Teacher of Languages (Spanish) : TMS range
With the ability to teach German or French as a second language
Permanent, Full time
1. THE VACANCY
From 1st September 2016, we are looking to appoint a Teacher of Spanish on a permanent and full time
contract. The successful candidate will be able to teach Spanish to A-Level and German or French as a
second language, preferably to GCSE, and will join an enthusiastic, forward-thinking and skilled Modern
Languages team.
2. THE FACULTY
The languages taught are French, German, and Spanish. Each language has equal status, with all three
being introduced in Year 7 and taught to GCSE and also at AS and A2 Level.
The Faculty aims to teach pupils of all abilities to the highest possible level, taking into account individual
aptitudes. It is the policy of the Faculty that the target language should be the prevailing language of the
classroom. A considerable variety of resources and supplementary materials is available. Current areas of
development include an innovative project on phonics in Year 7, developing written accuracy through pupil
responses to marking, and using foreign language films as vehicles for learning. GCSE results have fluctuated
in the past three years, and we of course need to rise to the challenges presented by changing
specifications so that our students achieve consistently beyond expectations.
In 2004 the Faculty won the European Award for Languages as a centre of excellence for European
Languages. This approach continues to underpin the ongoing development of our teaching methodology and
our continuing quest to enhance pupils’ learning.
The winning project was called “Talk, so that pupils listen … and listen so that pupils talk”.
At the ceremony the judges commented that, “The project impresses because it is a complex
package, built around a shared philosophy and trialled over time. Its impact is instantly
apparent in the classroom interactions. Particularly impressive were the confidence of pupils
when using complex language spontaneously, and the teachers’ clear enjoyment of their
work.”
The Modern Language Faculty at Gordano is thriving and successful in many respects. We are confident that
it will provide a happy working environment, with scope for personal and professional development. We are
extremely supportive of each other and have a positive attitude to risk-taking and innovation.
3. ACCOMMODATION and RESOURCES
The Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages is clustered together in a suite of specialist rooms. Some teachers
are based principally in one classroom, but the priority has been to timetable classes consistently in the
same room. Sometimes teachers therefore work in more than one classroom, and inevitably some are
occasionally timetabled to teach outside of the faculty area. We have our own networked computer room,
and all classes are timetabled here for one lesson each fortnight. All classrooms have an Interactive
Whiteboard with a networked computer.
Each teacher has a desk in the Faculty Office. The Assistants’ Room houses some resources but is also a
teaching room for small groups with the Foreign Language Assistants.
4. THE CURRICULUM
All Year 7 students now study one language in mixed ability groups. Parents are invited to say if they have a
particular reason for studying French, German or Spanish before entry to the school, and wishes are
May 2016
accommodated where possible. In Year 8 students continue with the same language but are placed in either
set 1 or 2 or in a broadly banded group.
The Personalised Stage at Gordano now begins in Year 9 (in place of the outmoded Key Stage 4), and a
language is compulsory for the majority of students through to Year 11. Year 9 students are placed in ability
sets, with all sets currently taking AQA GCSE courses.
From Year 9, students can opt to take a second and even third language alongside their first language, and
we currently have good numbers in all three languages.
AS and A2 courses (Edexcel) run in all three languages.
5. TRIPS ABROAD
Each year the Faculty organises major five-day visits to France, Germany and Spain for Year 8 pupils. In
December we take older students to the Christmas Markets in Aachen and Lille. We run AS/A2 study trips to
Madrid, Berlin and Paris and encourage students to participate in the Bristol-Bordeaux Exchange, and have
some exciting links with other schools developing through Comenius projects. We are looking to establish a
programme of visits and exchanges which have increasing linguistic demands and require increasing levels of
independence from students, and an enthusiasm for this aspect of the Faculty’s work is essential.
6. THE MODERN LANGUAGES TEAM
The Modern Language Faculty consists, at present, of a team of 6 full time teachers and 3 part time
teachers. We currently also have French, German and Spanish Foreign Language Assistants. The Head of
Faculty and Assistant Head of Faculty are currently Heads of French and German respectively, and we also
have a Head of Spanish and an Achievement Coordinator in leadership positions, as well as a Specialist
Leader in Education.
Name
Role/Subjects
Jennifer Bannister
Spanish, French; 2 in faculty
Charlotte Fosker
Spanish, French
Rachel Allen
Spanish (part time)
Peter Morris
Specialist Leader in Education, German, French
Sophie Clemas
French, German (NQT)
Joanna Pogmore
French, German, Spanish
Chris Pugh
Head of Faculty, Head of French, German
Barbara Sciarrino
Head of Spanish, French
Sarah Stevens
Achievement Coordinator, German, French (part time)
nd
7. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
Interested candidates should display the following:
Excellent teaching skills
Ability to develop excellent relationships with pupils and staff
Good organisational skills and ability to work in a team
Linguistic proficiency and confidence in teaching languages
Commitment to using ICT as a teaching tool
Commitment to high expectations and standards of work
Enthusiasm, flexibility and ability to adopt differing teaching styles
Creativity in bringing ideas to the faculty
Enthusiasm for and willingness to participate in or lead trips abroad
Sense of humour
8. APPLICATIONS & CLOSING DATE
May 2016
Applications should be made to the Headteacher, Gary Lewis, by letter (maximum two sides of A4)
accompanied by a fully completed application form (curriculum vitae optional) with details of all
educational qualifications, including grades obtained.
Please download the application form and additional details from our website: www.gordanoschool.org.uk,
ensuring the names and contact details (address, telephone or email) are enclosed of TWO referees to
support your application. References will be used to support the selection process and therefore obtained
prior to interview.
Closing date for applications: 9am Friday 20th May 2016
Interviews: Thursday, 26th May 2016
For any queries please contact Tara Phillis, HR Manager
([email protected])
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and
expects all staff to share this commitment. Enhanced DBS & ISA checks are required for all successful
applicants.
Gordano School, St Marys Road, Portishead BS20 7QR
01275 842606
[email protected]
Gordano School is an equal opportunities employer and an IIP organisation.
If you have not heard from us by 26th May 2016, please accept our thanks for your application and
assume that on this occasion you have not been successful.
May 2016