Teacher of Sport and Exercise

Highgate School seeks to appoint teachers who will have, in addition to the professional qualities outlined below, the following proven personal qualities, or the potential to develop them. At interview, candidates will have the opportunity to demonstrate or give an account of these attributes.

• Profound and continuing interest in the subject/s to be taught.
• The depth of knowledge and agility of mind to allow flexibility in lessons, adapting delivery as appropriate in the light of pupils’ responses.
• Empathy with pupils across the age and ability spectrum at Highgate and the ability to implement a range of teaching strategies to cater for each individual pupil.
• Capacity to deal sensitively with problems raised by pupils, in line with Highgate’s pastoral policies and sanctions system, working in partnership with Highgate’s designated staff i/c pastoral care.
• Ability to create effective rapport and a sound relationship with pupils, earning their respect and trust but maintaining proper professional boundaries by not deliberately courting popularity or friendship.
• Dynamism and enthusiasm to contribute broadly to the life of a busy co-educational independent day school.
• Willingness to contribute to the extensive range of activities provided for pupils and to support them in their co-curricular pursuits.
• Capacity for industry and initiative in both independent work and as part of teams of colleagues in academic work, pastoral care, sports and co-curricular activities.
• Awareness and understanding of matters relating to the personal, social, health and emotional development of pupils.
• Willingness and ability to liaise effectively and professionally between pupils, staff and parents when required, making accurate records of these exchanges.
• Patience and thoughtfulness to see any issues that may arise with pupils, parents or colleagues from a variety of perspectives.
• The ability to defuse difficult situations using different strategies such as careful listening, sensitive use of humour, praise and recognition where due, utilising the School’s reward system.
• Retention of a sense of perspective and, on occasion, the invaluable ability to laugh at oneself.

Main Responsibilities

• Curriculum Delivery
  • Plan and deliver lessons and sessions, from schemes of work set out by Heads of Section and Heads of Individual Sports.
  • Plan for groups taught, both in relation to ability and pupil information available regarding individual needs.
  • Review and reflect on lessons, reporting and offering feedback on lessons, groups and individuals, to Heads of Section and the Heads of Individual Sports.
  • Contribute to the development of lesson/coaching plans and schemes, supporting the development of our programmes with clear objectives and expectations.
• Pupil Development
  • Assist in ensuring, through Heads of Section, that there is clear guidance for pupils and parents/carers at Highgate.
  • Support in developing and fostering a positive environment for all.
  • Keep abreast of the latest research within youth development, including how other organisations are currently working to support pupil development and player pathways.
  • Develop opportunities within your lessons and sessions for groups and individuals to be supported, offer feedback and monitor improvement.
• Staff Development
  • All members of the SpEx team are asked to work in a variety of ways.
  • Be prepared to lead, support and work collaboratively, to aid development for all staff, including yourself.
  • Share lesson and session plan design with other colleagues, alongside any recent literature, evidence or best practice you may come across through other organisations and channels.
  • Personally reflect, review and appraise, offering feedback to be considered by your line manager, Heads of Section and the Individual Heads of Sport.
  • Participate and contribute to INSET training for staff as required.
  • Contribute to the wider school community by supporting with tutoring responsibilities and staff duties where necessary.
• Competition
  • Support the sports programme in relation to year-round planning for training, fixtures and tournaments.
  • Work closely with relevant Heads of Sport and other colleagues, to prepare and select squads, using school software to communicate selections, fixture and competition details.
  • Support relevant Heads of Sport in ensuring effective and positive communication regarding fixtures, across pupils, parents/carers and the teaching body of the School.
  • Coach, officiate and manage fixtures and tournaments, as required across our extra-curricular programme, which includes an extensive Saturday fixture programme.
  • Support intra school competition, which includes whole year group events in a number of activities.
  • Support at least one sports tour a year as required by the Director of Sport.