Teacher of Humanities (History specialism)

Responsible to: Head of Individuals and Societies

Salary: Competitive

Hours of work: c.0.6 FTE, 12 months fixed term contract (Starting August 2026)

Job Purpose

The Individuals and Societies faculty at St Leonards is a truly inspirational place in which to work. You will join a well-established, collaborative, innovative and highly supportive team of colleagues who put the progress of pupils at their centre. This is an unparalleled opportunity to join one of the largest and most successful faculties at this exciting time in the School’s history, as we approach the 150th anniversary of the School’s founding. While the primary focus of this role is History, we are particularly interested in candidates who possess the flexibility to teach other humanities subjects, or English, to MYP or GCSE level.

About the role

• Employ a range of teaching and assessment strategies and resources to lead dynamic and engaging lessons with a clear focus on pupil progress.
• Set expectations and pace of work which make appropriate demands on all pupils and ensure that all pupils are effectively challenged.
• Be reflective in practice, show an engagement with current educational thinking, and proactively seek opportunities for professional development.
• Identify and respond appropriately to pupils with difficulties in learning and recognise when to seek further advice in relation to their specific educational needs.
• Encourage pupils to take initiatives in, and become responsible for, their own learning.
• Assess pupil attainment in line with the School’s policy and against national standards where assessment leads to certification.
• Monitor, assess, record and report on aptitudes, needs and progress of individual pupils.
• Provide pupils with constructive oral and written feedback on their progress on a regular basis.
• Use the results of assessments to evaluate and improve teaching and standards of attainment.

Curriculum Content

• Demonstrate a sound knowledge of Science curricula.
• Support pupils’ skills in literacy and numeracy.
• Appreciate the effectiveness of ICT in learning and teaching.
• Contribute to the personal and social education of pupils within the School.
• With colleagues, plan and prepare coherent teaching programmes and lessons, including homework, which ensure continuity and progression in pupils’ learning.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the learning process, curriculum issues and child development.
• Demonstrate a sound knowledge and comply with Health and Safety guidelines and procedures.

Classroom Organisation and Management

• Organise classes and lessons to ensure that all pupils are productively employed when working individually, in groups or as a class.
• Create and maintain a stimulating, purposeful, orderly and safe learning environment for all pupils.
• Manage pupil behaviour fairly, sensitively and consistently by the use of appropriate rewards and sanctions and know when it is necessary to seek advice.
• Evaluate and justify actions when managing pupil behaviour.

National and School Standards

• Demonstrate an understanding of the IB programme and UK educational systems.
• Be a proactive pastoral tutor to a group of pupils, helping shape their academic and personal development.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and uphold and support all of the School’s policies and the School’s Development Plans.
• Report to parents about pupil progress and discuss matters related to their personal and social development in a sensitive and constructive way.
• Contribute willingly to the extra-curricular and boarding life of the School.
• Undertake cover duties during the academic day and at break and lunch periods, as and when required.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and adhere to the guidelines of the St Leonards School Child Protection Policy and GTCS Code of Professionalism and Conduct.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties. It is expected that the post-holder will participate in other reasonable activities which may be required to meet the needs of the School or for better fulfilment of the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education, Training & Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline.
• PGCE/PGDE qualification.
• GTCS registration.
• PVG (Disclosure Scotland) membership.

Desirable

• Evidence of continued professional development.

Experience

Essential

• Proven experience of teaching at secondary level.
• Experience of teaching across Years 7, 8, and 9.
• Experience or understanding of pastoral support.
• Experience in the use of ICT in a classroom with the ability to impart that knowledge to others.

Desirable

• Experience of teaching or knowledge of the IB curriculum.
• Experience as a form tutor.
• Experience in a boarding environment.

Skills

Essential

• Commitment to student learning and raising achievement.
• An excellent classroom practitioner.
• Ability to create and deliver engaging and effective lessons.
• Enthusiasm to inspire in students a desire to learn and participate.

Desirable

• Skills and experience which can contribute to extra-curricular activities.

Interpersonal Skills

Essential

• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for planning own workload.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and keep to deadlines.
• Sensitive to the needs of others and supportive when required.
• Professional manner and appearance.

Closing time and date for applications is 1200 on Friday 5th June 2026. Interviews will be held during the week commencing 8th June 2026. Any questions may be directed to the Deputy Head (Academic): w.gaisford@stleonards-fife.org in the first instance.