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Teacher of Politics

Teacher of Politics

Glenalmond College

Perth and Kinross

Job type:
Part Time, Permanent
Start date:
September 2015

Job overview

Glenalmond is a fully co-educational boarding and day school, set in the stunning Perthshire countryside. There are currently 390 pupils at Glenalmond between the ages of 12 and 18. Nearly 90% of the pupils are full time boarders and the ratio of boys to girls is 55% to 45%. The principal point of entry is at 13 although a small Second Form group is geared towards those transferring at 12 from the Scottish primary system. The school follows the English examination system at GSCE and A level.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and well qualified teacher with a proven track record of classroom teaching. The successful candidate should be registered with GTC Scotland or be eligible to become so registered on appointment. The teaching will be a minimum of 0.5 of a teaching timetable (20 x 55 minute periods per fortnight) although there is scope to increase this if the successful candidate has the skills and experience to teach another subject, especially an Humanity. Teachers of Modern Studies are strongly encouraged to apply.

Professional qualities sought:

  • A passion for Politics as a subject and relevant qualifications at good degree level
  • A commitment to teaching and learning and a willingness to engage in reflection and improvement
  • A willingness to be adaptable and flexible yet innovative and committed
  • An understanding of the boarding school ethos

The Department
The Department consists of one member of staff and is well resourced having followed the OCR syllabus for 12 years. The ethos in the department is one of reflection and refinement. We have a strong commitment to developing teaching and learning, to the delivery of Politics in the most exciting, intellectually provocative and engaging way, and to striving for the highest possible academic standards. We work hard to develop pupils’ ability to think with clarity and logic, and consider and evaluate political theory and governmental systems.

The Department is a very popular choice amongst Sixth Form pupils. It is perceived to be one in which a friendly and academically-driven atmosphere persists. Currently more than 20% of the Lower Sixth take the subject.

Academic results are strong and are a testament to the staff and pupil efforts throughout the year. In recent years Government and Politics pupils have progressed to Oxbridge and a range of other Russell Group Universities, many to take Politics or an associated Social Science at undergraduate level.

Broader responsibilities and expectations
We are first and foremost looking for a dedicated teacher of Politics although a willingness to be committed to a boarding school ethos is an advantage. There may be the opportunity for the successful applicant to assist with evening duties in boarding houses (normally one evening per week) along with other extra curricular activities, although this is not a requirement for the position.

Terms
We can offer you a competitive salary, complimentary catering and refreshments during hours of work, a good working environment as part of a close-knit team and the possibility of opportunities for the role to grow in the future.

This post commences in September 2015 with hours of work to be agreed with the successful applicant (there is some flexibility to develop a mutually suitable schedule for the right applicant).

The College has its own pay scale. Fee concessions are available for staff children who attend Glenalmond and there are various reciprocal arrangements with local Prep schools.

Making an application
Applicants are encouraged to browse through our website www.glenalmondcollege.co.uk for further information about the College. Any questions can be addressed to The Warden, Gordon Woods (warden@glenalmondcollege.co.uk) or the Deputy Head (Academic), Dr Stephen Kinge. (stephenkinge@glenalmondcollege.co.uk).

A letter of application, a full curriculum vitae with names and addresses of three referees should be sent, along with the Glenalmond College standard application form, addressed to the Warden’s PA or emailed to racheljaggard@glenalmondcollege.co.uk.

About Glenalmond College

The College is built on the south bank of the River Almond, from the north bank of which rise the Grampians. It is about 50 miles north of Edinburgh and 10 miles from both Perth and Crieff.

The College Buildings, grouped round a cloistered quadrangle, comprise the Chapel, Hall, Library, houserooms and studies, study bedrooms, classrooms. A separate block houses additional classrooms, a purpose built Science Centre and a Theatre. A few yards away are the Art School and the Design and Technology Centre. Next to these are the Music practise rooms.

The Sports Complex consists of squash courts, a strength and conditioning suite, an indoor sports hall and a heated indoor swimming pool, fitness suite and an indoor .22 range.

Houses. There are 4 houses for boys and 3 houses for girls. The organisation of all the Houses is the same, each having accommodation for resident Housestaff. Senior boys and girls have study-bedrooms or studies of their own.
Religion. The College is an Episcopalian foundation and has a splendid Chapel. However all denominations are welcomed.

Admission. Boys and girls enter the College between the ages of 13 and 14 via the Common Entrance Examination or Entrance Scholarship papers. Pupils leaving Primary Schools may qualify by tests and examinations for junior entry at rising 12. Girls and boys may also qualify for entry into the Lower Sixth, or at other points during their school career. 


Curriculum. In the first 3 years all pupils take a wide range of subjects up to the GCSE with English, Mathematics, a modern language and the 3 Sciences as core subjects. Greek, Spanish, German, Art, Drama, Music, Design/Technology, History, Geography, Latin, Computer Science, Physical Education are optional subjects to GCSE and beyond. Each pupil is guided by a tutor.
The Sixth Form provides specialist courses in Arts and Sciences leading to GCE A-Level and also a selection of SQA Higher Levels. Lectures from outside speakers on social, economic and cultural subjects of topical interest take place regularly.
Economics, Business Studies, Theatre Studies, History of Art, and Politics are now fully established in the Sixth Form.

Careers. Over 90% of pupils qualify for entry to university; some go direct to professional careers, industry, the Services, etc. Great emphasis is placed on careers guidance: careers talks, visits and advice along with a well-stocked careers room assist pupils in their choice. Most pupils take careers aptitude tests at age 16.


Art, Drama and Music. Music plays a central part in the life of the school: there is an Orchestra as well as smaller String, Woodwind and Brass Groups. A large Choir and Choral Society perform at the College, in Perth and in Edinburgh. The Concert Society arranges recitals and concerts at the College; frequent visits are made to concerts in Perth and elsewhere. There is a Pipe Band.
The Drama and Art departments flourish, in conjunction with the well-established Design and Technology Centre. Art, Music as well as Design/Technology form part of the normal curriculum and can be taken at GCSE and A level. 


Games and Recreations. Rugby, Hockey and Lacrosse are played in the Michaelmas Term and there is a wide variety of activities to choose from in the Lent Term including Football. In Summer Term the sports are Cricket, Athletics, Shooting, Tennis and Golf. Shooting on the Miniature Ranges takes place during the two winter terms. There is a large indoor heated Swimming Pool and pupils are trained in personal survival and Lifesaving. There are also Squash Courts, Tennis Courts, a private Golf Course, and two full-size all-weather pitches for hockey and tennis.
During the Summer, pupils have the opportunity to explore the hills and the neighbouring countryside.

Combined Cadet Force. There is a contingent of the Combined Cadet Force which has strong links with the Armed Forces and the Royal Regiment of Scotland (Black Watch Battalion) in particular. The ceremonial dress, as worn by the Pipe Band for example, is the Highland dress with the Murray of Atholl tartan.
Army and Air sections, with a Pre-Service section for Junior Pupils, are organised on the basis of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Shooting and Adventure Training figure prominently; pupils may also be engaged on Conservation, Community Service Work or Mountain Awareness Group.

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