Harris Hill are delighted to be recruiting for a Teacher of Maths to begin in September 2019 in Herfordshire. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced teacher or exceptional NQT to join an exciting Mathematics department within an excellent school.

TEACHER OF MATHEMATICS

The vacancy arises due to the retirement of a long-serving member of the Department. This exciting opportunity may particularly suit a new entrant to the profession or an already-excellent classroom practitioner looking to gain wider experience in a second post. The successful candidate will be able to teach from KS3 to A Level Further Mathematics and prepare students for Oxbridge entry. The starting date is 1 September 2019.

THE MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

Mathematics is the largest academic department in the School, reflecting the popularity of the subject amongst A Level students; approximately two-thirds of the Lower Sixth choose to study it with increasing numbers studying Maths and Further Maths. There are currently 12 specialist teachers of whom two are part-time, whilst others hold senior leadership and pastoral positions within the School. Across the department staff take responsibility for individual year groups, enrichment and the many trips that the students enjoy.

There are eight dedicated maths teaching rooms, all with smartboards alongside more traditional whiteboards. There is a large office adjacent to teaching rooms, which is the hub of the department, with individual working and storage space. The Department is excited about its forthcoming move into the new purpose-built Mathematics Building which is currently under construction and due to open in January 2020.

The well-qualified staff boast a wide range of specialisms and experience, including coaching teams of students for national competitions, preparing students for Oxbridge entry and setting and examining external exams.

Students in the Lower School (Years 7 and 8) are arranged into appropriate sets after their first term, in order that their learning requirements can be appropriately addressed, although they all study the same course. In Third Form (Year 9) the new entrants are combined into sets with the current students, the setting being flexible throughout to ensure that every boy is enabled to reach his full potential. All year groups have three SO-minute lessons each week, other than Fourth Form (Year 10) who have four. Any student identified with Specific Learning Difficulties is offered appropriate support, advice and strategies for coping. The Edexcel International GCSE course is started in Third Form, with all students sitting the exam in the January of Fifth Form (Year 11). The most recent cohort gained 92% A* - A which is a fairly typical outcome. As preparation for studying A Level Maths, Fifth Form students also complete an internal Additional Maths course, offering them the opportunity to explore some A level content and they may choose to sit an external exam associated with this, but in all cases progress is monitored closely to check for suitably for Sixth Form Maths.

In the Sixth Form all students study the OCR (B) MEI specification, taught by two different teachers, whilst those choosing to study Further Maths are taught in their own classes by four different members of staff In the Upper Sixth there is also an opportunity for single mathematicians to study for an AS in Further Maths. Engineering and Economics are popular choices for Oxbridge applicants and there are extension and enrichment lessons to support the Mathematics needed for these courses. Visiting lecturers and day trips out offer an insight into the many and varied possibilities that Mathematics can lead to.


Essential Qualities
An excellent classroom practitioner (or with the potential to become one) with a genuine passion for Mathematics, able to lead by example and inspire pupils across the whole age range.
A good degree in Mathematics or a closely-related discipline.
Commitment to achieving the highest academic standards and ensuring all pupils reach their full potential.
Desire to stretch the ablest pupils through extension lessons and support the less mathematically-gifted through clinics and revision lessons.
Willingness to work both independently and as part of a friendly and supportive team.
Outgoing and positive in personality with a 'can-do' mindset and the enthusiasm and gravitas to be an outstanding ambassador for the School.
Approachable and measured in manner with the ability to set high standards in the classroom whilst forming strong working relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents.
Willingness to consider and reflect on teaching methods.
Commitment to continuing professional development.
Organisation, discretion, resilience, flexibility and attention to detail.
Excellent skills in oral and written communication.
Willingness to contribute to the School's extensive co-curricular programme.
Confident proficiency with using Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Word and Excel. Training will be provided on the School's Management Information System and VLE.

Desirable Qualities
Post-graduate academic and/or teaching qualifications (e.g. PGCE).
A successful track record of A Level and GCSE teaching.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The vacancy is for a full-time teacher. The School has its own salary structure based on, but substantially above, national scales and a wide range of opportunities for advancement beyond the basic incremental spine. The School provides statutory induction for NQTs and will assist graduate entrants to the profession to gain QT status.

A relocation package including a mortgage subsidy scheme and/or short-term single bed-sit accommodation may be available in appropriate cases.

Full-time staff receive a remission of two-thirds of school fees for children educated at the School. This provision is subject to the availability of places and to the satisfying of the School's usual entry criteria.

The successful candidate will be expected to join the contributory pension scheme operated by the Teachers' Pension Agency, if not already a member.

The close date for applications is Monday 21st January but early applications are strongly encouraged

Please submit your CV to this role or email jess.green@harrishill.co.uk for further information.

We look forward to receiving your application

Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.