At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach Social Sciences, engage students, and develop curriculum in a supportive environment.
- Company: The Bedford College Group is the largest education provider in the South East Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, teacher's pension, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a vibrant, inclusive community.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant subject, teaching experience, and GCSEs in English and Maths required.
- Other info: This is a full-time, fixed-term maternity cover role until April 2026.
The predicted salary is between 26300 - 40000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking a Teacher of Social Sciences to join our Sixth Forms department at The Bedford College Group.
As a Teacher, you play an important role in the success of our students through:
- Overall Responsibilities: Help students develop skills and reach potential; contribute to Sixth Form curriculum and student experience.
- Teaching Duties: Teach effectively; engage and motivate students; plan and deliver lessons; assess and record progress; contribute to retention and success targets.
- Curriculum Development: Be proactive in curriculum development; participate in performance reviews and staff development; organise extracurricular activities; apply Health and Safety guidelines.
- Student Support: Participate in meetings; produce progress reports; contribute to student enrichment; promote at Open Evenings; safeguard welfare.
- Statutory Duties: Promote safeguarding, equality and diversity, health and safety; participate in training and development.
About You
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant subject; Certificate in Education or equivalent; GCSEs in English and Maths (grades A-C).
- Experience: Teaching Sociology/Criminology; teaching in Sixth Form or FE College; successful teaching record; up-to-date subject knowledge; using ILT to enhance learning; working with diverse backgrounds; promoting equality and diversity.
- Skills: High-quality teaching; creating supportive environments; promoting Sixth Form's image; effective team member; openness to change; robust approach to work; positive team contribution; effective communication.
- Commitment: Promoting safeguarding; forming appropriate relationships; continuous skill and knowledge updates; flexible approach; willingness to work at all locations; awareness of health and safety requirements.
For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.
Interviews to be held: 02 June 2025
Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:
- Valuing Teamwork: We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
- Improving Continuously: We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
- Student Centred: At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
- Inclusive: We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
- Open and Caring: We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
- Nurturing Education Excellence: We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.
About The Bedford Sixth Form
The Bedford Sixth Form helps students to achieve their career aspirations through high academic success. We strive to offer a sixth form experience that’s different to school and one that will make our students stand out from the crowd.
Our excellent teachers are not only subject specialists but experts in teaching 16-19 year olds, so you will benefit from their focused knowledge and experience. What’s more, our beautiful period building offers you a legacy of excellent education combined with the latest facilities.
About The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year.
Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form, (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.
Safeguarding our Students
The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes, an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy.
Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.
Teacher - Social Sciences (Maternity Cover) employer: The Bedford College Group
Contact Detail:
The Bedford College Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher - Social Sciences (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the curriculum and teaching methods used at The Bedford College Group. Understanding their approach to Social Sciences will help you tailor your discussions during the interview, showcasing how your teaching style aligns with their values.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current students or alumni from The Bedford Sixth Form to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information on what works well in the classroom and how you can contribute positively to the student experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategies for promoting inclusivity and diversity in the classroom. Given the emphasis on these values at The Bedford College Group, demonstrating your commitment to creating a supportive learning environment will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your willingness to engage in continuous professional development. Highlight any recent training or workshops you've attended that relate to teaching Social Sciences, as this aligns with their vision of improving continuously and nurturing educational excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher - Social Sciences (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant teaching experience, especially in Social Sciences. Include specific examples of how you've engaged and motivated students in previous roles.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for teaching and your commitment to student success. Mention how your values align with The Bedford College Group's vision and how you can contribute to their goals.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, including your degree and any teaching certifications. If you have experience teaching Sociology or Criminology, make sure to emphasise this as it is particularly relevant to the role.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your teaching philosophy and how you promote inclusivity and diversity in the classroom. Prepare examples of how you've supported students' welfare and development.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bedford College Group
✨Know Your Subject Inside Out
As a Teacher of Social Sciences, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of Sociology and Criminology. Be prepared to discuss recent developments in these fields and how they can be applied in the classroom.
✨Demonstrate Student-Centred Approaches
Showcase your commitment to student success by sharing examples of how you've engaged and motivated students in the past. Highlight any innovative teaching methods you've used to create positive learning experiences.
✨Align with Their Values
The Bedford College Group values teamwork, continuous improvement, and inclusivity. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your teaching practice and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific classroom situations or challenges. Think through potential scenarios related to safeguarding, promoting equality, and supporting diverse learners, and be ready to share your strategies.