Job Description for Head of Mathematics (September 2012 or January 2013)
Glenalmond College is a fully co-educational boarding and day school, set in the stunning Perthshire
countryside. There are currently 393 pupils at Glenalmond between the ages of 12 and 18. Nearly
90% of the pupils are full time boarders and the ratio of boys to girls is 60% to 40%. The principal
point of entry is at 13 although a small Second Form group is geared towards those transferring at
12 from the Scottish primary system. The College follows the English examination system at GSCE
and A level.
We are seeking a well-qualified and inspirational teacher with a proven track record in the classroom
and some management experience to lead this important department from September 2012 or
January 2013. The successful candidate should be registered with an appropriate professional body
(e.g. GTC Scotland or GTC England) or be eligible and willing to become so registered on
appointment. A full driving licence would be an advantage.
This post provides an exciting opportunity to build upon an already strong and thriving Department
which currently consists of five Mathematics specialists, three of whom teach a full timetable, with
one other member of staff who has a part time Economics timetable (but who is nevertheless a full
time member of staff) and one part time member of staff who offers one to one Mathematics
support.
We prepare pupils for the English examination system and the pupils follow the modular Edexcel A
level course, currently consisting of all units on offer (C1-4, FP1-3, M1-5, S1-4 and D1-2.) Each year
some Upper Sixth pupils are usually required to sit STEP papers or AEA. All Sixth Form
Mathematicians are entered for the UKMT Senior Mathematics challenge with some progressing to
the Olympiad or Kangaroo.
The uptake of this subject in the sixth form is extremely strong and we currently have 45 pupils
taking AS Mathematics (including 8 Further Mathematicians completing A level Mathematics in one
year) and 28 pupils taking A2 Mathematics (including 9 Further Mathematicians who usually each
take 2.5 A levels and one who is sitting all 3 Maths A levels). Our pupils aspire to study Engineering,
Mathematics, Economics and Science at University with applications to the most competitive
universities in the Russell Group and Oxbridge with A*A requirements.
Below the Sixth Form school pupils in each year group are placed (by the Head of Department) into
four sets in third form and five sets in fourth and fifth form based on ability. Almost all pupils take
Edexcel Linear Higher Level GCSE Mathematics with just a few needing extra support and taking
Entry Level Maths Certificates under the guidance of the Learning Support Unit. (2011 A* 26%, A*-A
61%, A*-B 88% and A* - C 99%) A fifth form express group of about 15 pupils takes their GCSE early
in November and then continues with parts of C1 and C2 AS level work. This group becomes the
nucleus of a large accelerated A level group including the Further Mathematicians in lower sixth
form. The top two sets of pupils in fourth and fifth form sit the Intermediate Maths Challenge and
the best progress to the Kangaroo and a few to the Intermediate Olympiad.
All rooms have Digital Projectors and most have Promethean interactive boards and members of the
department are proficient in their use. The department uses a range of software including
Omnigraph, Autograph and Cabri. Voting handsets are in use and the use of Graphic Calculators,
Texas TI-Nspires, is being developed. The department has subscriptions for pupils to MyMaths and
MathsNet GCSE and A level websites and uses the VLE when appropriate. The use of mini-
whiteboards, AfL and active learning techniques is encouraged. The department runs two “drop in”
help sessions each week which are very well attended.
Professional and Personal qualities sought:
 A passion for Mathematics and a relevant qualification at degree level
 The ability and experience to teach the full range of A level Maths
 Organisational and leadership ability to run a busy department
 A commitment to teaching and learning and a willingness to engage in reflection and
improvement
 A willingness to be adaptable and flexible yet innovative and committed
 An understanding of the boarding school ethos and in particular a willingness to take a full
part in other areas of College life, including tutoring and extra-curricular activities (there is
an expectation that all staff contribute to these areas)
 Strong inter-personal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with colleagues,
parents and pupils
 An ability to understand teenagers and work constructively with them whilst maintaining
clear standards of behaviour
 A willingness to embrace continual, personal professional development
General Expectations and Requirements: For the proper furtherance of their duties all full time
members of teaching staff are expected to live on the campus; housing is provided free of rent or
Council Tax. Glenalmond College has its own generous salary scale which reflects the degree of
commitment required. Fee concessions are available for staff children who attend Glenalmond and
there are various reciprocal arrangements with local Prep schools. All appointments are
probationary for one year. All new members of staff will be provided with a full induction
programme and will be allocated an experienced member of staff as a mentor. The College will
expect to see evidence to verify qualifications achieved.
Application: Glenalmond is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children:
applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including
checks with past employers and a satisfactory PVG report from Disclosure Scotland. Appointments
will be conditional on references acceptable to the College. Applicants should visit our website
www.glenalmondcollege.co.uk for further information and to obtain an application form. Any
questions can be addressed to The Warden ([email protected]) or on 01738
842143.
All applications should be on the College Application Form and should include a full CV showing
months and years in employment and provide names and full contact details (including telephone
numbers) of three referees.
Please return completed applications by 19th March by post (marked Private & Confidential) to:
The Warden
Glenalmond College
Perth
PH1 3RY
Or by email to [email protected]