WORKING AT THE CRYPT SCHOOL
Floreat
‘FLOREAT SCHOLA CRYPTIENSIS’
Floreat Schola Cryptiensis
Our School vision is derived from our Latin Motto –Floreat – which means ‘to flourish’ and at The Crypt School, we wish all our students and staff to flourish in everything they do. The Crypt School offers opportunities for everyone within the school community to flourish, whether that is our students flourishing in their classroom learning, flourishing on the games field, on the stage, or in the music rooms; or our wonderfully talented and ambitious staff flourishing in their teaching, in their leadership roles, or in the work they do to support the busy life of this outstanding grammar school.
We believe that our broad, balanced and vibrant curriculum, in which our teachers are subject specialists and strive to be outstanding practitioners, enables us to bring out the very best in every student.
Our school community is wonderfully diverse, talented and creative and is built on the five shared values of Crypt School life: responsibility, respect, pride, kindness and integrity.
At the heart of our school life stands a powerful and shared sense of community in which we value each person as an individual who we strongly believe has the potential to make a real difference to both their own life and to the lives of others.
Your future…
At The Crypt School, we welcome applications from colleagues who will share in our commitment to help support all our students to flourish in their school and adult lives and who wish, themselves, to learn and develop as part of a school community.
NEW TO TEACHING?
Teaching
Teaching is a rewarding profession and offers individuals the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of young people in so many ways. Our ECT provision aims to support the transition from being a PGCE student to becoming a more experienced member of staff. At The Crypt, in addition to the statutory support, you will develop as a teacher from:
• an ECT programme linked to developing all aspects of your pedagogical skills, subject knowledge and understanding of student wellbeing
• informal lesson observations and individualised feedback on your lessons to help you develop further as a reflective practitioner
• a dedicated in-school training manager
• support from a dedicated departmental mentor
• opportunities to observe colleagues in all departments
DEVELOPING YOUR SKILLS AND LEADING OTHERS
Developing your skills
The best teachers are committed to continuing to develop their pedagogical practice, subject knowledge and their understanding of students’ pastoral needs. We strongly believe that professional development is at the very heart of an outstanding school culture. Crypt teachers benefit from a combination of internal and external opportunities for their own profession development as teachers, as tutors and as leaders. Time is given to departments to learn and to develop together, to build a strong departmental ethos and vision for their curriculum area. All teachers will be asked to commit themselves to learning about and practising one of our teaching and learning strands for developing excellence in the classroom – currently these are: metacognition, feedback and challenge. Our internal CPDL programme offers opportunities for teachers to choose their own professional development pathway, including opportunities for external courses and visits to other schools for example.
Many teachers will wish to move into a middle or senior leadership role and we strongly support those who wish to do so. Posts of responsibility include:
middle leadership:
• head of year
• head of/second in department
• subject mentors
• teaching and learning leads
• outreach work and other coordinating roles
senior leadership:
• assistant heads in charge of an area of whole-school work
• deputy head and headship
Support is provided to those seeking promotion to middle and senior leadership roles and external courses are available such as the specialist NPQs.
We also offer the opportunity for colleagues to study for relevant master’s programmes.
Development PLANNING YOUR DEVELOPMENT
CRYPT ANNUAL CPDL TRAINING PROGRAMME
This programme will vary annually but will include:
Statutory training
Prevent and Child Protection
On-line safety
Fire safety
GDPR
H&S in education
Departmental- based training
Teaching and learning strands
iPad training
External speakers
External courses focused on teaching, learning and assessment and tailored to individual and whole-school requirements.
PGCE/TRAINEES
Supporting teachers to achieve QTS
In addition to University / SCITT training programmes trainees will engage in the Crypt CPDL training programme as outlined in the first column with the exception of external courses.
In addition to University / SCITT training programmes trainees will be given the opportunity to meet regularly on an informal basis with current ECTs at The Crypt to discuss best practice.
ECT – YEAR 1
Supporting new teachers to start their development as an ECT
Induction tutor
Registration with Odyssey Teaching Hub and UCL
90% timetable
Induction programme (Early Career Framework), including regular observations and opportunities to observe other colleagues
Weekly meetings with mentor
Regular informal support
Termly meetings with Induction
Tutor
Regional Training
Local Group Sessions
Peer to Peer sessions
Webinars
Meetings with current trainees and Y2 ECTs to discuss best practice.
School CPDL programme, including T&L strands, iPad training and external speakers
Priority external CPD funding
ECT – YEAR 2
Supporting teachers in their second year to firmly embed their pedagogy and progress towards excellence (from 2021)
Continuing external CPD as priority
95% timetable
Continued access to mentor and ECF training programme, including regular observations and opportunities to observe other colleagues
Support during the Performance Line Management transition phase from Training Manager to HoD
Fortnightly meetings with mentor
Regular informal support
Termly meetings with Induction
Tutor
Regional Training
Local Group Sessions
Peer to Peer sessions
Webinars
Meetings encouraging communication between current trainees and Y1 ECTs to discuss best practice.
Opportunities to contribute to / lead innovative pedagogy sessions to colleagues.
School CPDL programme, including T&L strands, iPad training and external speakers
Priority external CPDL funding
ALL TEACHING STAFF
Supporting all teachers to further strengthen their skills and understanding
Leading trips and visits
Membership of a working party
GITEP roles
ECT Mentor
Supporting teaching schoolwork
EPQ supervisor
Support enrichment activities
Student Teacher (ITT) Subject Mentor
Sharing best practice
Primary transitions and outreach work.
Visits to other schools
Work shadowing and coaching.
MIDDLE LEADERSHIP
Supporting colleagues moving into a promoted post
All are subject to approval
NPQSL - Senior Leadership
NPQSenco - Senco - fully funded
NPQLBC - Leading Behaviour and Culture
NPQLL - Leading Literacy
NPQLT - Leading Teaching
NPQLTD - Leading Teacher Development
SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Supporting colleagues on their journey towards exceptional leadership
Opportunities to shadow other leaders
Crypt aspirant seniors leaders development programme Senior leadership roles
Part funded master’s programmes
NPQSL
NPQH
Senior Leadership programmedelivered by the Headmaster and by our own National Leader of Governance for aspirant senior leaders and headship applicants
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT STAFFSupport
Our professional support staff play a vital role within the School – directly and indirectly helping the work of the teachers and the learning and progress of the students and young adults in the sixth form. Our professional support staff are firmly embedded into the life of the school and can access a variety of CPDL opportunities
both internally and through external providers. Many of our support staff work directly with students such as our pastoral support workers and they receive specific training and support in relation to their roles. Support staff accompany trips and support enrichment activities and through their work get to know the students well.
STAFF WELLBEING
Wellbeing
We understand the importance of a proper work-life balance and offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward the essential contribution our staff make to the success and growth of the School. As an employer, the School encourages all staff to maintain a healthy worklife balance and as such promotes activities for the staff to enjoy. A staff wellbeing committee exists led by an Associate Member of SLT to help inform and develop our approach to improving staff welfare at school.
Free tea and coffee available each day.
Employee Flu jab reimbursement scheme
Our free staff flu jab service aims to protect you from getting sick during the flu season. The flu virus affects people of all ages, including those who are otherwise healthy.
Cycle to work scheme and child-care vouchers
All members of staff are entitled to purchase a bike through the cycle to work scheme, which involves salary sacrifice out of gross pay, therefore reducing your tax bill with the bike you purchase being considerably cheaper than buying it directly.
Use of the school gym and other facilities
All staff are entitled to use the school fitness gym, sports hall or pavilion for free out of school hours. Hire of any of other School’s facilities at cost. The new School Pavilion for example, is a great venue for birthday parties. The sports hall is brilliant for holding young children’s bouncy castle or football parties.
Parcel deliveries
The School will receive parcels for staff during the working day.
Extra Week of holiday
The School closes a week earlier than other schools enabling staff to go on holiday before most schools close. Discretionary family days can also be taken with the agreement of the Headmaster.
Buy back scheme
Each member of staff is entitled to buy back up to 5 extra days holiday in each academic year so they can attend those events, or go away for a long weekend for example that they would not normally be able to do given the fixed nature of school term times and holidays.
Staff Counselling
Psychological wellbeing is a critical component of sound health and wellbeing. Counselling is available to all staff for free upon request; all requests are treated with the strictest confidentiality. In addition we have a qualified team of adult mental health first aiders.
Staff socials
Staff socials occur throughout the year and many staff colleagues enjoy socialising together at these events i.e. staff sport events and evenings out.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The Crypt School is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of employees. We understand that personal and work-related problems can affect your performance, motivation, and quality of life. That’s why we have paid for and partnered with Gloucestershire County Council’s leading provider of Employee Assistance Programmes, to offer a confidential and free EAP service.
Flexible Working
Teaching staff have an opportunity to flexibly use some PPA time.
Pensions
All staff can be enrolled into a defined benefit pension scheme either the Teachers scheme or the Support Staff Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Support staff have the opportunity to join a salary sacrifice shared AVC scheme which is an opportunity to pay additional pension contributions before tax and national insurance is deducted.
STEPH
I have worked at The Crypt School for 15 years, previously working for Lloyds Bank for 22 years.
During that time, I took on many roles including Cashier, Customer Services officer, Account Manager, team leader of Customer Services and data processing for the Area Director. Being able to offer good customer service and the ability to work as part of a team and alone were vital.
Making the decision to leave was not easy but I felt that the focus had moved away from being customer service led to sales driven meaning I no longer enjoyed it as much.
I was excited but apprehensive about stepping out of my comfort zone, but it was definitely the right move! The welcome and support I received from my new colleagues at The Crypt was incredible and remains so now. The customer service skills, the experience of being a Cub Leader for 30+ years and a youth leader at my Church have all been beneficial but the ongoing training that I receive is equally important.
My first 9 years as a receptionist saw the role evolve; I embraced those changes and working with great friends and colleagues made this much easier. The ability to empathise, listen, and work with support staff, teachers, students and parents is essential.
I have now taken on the Pastoral Support role, some days can be a challenge but knowing that I am perhaps making a difference to a young person is certainly rewarding. I value the support I receive from colleagues. I enjoy assisting the PE dept. with netball during lessons, clubs and fixtures. Also having the opportunity to go on residential trips has allowed me get to know students better and them me, giving them the confidence to approach me if they have a problem.
CORY
My name is Cory Howell, and I am a passionate educator specialising in History and Politics. I am currently furthering my expertise by pursuing a Master of Science in
Learning & Teaching at Oxford University. This advanced study not only underscores my dedication to the field of education but also equips me with cutting-edge pedagogical skills and knowledge, enhancing my ability to inspire and educate my students.
Beyond the classroom, I am excited to embark on a new role as an assistant manager for the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award programme. In this capacity, I am driven by a strong desire to make the DofE experience more accessible and inclusive for both students and their parents. Recognising the profound impact that the DofE programme can have on young people’s personal development, I am committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate, regardless of their economic background, or circumstances.
My enthusiasm for education is matched by my strategic vision in using education as the primary tool in breakingdown class barriers. By combining my expertise in history and politics with my advanced studies and leadership in the DofE programme, I strive to exemplify a modern educator dedicated to enabling all students at The Crypt School to flourish, academically and personally.
HANNAH
I joined the Crypt 6 years ago to be a French and Spanish Teacher, I have also been Head of Year 12 and have since been promoted to Head of MFL. Prior to joining I was working at a school in the Forest of Dean, which was my first job back in teaching after an eight year hiatus in which I worked initially for Accenture in London as a Management Consultant, and later for Nuffield Health in Bristol as a Personal Trainer. Why so many different careers?
I graduated and moved to London to embark on the Teach First programme; a challenging two-year teaching placement in a struggling school. This experience made me realise how much I enjoyed teaching, but also how intensely demanding it was and that, aged just 24 at the time, I was not ready to commit myself to the profession for the foreseeable future. Instead, I took up a job with Accenture in central London and spent nearly four years working for a range of different companies on short, medium and long-term projects, learning a huge amount over the time that I would never have experienced in a school environment. My decision to retrain as a Personal Trainer was an intensely personal one and helped me to manage a challenging period in my life, but like teaching, was a hugely rewarding experience and is one I have never regretted.
Since returning to teaching nearly three years ago, and especially since joining the Crypt, I have felt entirely settled and for the first time know that this is my forever job. It was always my belief that I would greatly enjoy a pastoral role and so when a position became available last year I was encouraged to apply and became Head of Year 12 this academic year. I love this role, it encompasses all the main reasons I initially became a teacher and is one that I know will challenge me for years to come.
The Crypt is a hugely rewarding school to work for; all the staff are so hard working and dedicated, it is a privilege to be one of them, and our students make coming to work every day thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile.
GEORGE
I trained as an actor at the Arts University in Bournemouth and spent many years working as an actor. Alongside auditioning for roles, I spent a year working as the Directorin-Residence at the Lund Theatre in London. Part of my role was to lead acting workshops for the young people at University College School (a local independent school), and from this work my love for teaching blossomed.
I completed my PGCE in 2020 and joined The Crypt School in September 2021. Despite only being part of the school for a short while, I have been welcomed with such enthusiasm and positivity from both the students and staff alike. Working with the students here at The Crypt School is a complete joy, as they are all wonderfully unique and talented.
As a fairly new teacher, I have found the support especially from my fellow teachers to be invaluable, I feel my voice is often heard and indeed valued, something I have not felt so strongly in a school environment before.
I am incredibly excited to begin my new role as Head of Year Seven, a very exciting new challenge for me! Working at The Crypt School this past year has been fantastic, a place where you always feel appreciated and valued for the unique skills and talents you bring to the school.
EMAIL: enquiries@crypt.gloucs.sch.uk
WEBSITE: www.cryptschool.org
FOLLOW US: facebook.com/cryptschool twitter.com/cryptschool linkedin.com/school/crypt-school
INVICTUS by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY THE CRYPT SCHOOL ALUMNUS 1867