Upper School Language and Learning Teacher

Job Title: Upper School Language and Learning Teacher
Department: Language and Learning
Reports To: Head of Language and Learning

Job Summary

The Upper School Language and Learning Teacher plays a crucial role in maintaining high academic standards within the Language and Learning department. This position is designed to support students on their learning journey through Upper School while encouraging the highest aspirations for their academic 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, leading by example in professional matters and ensuring students adhere to standards of dress, punctuality, and attendance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with parents and visitors to the school.
• Attend and support all major school events, participating in Leadership in Action activities as agreed with the Head of Upper School.
• Share responsibilities equitably with colleagues and participate fully in House activities, retreats, and expeditions as required.

Curriculum Development

• Maintain familiarity with the UK National Curriculum guidelines, Harrow Beijing Units of Work, lesson plans, and evaluation criteria for relevant year groups/subjects.
• Stay updated on curriculum developments through continuous professional development (CPD) and reading.
• Plan, prepare, and document lessons effectively to engage and challenge students at various skill levels.
• Manage curriculum delivery and resources in line with school and departmental policies and procedures.
• 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 adherence to internal and external marking schedules and maintain accurate and comprehensive records of student assessments.
• Write reports on student performance for both internal and external use as required.

Welfare and Discipline

• Monitor the work of class/form students, providing guidance, advice, and admonishment when necessary.
• Maintain relevant records for individual student files and communicate regularly with parents.
• Lead Personal Development (PD) tutorial sessions and participate in maintaining high standards of student behavior and dress.
• Follow Harrow Beijing policies regarding the health and safety of students, both on and off school premises.
• Show a pastoral interest in students, ensuring they feel valued and supported in both curricular and extracurricular activities.

Leadership in Action

• Supervise and coach students in after-school enrichment activities and other extracurricular programs.
• Organize logistics related to 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 arising from the appraisal process, including pathways to higher qualifications.
• Consult with line managers about professional development and career pathways.

Collegiality

• Attend meetings that ensure the smooth running of the school and the successful delivery of its programs.
• Mentor new teachers, particularly those with whom a functional relationship exists.
• Supervise students during non-period times as outlined by the duty rota.
• Cover classes on behalf of colleagues as needed.

Safeguarding

• Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, collaborating with others 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 the 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 experience in teaching the relevant subject area.
• Proven success in working with students in the relevant age group.
• Experience in creating an inspiring and stimulating learning environment.
• Familiarity with using 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 at IGCSE and A Level.
• Previous experience in an international school and familiarity with the British education system.
• Strong commitment to participating in 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 committed 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.