Head of Classics - Details of Post

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

Head of Classics (maternity cover) 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

2

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.

WWW.FREEMENS.ORG

3

Classics at Freemen's The Classics department is staffed by two full-time and one part-time teachers.

Year 5 pupils study Latin for one hour per week for one term through the Minimus course; pupils in Year 7 receive one hour per week of Latin during which we follow the Cambridge Latin Course; pupils in Year 8 continue their study of the Cambridge Latin Course before starting John Taylor’s Latin to GCSE course in Year 9 We currently have two classes taking Latin in each KS3 year group.

At GCSE, students can choose Latin as one of their three GCSE Options; we enjoy small class sizes of around 10-12 students and we prepare students for the OCR GCSE Latin examination using John Taylor’s Latin to GCSE. We have very motivated students whose enthusiasm for the subject and eagerness to learn makes them a joy to teach; our record of results certainly reflects this.

We currently offer both Classical Civilisation and Latin at A Level. Students receive the generous allocation of 6 hours per week which is usually split between two teachers. There is flexibility as

4

to which modules we offer for both subjects and so the HoD will enjoy some ownership in shaping the programme of study. The experienced department has developed a significant number of resources for both subjects across all key stages to help manage teacher workload and achieve parity across classes, though the successful candidate is welcome to use/create their own resources. Most current Sixth Form students of Latin and Classical Civilisation have applied or intend to apply in Upper 6 to study Classics or a Classics-related course at university.

Former students have continued their interest in Classics at university, moving to Oxford, Cambridge, London, Durham or Bristol to further their studies.

"This friendly, grounded and well-run school takes the pressure off getting academically bright young things into senior schools and seems to a knack of making challenging work seem fun."

The Good Schools Guide WWW.FREEMENS.ORG

5

Information about the role Reports to: Headmaster via the Head of History and Politics.

Purpose of post: Leadership of the Department, its vision, staff, academic performance, organisation and administration, in line the School’s aims and policies.

Line management responsibility for: Teachers and non-teaching staff within the Classics Department.

Whilst the expectations of a Head of Department are identified below specific methods are not.

Each Head of Department is encouraged to make their own decisions about the best way to deliver the excellence expected. For guidance please see the School’s policies and Handbook.

Responsibilities 1. Safeguard the wellbeing of the students at Freemen’s, in liaison with the pastoral team; 2. Effective leadership which encourages everyone in the dept. to aspire to excellence; 3. Model excellent practice in line with the Expectations of Staff at Freemen’s;

6

4. Ensure the dept. identifies and meets the different needs of the pupils, enabling every student to give the best account of themselves whilst studying in the dept.; 5. Deliver an annual development plan reflective of the School’s aims, strategic intent and department’s performance which helps improve the dept.; 6. Lead and manage staff in the dept. in line with School policies including: recruitment, induction, allocating responsibilities and timetabling, seek accreditations, development and training, motivation and appraisal; ensure that teaching staff meet the Expectations of Staff at Freemen’s; 7. Deliver an appropriate programme of extra-curricular opportunities such as trips, speakers and clubs which go beyond the curriculum, inspire a love for the subject and celebrate those students who contribute; 8. Promote a collegiate culture for teaching and learning where colleagues freely share their practice, department duties e.g. Open Evenings, and help one another to improve;

Job description - Head of Classics (maternity cover)

Click image to play video 9. Ensure effective communication within the dept. and across the school; hold regular dept. meetings with agenda, share minutes with SLT; attend meetings on behalf of the department; 10. Attend results days in School; analyse results and write an annual report for the Governors; 11. Ensure accurate knowledge and delivery of exam board requirements, maintain up to date SOWs and ensure students have excellent access to materials; 12. Ensure that the dept. and teachers within it are using assessment data for learning effectively; 13. Liaise with parents on dept. matters, both verbally and in written reports; 14. Manage non-examined assessments, internal

WWW.FREEMENS.ORG

and external exam preparation as appropriate; 15. Draw up and seek approval for dept. policies as appropriate and monitor adherence to these policies; 16. Liaise as appropriate with other departments e.g. the Library and the Exams Office; 17. Liaise with the Deputy Head on work set by absent staff of the dept.; 18. Manage the dept.’s resources, displays and classrooms effectively, in line with H&S guidelines; 19. Prepare materials for marketing purposes; attend Open Mornings, Parents’ Evenings, Options Evenings and other events where dept. representation is expected; 20. You may also be required to undertake such comparable duties as the School requires from time to time.

7

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 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.

8

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.

10

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.

WWW.FREEMENS.ORG

11

How to apply Applicants should send a letter of application and a completed application form to the Headmaster via CLFS-Recruitment@cityoflondon.gov.uk, quoting reference 065/289, by 9.00am on Thursday 1 February 2024.

As a day school with boarding we may have opportunities to join our boarding community with some roles coming with accommodation.

Please do let us know in your application if you are interested.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 6 February 2024, though candidates are asked to note that Freemen’s retains the right to interview and appoint at any time during the application process.

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.

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).

12

"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

14

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

WWW.FREEMENS.ORG

• 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.

15

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)

16

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