Head of Modern Foreign Languages

  • Organisation: St Mary's School, Gerrards Cross
  • Location: Buckinghamshire
  • Tenure: Full-time
  • Closing Date: Friday 3 May 2024

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational Head of Modern Foreign Languages with energy, vision and a commitment to innovation.

The successful candidate will lead a department of committed, enthusiastic Teachers who are passionate about the importance of Language Learning. There are currently three subject areas, French, Spanish and German, all of which are offered to A Level. Italian is taught via a co-curricular club.

All girls in Key Stage 3 study French but in Year 8 add in either Spanish or German. Whilst parents are invited to support applications for a particular language, the final decision lies with the Head of Department and we endeavour to achieve an equal split. There is a free choice of language at KS4 but all girls must study at least one. We have a good proportion of dual linguists and an increasing number of girls are opting to continue languages at A level, some of whom go on to read Modern Languages at University. We currently follow Edexcel GCSE and A level courses in all three languages. Our girls have a proven track record of success at GCSE and A level, with many returning to school after University to encourage girls to study these subjects.

Trips to France, Germany and Spain are a regular feature of the department; these are very well supported, and we endeavour to ensure that at least part of the trips takes place in term time. All staff in the department are expected to take part in these trips. A level students are strongly encouraged to complete work experience abroad organised via http://workexperienceabroad.co.uk/. The department is well resourced with dedicated classrooms and good ICT facilities. Language clubs are held in each language, a successful pen friend system is in place and the department celebrates European Day of Languages each year with a variety of activities.

The successful candidate should have stamina, good humour and demonstrate strong organizational skills. Good ICT skills are essential and candidates should be aware that technology is used to enhance learning throughout the curriculum. Staff play a crucial part in the marketing of the school and attend all Open events, as well as our annual evening Carol Service and Prize Giving in July. Staff participation in the co-curricular life of the school is a requirement, developing relationships with students and their parents and ensuring a breadth of opportunities for our girls.

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational Head of Modern Foreign Languages with energy, vision and a commitment to innovation.


Description

The successful candidate will lead a department of committed, enthusiastic Teachers who are passionate about the importance of Language Learning. There are currently three subject areas, French, Spanish and German, all of which are offered to A Level. Italian is taught via a co-curricular club.

All girls in Key Stage 3 study French but in Year 8 add in either Spanish or German. Whilst parents are invited to support applications for a particular language, the final decision lies with the Head of Department and we endeavour to achieve an equal split. There is a free choice of language at KS4 but all girls must study at least one. We have a good proportion of dual linguists and an increasing number of girls are opting to continue languages at A level, some of whom go on to read Modern Languages at University. We currently follow Edexcel GCSE and A level courses in all three languages. Our girls have a proven track record of success at GCSE and A level, with many returning to school after University to encourage girls to study these subjects.

Trips to France, Germany and Spain are a regular feature of the department; these are very well supported, and we endeavour to ensure that at least part of the trips takes place in term time. All staff in the department are expected to take part in these trips. A level students are strongly encouraged to complete work experience abroad organised via http://workexperienceabroad.co.uk/. The department is well resourced with dedicated classrooms and good ICT facilities. Language clubs are held in each language, a successful pen friend system is in place and the department celebrates European Day of Languages each year with a variety of activities.

The successful candidate should have stamina, good humour and demonstrate strong organizational skills. Good ICT skills are essential and candidates should be aware that technology is used to enhance learning throughout the curriculum. Staff play a crucial part in the marketing of the school and attend all Open events, as well as our annual evening Carol Service and Prize Giving in July. Staff participation in the co-curricular life of the school is a requirement, developing relationships with students and their parents and ensuring a breadth of opportunities for our girls.


St Mary's School, Gerrards Cross

St Mary's School, Gerrards Cross
Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, SL9 8JQ

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