Subject Lead (Teacher of French)

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

Information for prospective staff

Subject Lead (Teacher of French)

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

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.

Languages at Freemen's

The Languages Department is at an exciting time of its development.

Some of the recently introduced changes have been the return of exchanges and residential trips, the addition of Mandarin as a curriculum subject and the introduction of a new languages provision in Junior School, consisting of a carousel of three languages in Years 3 to 5, the introduction of Mandarin for all in Year 6 and the introduction of WoLLoW. This programme, which is second to none, will set students apart from the rest and contribute towards shaping them into well-round global citizens.

Our Senior School curriculum provides an individualised pathway for each student, who will choose to study three languages in Year 7 from Spanish, French, German, Mandarin (as a new addition since this September) and Latin for one hour a week each. In Year 8, students continue studying two of these languages for one and a half hours a week and the same in Year 9. Languages are really valued at our school and, therefore, all students must study at least a MFL at GCSE, with some studying two. The department has a proven record of excellent exam results and some of our students go to Oxford or Cambridge to read languages.

We offer more than 20 co-curricular clubs, some of which are led by our language leaders. We have a quarterly Languages Magazine and often take part in different competitions, such as the UK Linguistics Olympiad, debating, the Spender Trust Competition and we run our very own Conjugation Cup Competitions in French, Spanish and German. However, the pride and joy of the department is our very well-known and very well-regarded Love Languages Competition, which has been running now for 14 years and where we welcome 15 other schools into our grounds for a Drama and Arts competition.

The new KS2 languages programme has been implemented in order to move the focus away, in these early years, from progression in one language in favour of providing a vast and diverse languages experience that allows our pupils to learn a broad range of languages or language-based subjects, enabling them to explore, take risks, have fun and develop a love for language learning that will lead them to find their own passions as well as developing global perspectives and an open-mindedness to the world. This provision will enable our students to make informed language choices for Upper 3 (Year 7) and subsequently for Lower 5 (Year 10) and Lower 6 (Year 12) and will forge a bespoke path that plays to their individual strengths and

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passions, allowing for a more personalised languages curriculum.

This new KS2 curriculum is being delivered through exposure to different types of languages (Roman, character-based, tonal, classical, modern, indigenous) and to the WoLLoW curriculum (a linguistics-based subject), which will bring pupils the opportunity to consider how different languages work, enabling them to make links between these different languages and their own. The goal is to enable their home languages to take a more centre-stage, analysing their common traits and differences with their taught languages. Through short language tasters, students will experience a variety of different types of languages and will be taken out of their comfort zone. WoLLoW will help to set the foundations for language learning and linguistics, so will also be of value to EAL students, as well as to students who speak different home languages, and the study of languages at school. Students will be more open to the wider world and other cultures. This curriculum will seek opportunities to make real links between culture and languages, such as by writing to a school in Japan, cooking Greek food and sending pictures of it to the Greek Ambassador in London, and so on.

The Languages Department is located in the Senior School building and has a suite of language rooms equipped with interactive Smartboards. In addition, there is a computer suite to which pupils have access on a rotating basis. We subscribe to numerous language websites such as the Language Gym and Languagenut which pupils are encouraged to access both in school and from home. All pupils in U3 and above are given a school iPad and their use is fully integrated into MFL lessons. Whist we are based in the Senior School, staff teach the

full range of Freemen’s pupils including KS2 and all are expected to teach throughout the full age range. We employ language assistants in many languages who support classes and individuals across the school and also run some lunchtime and after-school language clubs. From last year, we have gone back to running exchanges in Spanish, French and German to enable students to experience real-communicative situations. In January 2024 we also started to run a residential trip for Upper 3 and Lower 4 to Paris, Granada and Cologne, taking over 170 pupils all together.

Information about the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious French and/or Spanish specialist to join our school as a full-time Teacher of French from September 2024. Candidates will join a large and successful Languages department at an exciting time of its development at one of Surrey’s highest achieving schools. French is offered as an option from Year 7 and all the way up to A Level and it is one of the most popular languages in the school.

General

The teacher is accountable to the Head of Department and has responsibility for the following:

• Promoting and supporting the School’s aims and policies.

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 subject area at KS3, GCSE and AS/A level; employing a range of teaching resources including the display of pupils’ work.

• Carrying out assessment according to departmental and School policies. Recording assessment (grades/reports etc) within

deadlines set and keeping clear records.

• Setting and marking of class work and homework according to relevant School and departmental policies.

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

• Setting and marking/moderating examination coursework where appropriate.

• Providing pupils with appropriate challenges.

• Recognition of the specific needs of each pupil and of classes as a whole. Setting an appropriate pace for lessons and adapting teaching methods to the needs of pupils.

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

• Managing the classroom effectively with appropriate use of sanctions and rewards in accordance with departmental and School policies.

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

• Attending departmental meetings and sharing departmental responsibility; Attending staff meetings and School or departmental

Job description - Subject Lead (Teacher of French)

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INSET; seeking opportunities for professional development; participation in the School Professional Review (appraisal) scheme; participation in induction arrangements.

Other

• Promoting high standards of work and behaviour inside and outside the classroom.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

How to apply

Applicants should send a covering letter and a completed application form to the Headmaster via CLFS-Recruitment@cityoflondon.gov.uk, by Application deadline is 9am on 18 March.

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.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews that will take place on Thursday 21 March 2024. The School retains the right to interview and appoint at any time during the application process. Early applications are encouraged.

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).

"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."

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Your benefits

Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS)

Contributory defined benefit

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

Fee remission

Up to 50% fee remission subject to the normal entry requirements.

Cycle to work scheme

Up to £3,000 salary sacrifice

Season Ticket Loan

Free parking on site

Access to on-site facilities

City of London benefits:

• CityBenefits - discounts and cashback.

• Wellbeing resources.

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

Sports and Leisure:

• 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:

• 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.

Wellbeing:

• 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.

"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."

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