Job Title: Upper School English Teacher
Department: English
Reports To: Upper School Head of English
Job Summary
The Upper School English Teacher is responsible for upholding high academic standards within the English department. This role involves supporting students on their educational journey through Upper School and fostering aspirations for achievement and development both in the classroom and through various extracurricular activities.
Key Responsibilities
General Responsibilities
- Actively promote and develop the ethos of Harrow Beijing.
- Lead by example in professional conduct, ensuring that students adhere to standards regarding dress, punctuality, and attendance.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with parents and visitors to the school.
- Attend and support all major school events, maintaining a teaching load that includes participation in Leadership in Action activities as agreed with the Head of Upper School.
- Share responsibilities fairly among colleagues and participate fully in House activities, retreats, and expeditions as required.
Curriculum Development
- Maintain familiarity with UK National Curriculum guidelines, Harrow Beijing Units of Work, lesson plans, and evaluation criteria relevant to the teaching of English.
- Stay updated with curriculum developments through continuous professional development (CPD) and academic readings.
- Plan, prepare, and document lessons that engage and challenge students at various skill levels.
- Manage curriculum delivery and resources in accordance with school and departmental policies.
- Implement an ongoing formative assessment program related to units of work and associated learning objectives.
- Prepare students for and administer summative assessments, including school-based and externally examined assessments.
- Ensure consistency with internal and external marking schedules, maintaining accurate records of student assessments.
- Write reports on student performance for both internal and external stakeholders as required.
Welfare and Discipline
- Monitor student progress, providing guidance and support, while maintaining relevant records for individual student files.
- Lead Personal Development (PD) tutorial sessions and maintain high standards of behavior and dress among students.
- Follow Harrow Beijing policies regarding student health and safety during school hours and activities.
- Show a pastoral interest in students, ensuring they feel valued and supported in both curricular and extracurricular contexts.
Leadership in Action
- Supervise and coach students in after-school enrichment activities and extracurricular sports and performing arts programs.
- Organize logistics for these activities, including transport and accommodation.
Professional Development
- Engage in the annual Professional Performance Review and participate in school-wide CPD initiatives.
- Seek out CPD opportunities for further qualifications and professional development.
- Consult with line managers regarding professional development and career pathways.
Collegiality
- Attend meetings that facilitate the smooth running of the school and the successful delivery of its programs.
- Mentor new teachers, especially those with whom a functional relationship exists.
- Supervise students during non-period times as outlined by the duty rota and cover classes for colleagues as needed.
Safeguarding
- Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, working collaboratively to identify, assess, and support children at risk of harm.
Relationships
- Internal: Collaborate with the Head of Department, Head of Year, Director of Studies, Head of Upper School, and Academic Support Team.
- External: Maintain communication with parents and other educational providers as necessary.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of teaching experience in the subject area, particularly English.
- Proven success in creating an inspiring and stimulating learning environment for students.
- Experience in utilizing ICT to enhance learning and the ability to analyze student data to support achievement.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) students and delivering English at IGCSE and A Level.
- Previous experience in an international school and familiarity with the British education system.
- Strong commitment to extracurricular activities and contributing to the school community.
Qualifications
- Graduate qualified teacher status.
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area is required; a Master’s degree is advantageous.
Additional Information
This position requires a highly motivated, ambitious, and collaborative individual dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of children. The post-holder will work closely with the academic leadership team to ensure effective implementation of the school’s strategic plan and play a key role in managing the transition between Lower and Upper Schools. The job description may be amended following discussions between the line manager and the staff member and will be reviewed annually during the appraisal process.
Apply for this JobCOVID-19 & China border updates
Borders in China reopened to foreigners in Summer 2020. However, with increased COVID-19 cases in Mainland China, the number of visas issued has decreased and schools are having great difficulty hiring outside of China. There are only a very limited number of schools who can obtain a PU letter and get a work visa. Contact us to see if you are applicable.
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