Inspector Hound. The debating scene is very lively, with weekly lunchtime debates running throughout the year and pupils representing Scotland on the international circuit, and the annual Burns Suppers are distinguished by stylish and witty speeches from Form VI.

In addition to its curricular provision, Dollar Academy also offers a rich array of co-curricular activities and has a significant number of boarding pupils living on campus. A willingness to participate in other aspects of Academy life is expected.

A full time or part time position is available, commencing in August 2015

Salary will be in accordance with the SNCT salary scales plus an enhancement of 10% in addition.

Letters of application, accompanied by the completed Teaching Staff Application Form (which can be downloaded at www.dollaracademy.org.uk/vacancies should be sent to:

The Rector, Dollar Academy, Dollar, FK14 7DU, as soon as possible
(or email rector@dollaracademy.org.uk

Applicants must either be registered with GTC Scotland, or eligible for registration. All appointments are subject to clearance through the Disclosure Scotland PVG Scheme.