Part-time post from late August 2010
Please read in conjunction with Notes for applicants and Additional information for teachers of IB courses.The post
This post is for a part-time teacher of German on pre-university (IB and Pre-IB) courses. The number of hours available will depend on enrolment but is expected to be 3 to 6 hours per week i.e. one or two classes. Standard level classes have 3 hours per week in IB1 and 2.5 hours per week in IB2. Higher level classes have 4 hours per week. German courses offered - The college currently has significant numbers of German nationals, who take German A1, studying literature in the mother tongue at both Higher and Standard level. In addition some students take German B, studying German as a foreign language, at both Higher and Standard. Though numbers vary from year to year, there is likely to be teaching on both courses. Pre-IB students who are native English speakers occasionally elect to take German as a foreign language. Also, Pre-IB students all follow a course in World Literature. Class size is a maximum of 15, with an average of 9, and the students are invariably well-behaved and keen to learn. These are optimal conditions for a teacher to plan and deliver excellent lessons in a supportive and collegial environment. Some information on subject content can be found hereThe person
The person appointed will have an appropriate qualification or experience in teaching German. A teaching qualification e.g. a PGCE, would be useful, though not essential. Previous teaching experience at a comparable level is highly desirable. S/he will be a native speaker or of native speaker quality. We are looking for a lively and enthusiastic teacher, able to teach language and literature to a high level. Efficiency and flexibility are desirable as well as experience of working in an international environment and experience of working with students of different language / educational backgrounds.Languages in the International Baccalaureate Diploma
The IB Diploma programme requires all students to study two languages, normally their mother tongue and a foreign language. Courses are organised in two Groups, and are offered at Higher and Standard levels. German B Higher level is approximately equivalent to A level in standard, and German B Standard level are similar to or above AS level. Language A programmes e.g. German A1 has no A level equivalent, requiring a much higher level of linguistic competence, and, at Higher level, considerable depth of literary analysis. The following notes relate to IB programmes offered in German at St. Clare's.Group 1
Language A1, Higher or Standard level are both offered in German A1. The mother tongue is studied through literature. The aims of the course are to develop students' powers of expression; to promote knowledge of a variety of literary texts; and to develop a range of critical skills. A significant feature of the syllabus is World Literature: the study of texts from other literary cultures, in translation. Assessment comprises a written paper, covering commentary and essay skills; research paper(s) which are internally set and externally marked; and oral tests, including a formal oral commentary (internally set and internally marked).Group 2
Language B, Higher or Standard level both offered in German at St. Clare'sThe Language B course is a foreign language-learning programme designed for students with previous experience of learning the language, but who have not reached an advanced level of competence. The syllabus is centred on language acquisition and development, through the study of themes. The aims of the course are to help the students to communicate accurately and effectively; to develop a sound linguistic base for further study, work and leisure; and to provide insights into the culture of the language. Considerable freedom is allowed the teacher in devising teaching materials. Assessment comprises reading comprehension, and a written paper (all externally set and marked), and a range of oral tasks (internally set and marked). Ab initio, Standard level only offered in Spanish and Mandarin
As the title implies, this course is for students with no significant previous experience of learning the language. The aims of the programme are to give the student a foundation for the further study of the language; to enable them to communicate adequately in practical, everyday contexts; and to introduce the student to the culture of the language. The syllabus consists of topics developed into functions through the study of language in situations. Assessment consists of a reading comprehension/written paper (externally set and marked); and a range of oral tasks (internally set and marked). The teaching style of St. Clare's in general aims to combine informality with academic rigour. Small classes are the norm, discussion and a questioning approach are encouraged, and students are expected to acquire self-discipline in the organisation of their work.
Terms and conditions
Salaries for full-time teachers are based on the St. Clare's pay scale (in excess of the main professional scale for maintained schools), according to qualifications and experience. For part-time posts, the salary will be hourly paid (currently £33.36 per hour including holiday pay) based on the number of hours taught. Salary is subject to income tax and National Insurance deductions. The academic year for IB teaching is 35 weeks from the start of September until mid-June (with appropriate breaks that are largely synchronised with local schools). The successful candidate would be expected to teach throughout these weeks. It is highly desirable if s/he could also attend relevant meetings before and after the academic year as well as on occasional Wednesday afternoons. Classes are timetabled between 09:00 and 16:15, Monday to Friday. A reasonable effort will be made to accommodate the timing of classes to the availability of the teacher. Teachers are provided with free lunch in the dining room or café on working days.Further enquiries and applications
Please apply by sending:- a detailed letter explaining how you would be particularly suited to this position
- a full CV to include a full employment history with names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of all previous employers. Please (i) explain any gaps in employment and (ii) indicate where you have worked with students aged under 18
- details of three referees to include addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers (please ensure they know they may be contacted and will respond promptly). Note that we reserve the right to contact any of your previous employers.
St. Clare's, Oxford, 139 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7AL
Tel: +44 (0)1865 517368
Fax: +44 (0)1865 310002
Email: recruitment@stclares.ac.uk