English Teacher - Details of Post

AN INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR PUPILS AGED 7 TO 18 IN THE HEART OF SURREY

English Teacher Information for prospective staff

About Freemen's Our mission is to inspire our people to learn, to lead and to make a difference.

We believe that if we can motivate pupils and staff to always give their best, the School will continue to grow and thrive. Community engagement and our impact on the world beyond our walls are at the forefront of everything we do at Freemen’s.

The School was founded in Brixton in 1854 to provide an education for the orphaned children of Freemen of the City of London before moving to the present site, Ashtead Park, in 1926. We have a magnificent site with modern buildings alongside the original Main House set in a stunning 57 acres of parkland. This idyllic setting further supports the wellbeing of our students and staff, as being here, in the park, makes coming to work a pleasure. It looks striking in every season and we are lucky to have a vast array of wildlife living in our woods.

Today, Freemen’s is an independent day and boarding school for students aged 7-18, with a strong ethos of community and service in accordance with the values on which the School

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was founded. We are proudly co-educational and have been since 1854, which was radical at the time, and we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with our forward-thinking, progressive approach.

You can expect stellar exam results and academic excellence, but that’s not all. The focus within the School is on every individual finding a path which is appropriate for them, be that in the classroom, on a sports pitch or in one of the many co-curricular activities we encourage our young people to throw themselves into. Our mission is built upon four pillars of the Freemen’s education: pastoral support, House activities, academic achievement, and our varied cocurricular programme (including sport) to ensure every student realises their potential to be able to learn, lead and make a difference. Freemen’s is a place where students are keen to learn and eager to engage in the wider aspects of life at our School.

Teachers at Freemen's embody our principles for excellent classroom practice, offering innovative and forward-thinking approaches, enabling us to be a beacon of learning and teaching. We take risks in the pursuit of excellence by being brave and radical, willing to challenge the status quo. Through our 1-1 iPad programme, we

About Freemen's aim to create discerning users of technology, so that staff and students can thrive in the modern dynamic world. We do all of this, in an environment where staff feel supported, by investing in life-long learning through research-led enquiry and building learning communities. The emphasis in the Junior School is on Kindness, Honesty and Fun and the Senior School picks up that message with a pastoral programme that emphasizes the importance of a strong, supportive community in which every member, staff and student, feels respected, supported and valued. As a result, we are able to support our young people to successfully navigate the tests of life they face every day.

The School is one of four independent schools managed by the City of London Corporation (The City). The City provides financial support in the form of bursaries and scholarships.

Other links with the City of London and the Livery Companies are strong, which presents opportunities for staff to attend events at Guildhall and elsewhere in the City, as well as the possibility of gaining the honour of the Freedom of the City of London.

Transport links are good; the School is a mile from Ashtead station with regular services to Epsom and London and south to Leatherhead and Guildford. The M25 junction 9 is a seven-minute drive from the School.

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Our English Department The English Department at City of London Freemen’s School believes in the transformative power of the language.

We support the pupils to learn, lead and make a difference by empowering pupils to ‘see it all again in different terms’, enabling students to acquire a stronger appreciation for different cultures and contexts, a deeper sense of empathy for those around them and an ability to formulate and articulate personal viewpoints.

We ensure our pupils leave school conversant with the history and evolution of the language, while being equipped with the contextual knowledge and emotional intelligence needed to shape the world for the better in the 21st century.

The English Department is comprised of 10 members of staff: the Head of Department, Second in Department, four full-time teachers, 4

one part-time teacher and three members of the Senior Leadership Team. Lessons are taught in dedicated teaching rooms, all equipped with interactive technology. All pupils in the Senior School (Years 7-11) have their own iPads; there is a BYOD policy in place for the Sixth Form.

This is an exciting time to join the English Department at Freemen’s. We have recently launched a new KS3 curriculum, where pupils study 12 thematic units across Upper 3, Lower 4 and Upper 4 (Years 7-9). Alongside teaching a core text, teachers are given freedom to incorporate apposite supplementary non-fiction and fiction texts to broaden the pupils’ understanding of the core text and associated theme. We have, moreover, begun to teach Edexcel International GCSE English Literature course this year, to match our teaching of Edexcel’s International GCSE English Language course.

We have the highest expectations of our pupils.

This is reflected in our public examination results, which are consistently strong. Our A Level performance, by measure of grades at A*/A,

Learn, lead and make a difference

would have put us 49th in the country according to the Telegraph. At GCSE our most common result is a Grade 9 and 66 per cent of all grades are an 8 or a 9. English Literature continues to be a popular choice at A Level, where we follow the OCR linear course, with a minimum of two teaching groups each year.

The Department offers a university preparation programme, which has been successful over recent years. Six students went on to read English, or English-related subjects, at highly selective universities in 2023. The Department also runs the Debating Society and public speaking workshops, has its own publication run by pupils, and offers book clubs. We benefit from the assistance of three knowledgeable librarians, and three libraries, to ensure that all pupils are given opportunities to develop their academic and soft skills beyond the classroom.

If you have specific questions that you would like answered before deciding whether to make an application, please contact the Head of English, James Smith, via james.smith@freemens.org.

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Information about the role The teacher is accountable to the Head of English and – in addition to promoting the School’s mission statement, aims and policies – has responsibility for the following:

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Teaching, Learning and Assessment • Preparation and planning of lessons in accordance with departmental schemes of work.

• Demonstrating a range of teaching methods and keeping abreast of developments in the English subject area at KS3, GCSE and A Level; employing a range of teaching resources including the display of pupils’ work.

• Carrying out assessment according to English Department and School policies. Recording assessment (grades/reports etc.) within deadlines set and keeping clear records.

• Setting and marking of classwork and homework according to relevant School and English Department policies.

• Reporting to, and updating, parents on progress at parents’ evenings or on reasonable request from parents.

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Participate in the setting and marking/ moderating of examination coursework where appropriate.

Providing pupils with appropriate challenges and setting an appropriate pace for lessons.

Adapting teaching methods considering the specific needs of each pupil and of classes as a whole.

Establishing a structured and purposeful classroom environment that is conducive to learning and where pupils know that high standards are always required.

Managing the classroom effectively with appropriate use of rewards and sanctions, in accordance with English Department and School policies.

Motivating pupils to learn and establishing a rapport with pupils conducive to learning.

Attending English Department meetings every week and contributing to the operation of the Department; attending staff meetings and School INSET days; seeking opportunities for professional development; participation in the School’s Professional Review (appraisal) scheme; participation in induction arrangements.

Job description - English Teacher

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Other • Adhering to the professional expectations of all staff at Freemen’s, as laid out in the School’s policies.

• Contributing to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the School and carrying out the role of form tutor effectively.

• Carrying out the normal supervision duties as laid down in School policies.

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• Person specification • Staff should demonstrate a passion for, and expertise in, their subject and use that to inspire the students whom them teach. They should hold a good honours degree in a relevant subject, ideally a 2.1 or higher.

• To either, hold QTS and demonstrate a track record of success, or possess the willingness and ability become a qualified teacher.

• Someone with an awareness of, and a commitment to, the needs of young people in a school setting; someone who shares

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the School’s commitment to promoting the welfare of and safeguarding children.

An enthusiastic and dynamic teacher and leader, able to motivate and inspire pupils and staff to achieve the highest standards.

Someone who can build and maintain professional relationships, striking the right balance between formal and informal channels.

Someone with good time management skills, able to cope with the demands and life of a busy leading independent school.

An effective communicator.

Someone with good ICT skills and the ability to deal with the administrative routines.

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Professional expectations of staff Safeguarding Staff will be kind, fair and respectful to students and each other, challenge others when they are unkind, unfair or disrespectful and have the highest regard for the students’ safety and their safeguarding duties, whether on or off the school premises.

Appearance Smart professional dress, or appropriate co-curricular clothing, at all times.

Availability Prompt attendance during the School’s operating hours and a commitment to completing School business is expected.

Awareness and use of Freemen’s policies Staff will be able to access and use policies as necessary, and read and act upon them appropriately.

Behaviour Staff will establish Freemen’s as a place of learning and will determine clear boundaries of behaviour, based on mutual respect and trust.

Staff will have high expectations of students and will manage their behaviour effectively.

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Collective responsibility Staff share collective responsibility for Freemen’s standards, reputation and property, should treat them with respect and care, and insist others do likewise.

Communication Staff will expect high standards of communication from students and will, in turn, demonstrate accurate, timely and appropriate communication when dealing with students, parents and colleagues.

Ethics and behaviour Staff will uphold public trust in the profession and the reputation of Freemen’s by maintaining high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside School. They will be respectful and tolerant of the rights of others, including colleagues, and not undermine fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. They will ensure that their personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law.

Learn, lead and make a difference Leaders Staff will be leaders in the School, exercising good judgement and modelling the behaviour and habits that are expected of the students.

Learners Staff will show and share a passion for their subject or discipline(s). They will seek to develop as professionals and as specialists, will be open to feedback and will seek opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and engage with relevant research.

Planning Teaching staff will have a sense of where the lesson fits within the scheme of work and plan well-structured lessons using an appropriate range of pedagogies.

Use of feedback Staff will seek to use feedback for themselves and if appropriate, their students and will complete assessments and reports in a timely fashion in the appropriate manner and style.

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How to apply Applicants should send a letter of application and a completed application form to the Headmaster via CLFS-Recruitment@cityoflondon.gov.uk.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews that will take place at the School, Candidates are asked to note that Freemen’s retains the right to interview and appoint at any time during the application process.

Candidates can expect to be interviewed by members of the Senior Leadership Team, meet members of the department and students, tour the school, teach a lesson, and discuss how they will help Freemen’s achieve its mission and aims.

Depending on the post other tasks may also be required.

Freemen’s acknowledges receipt of all applications, if you have not received confirmation of the safe receipt of your application within two working days please call the School or email CLFS-Recruitment@ cityoflondon.gov.uk to check on its status.

The successful candidate must be able to satisfy the City of London’s health requirements and a confidential medical assessment by the City of London’s Medical Officer is required.

The City of London Freemen’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced Disclosure).

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"Friendly was the single most uttered word used to describe the school by students, while parents report that their offspring are happy. ‘Kind’ and ‘non-judgemental,’ we also heard, with support on tap."

The Good Schools Guide

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Your benefits

Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) Contributory defined benefit

City of London benefits:

• CityBenefits - discounts and cashback.

• Wellbeing resources.

• Sponsorship to become a Freeman of the City of London.

Sports and Leisure: Family friendly Significantly enhanced maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement

Free lunch and refreshments The option to join Supper Club at a subsidised rate

• Discounted gym membership.

• Free use of the fitness suite.

• Staff social and sporting opportunities including pilates, yoga and five-a-side football.

• Free staff swimming and weekend family swimming for staff.

Learning and Development: Fee remission Up to 50% fee remission subject to the normal entry requirements.

Cycle to work scheme Up to £3,000 salary sacrifice

• Funding to obtain QTS/PGCE. • Tailored CPD for all colleagues that includes a thriving internal CPD programme, as well as a range of external opportunities such as Masters and PhD support, Enquiring Teachers Programme and Chartered College qualifications.

Season Ticket Loan Wellbeing: Free parking on site

Access to on-site facilities

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• Up to 2 days’ paid leave for volunteering.

• Cash back on private health care treatment.

• Access to on-site Medical Centre.

• Staff Wellbeing Committee.

• Confidential Employee Assistance for staff and their families.

• Emergencies-only approach to out of hours email.

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Campus Map

Click here to view 360 Tour of campus 01. Visitor parking 02. Reception 03. Philp House 04. Science and Technology 05. Medical Centre 06. Art and Design 07. Stable Block 08. Ferndale Theatre 09. Dining Hall 10. Haywood Centre 11. Junior School (Kemp House) 12. Boarding (Walbrook House)

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13. Music School and Recital Hall 14. Main House 15. Sports Hall 16. Swimming Pool 17. Cricket Pavilion 18. Tennis and Netball Courts 19. Astro Pitch 20. Cricket Nets 21. Cricket Pitch 22. Italian Garden 23. Rugby and Football Pitches 24. Green Room

25. Fire Assembly Point 26. Bus Stop 27. Upper Car Park 28. Lower Car Park 29. Service Gate (KT21 1JB)

"A down-to-earth, friendly school that’s comfortable in its own skin rather than relentlessly trying to show off its most polished side – and is all the better for it.

Just the ticket for parents after a high-quality, stress-free route for their academically bright sons and daughters from age 7 right through to 18.

Almost unique around here."

The Good Schools Guide