The Role

Cognita is an extraordinary group of diverse yet connected schools, spanning sixteen different countries. We share one common purpose: to create an inspiring world of education that builds self-belief and empowers individuals to succeed. With over 100 schools in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America and Asia, we employ 15,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 75,000 students.

We have an exciting position for a Prep School Teacher to join us at Kingscourt School. The post holder will provide effective and high-quality classroom teaching, learning and pastoral care to ensure all pupils reach their potential.  In addition to having responsibility for a class (in this instance, Year 1), our Preparatory School teachers take on a subject leadership role, where possible taking the experience and interest of the individual.  The duties outlined in this job description are in addition to those covered by the latest Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document. It may be modified by the Headteacher, with your agreement, to reflect or anticipate changes in the job, commensurate with the salary and job title Please note: This is an onsite role and candidates must be situated in the Catherington, Hampshire, area to commute to the school as required.

Key Responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

TEACHING AND LEARNING

• To teach well-planned lessons that are engaging and effective that motivate and inspire pupils of all abilities across the entire age range
• To ensure effective teaching of whole classes, groups and individuals so that teaching objectives are met, momentum and challenge are maintained, and best use is made of teaching time
• To show a good understanding of the aptitudes, needs and prior attainments of the pupils and ensure these are taken into account in lesson-planning
• To regularly mark pupils’ work, including homework (where appropriate), carefully and conscientiously and provide pupils with regular written and verbal feedback on their learning in line with the school’s policies
• To produce and develop schemes of work, update current schemes of work and assist with preparing the department for internal and external inspection as required
• To deliver intervention and other support measures according to the needs of the pupils.
• To work actively to create and promote an engaging learning environment through which each child has an educational experience suitable for their needs
• To work with other teachers to plan the curriculum, activities and special projects
• Design and adapt long, medium, and short-term plans for all schemes of work taught
• To maintain an attractive and stimulating classroom environment
• To have leadership of a subject area.

ASSESSMENT

• Use attainment data provided by the school to monitor the progress of pupils taught, ensuring that effective use is made of the data to set targets for achievement
• Monitor the progress of pupils and identify underachievement ensuring programmes of support are in place to maximise the potential of all pupils
• Organise interventions to ensure that the targets of individuals and groups of learners are met to ensure that assessment is both regular and thorough and that full records of pupils are kept
• Make use of formative and summative assessment to secure pupils’ progress, set targets, and plan subsequent lessons
• Give pupils regular feedback, both orally and through accurate marking within the agreed time and encourage pupils to respond to the feedback in line with the school’s policies
• Follow the School’s assessments reporting policies
• To ensure that yearly reporting of pupil progress is accurate and meaningful.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

• To participate in the School’s procedures for lesson observation, seek/implement modification and improvement where required
• To support the Senior Leadership Team in meeting whole school priorities and in realising the school’s vision

Behaviour Management

• Have clear rules and routines for behaviour in classrooms, and take responsibility for promoting good and courteous behaviour both in classrooms and around the School, in accordance with the School’s behaviour policy
• Have high expectations of behaviour, and establish a framework for discipline with a range of strategies, using praise, sanctions and rewards consistently and fairly
• Manage classes effectively, using approaches which are appropriate to pupils’ needs in order to involve and motivate them
• Maintain good relationships with pupils, exercise appropriate authority, and act decisively when necessary.

Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge

• Have a secure knowledge of the relevant subject(s) and curriculum areas, foster and maintain pupils’ interest in the subject, and address misunderstandings
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of developments in the subject and curriculum areas, and promote the value of scholarship (where appropriate)
• Demonstrate an understanding of and take responsibility for promoting high standards of literacy, articulacy and the correct use of standard English, whatever the teacher’s specialist subject or age group.

Promote good progress and outcomes by pupils 

• Be accountable for pupils’ attainment, progress and outcomes
• Analyse pupils’ data and to inform planning and intervention
• Plan teaching to build on pupils’ capabilities and prior knowledge
• Guide pupils to reflect on the progress they have made and their emerging needs
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how pupils learn and how this impacts on teaching
• Encourage pupils to take a responsible and conscientious attitude to their own work and study.

Communication

• To communicate and consult effectively with the parents of all pupils
• Liaise effectively with parents and offer opportunities for them to engage in their child’s learning at home
• Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with colleagues, parents, the local community
• Attend and contribute to appropriate meetings
• Develop an effective partnership with parents and help them to understand how they can support their child’s learning and personal development.
• Promote the good name and reputation of the School

PASTORAL

• To be a class teacher to an assigned group of pupils, in the first instance, Year 1
• Have an excellent understanding of child development, especially focused on the characteristics of the primary age group
• To promote the general progress and well-being of individual pupils and of the class as a whole
• Create a classroom environment that nurtures a love of learning and fosters the development of citizenship, character and social qualities
• To accurately register pupils, accompany them to assemblies, encourage their full attendance at all lessons and their participation in other aspects of school life
• To communicate as appropriate, with parents regarding the pastoral and academic well-being of pupils
• Manage classes effectively, using approaches which are appropriate to pupils’ needs in order to involve and motivate them
• Have clear rules and routines for behaviour in classrooms and take responsibility for promoting good and courteous behaviour both in classrooms and around the school, in accordance with the school’s behaviour policy

OTHER PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Operate at all times within the stated policies and practices of the School
• To actively contribute to the School’s extra-curricular programme according to the needs of the school and own personal interests and expertise
• Undertake an appropriate share of the collective staff responsibility and to cover for absent colleagues when required
• To establish effective working relationships and set a good example through presentation and personal and professional conduct
• To support and promote the school’s aims and ethos
• To participate in arrangements made for classroom observations and staff appraisal
• To share best practice throughout the school
• To participate and contribute to regular meetings and assemblies and duties, in accordance with the published rota
• To attend staff meetings, pastoral meetings, Open Days, Sports Days, INSET and Parents’ Evenings, departmental meeting, leadership meetings (and other functions of a similar nature) as deemed necessary by the Headteacher
• To keep abreast of current thinking by attending courses and continuing your own professional development
• Build a collaborative learning culture within the department, wider school and actively engage with other Cognita schools to build effective learning communities
• Lead and participate in ISA/Cognita/School wide competitions and initiatives and offer appropriate activities beyond the curriculum
• Be a highly visible presence around school and model expectations of staff and pupils
• Work with the Headteacher to build a professional learning community which enables others to achieve
• Support staff, within your team and within the whole school, in achieving high standards through effective continuing professional development
• To fully support the marketing, admissions commercial strategies and activities of the School.

Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken is not identified and the post holder shall be required to carry out whatever the Headteacher shall instruct, commensurate with training and experience.

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status
• A good honours degree
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the primary curriculum including assessment, recording and reporting
• Good understanding of the needs of children in Key Stage 1
• Understanding of and ability to teach phonics
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills.
• Well organised, creative and innovative
• Ability to work independently and also as part of a small team
• The flexibility and proactivity of approach needed to contribute effectively to the running of a small school
• High expectations of self, children and others
• Capacity to work hard, under pressure, to meet deadlines
• The ability to relate to and build relationships with students, parents and other members of the school community
• Ability to contribute positively to curriculum development
• Current successful teaching experience in Key Stage 1
• A willingness to contribute to the extracurricular life of the school
• An outstanding role model
• Evidence of a commitment to own professional development

Salary

Salary is up to M6 Scale

Diversity and Inclusion
We believe having a diverse workforce makes us better, smarter and happier and so welcome applicants from all backgrounds, genders, and races. We have an unwavering commitment to being fair, inclusive and equitable in our recruitment process.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.