Lower School Teacher
Job Description
Wycombe Abbey School Nanjing (WASNJ) is situated just east of Nanjing city centre
at the heart of the Tangshan Thermal Spring area. The site itself comprises two
schools, a Lower School and an Upper School, providing exceptional education for
students from EY through to Year 13 (Grade 12). The successful candidate will be
expected to develop exceptional working relations with the leadership and teachers
across the school. This is a unique opportunity to gain experience in a start-up school,
with WASNJ opening in August 2021.
Wycombe Abbey School Nanjing will be established as a private school enabling local
Chinese nationals to enjoy the benefits of a Wycombe Abbey School education. The
majority of the student body will be Chinese nationals studying a unique programme
where an internationalised programme complements the Chinese National
Curriculum. The students will be taught in both Mandarin and English so that they
can graduate from the School with undergraduate levels of both Mandarin and
English and thereby flourish at premium universities all around the world.
A Wycombe Abbey education guarantees much more than just academic success.
Wycombe Abbey School Nanjing offers boarding to students from G1 through to G12
(Years 2 to 13) with outstanding facilities for learning, innovation and enterprise,
performing arts and sport that are the hallmark of all schools in our Wycombe Abbey
Schools Group. Students will be prepared for undergraduate life in universities all
around the world and for an increasingly international workplace, with close personal
attention paid to the development of each student’s confidence, resilience,
independence and character alongside the development of the collaborative skills
required in life beyond school.
The schools facilties are substantial, spread over a single campus site with the main
academic building covering nearly 8000 sqm. The space includes teaching areas for
both Lower and Upper School, library facilities, computer and design departments, a
600 seat, acoustically designed theatre, large music department with over 35 practise
rooms and a dedicated recording studio. The facilities are outstanding and we will be
looking to make our school programme a beacon of excellence within our school
group and beyond. This position provides an exciting opportunity to shape the early
phase of WASNJ’s development.
Important features and/or requirements of the job:
Teach a weekly timetable of lessons as scheduled by the Head of Department or Whole School Director
Be familiar with all the professional requirements that come with being a classroom teacher in accordance to the school’s Teaching and Learning Policy
Track and monitor the academic progress of the students in your class by conducting the required assessments as mapped out in the SOW
Complete termly student reports and attend parents conferences as scheduled in the annual school’s calendar
Be involved in the staff rota of boarding house supervision on a weekly basis as directed by the Deputy Head Pastoral.
Be involved in the ECA programme by offering to run or assist in running an activity for the students on a weekly basis
Take part in the annual expeditions programme, which will consist of residential trips of up to a week, either domestically in China or further afield in neighbouring countries
Attendance at extra-curricular events, parent information evenings, community events etc as requested by the Heads of Schools and/or Head of Department
Represent the school at official functions as and when requested by the Head of Department.
Teaching load as required and specified by Head of Department.
Lead by example in all professional matters ensuring that all teachers and
students observe matters such as dress, punctuality and mutual support.
Contribute to the development of the overall WASNJ vision and ensure that students, staff and parents all understand and subscribe to that vision.
WASNJ is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and those connected to the school to
share this commitment.
Requirements
Your professional profile is defined by integrity, clear and open communication, high standards, and an understanding
of the needs and interests of pupils, parents and staff.
You have the ability to analyse problems, reach sound conclusions and resolve issues effectively. You have a proven
capacity to respond to changing needs, and to translate vision into practical reality. You have a strong commitment to
quality and sharing best practices in learning and teaching.
You have a good understanding of, and interest in developing academic best practices in the context of a secondary,
cross-cultural institution.
You have a working knowledge and understanding of departmental planning and reporting. You have a higher-level
understanding of and experience using information and communication technology to enhance teaching and learning.
You have an interest in and willingness to engage Chinese contemporary culture. You enjoy working under pressure in
a fast pace environment. You are optimistic, resilient, and have a well-developed sense of proportion and humour.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Working within the remit and targets developed by the Senior Leadership Team, and under the direct, day-to-day
supervision of the Primary SLT, for your curriculum responsibilities you will:
• teach Primary and within other EAL programmes, as required;
• adhere to curriculum timelines, planning ahead of time and meeting due deadlines.
• be involved in academic and pastoral development of the children in your care, both at school and in the boarding
house.
• Lead outdoor education trips with pupils.
• Take part in extra-curricular activities including various clubs, sports teams or musical ensembles.
1. SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE
1.1 You should have knowledge and experience of teaching a variety of subjects across the primary age level,
including English, Maths, Science, and P.E.
1.2. You should have knowledge and understanding of UK National Curriculum requirements and standards and have
experience teaching to these.
1.3. You should keep yourself informed of current developments within your specialist area or subject.
2. SUBJECT APPLICATION
As a teacher you should:
2.1. Plan, prepare and review schemes of work and lessons, keeping lesson notes which show continuity and
progression.
2.2. Advise the Deputy Head (Academic) on the preparation and development of Schemes of Work.
2.3. Set appropriately demanding expectations for each pupil; differentiation strategies are essential.
2.4. Employ a range of teaching strategies appropriate to the age, ability and attainment level of the pupils.
2.8. Contribute to the development of pupils’ language and communication skills, with specific reference to EAL.
2.9. Set suitable work in the event of foreseen absence and other instances, wherever possible.
3. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
As a Teacher you should endeavour to:
3.1. Create and maintain a purposeful and orderly environment for the pupils within your class.
3.2. Safeguard pupils’ health and safety
3.3. Ensure setting/grouping that is appropriate for particular learning purposes, i.e. whole class, pairs, small groups,
individual.
3.4. Use appropriate sanctions and rewards in line with Subject and whole school policy.
3.5. Maintain pupils’ interest and motivation.
3.6. Ensure that the classroom environment, including furniture, décor and equipment is respected by all pupils.
3.7. Maintain vibrant and informative displays of work both inside classrooms/labs and in shared areas (corridors).
3.8. Order and maintain adequate stocks of teaching materials and resources, working within your delegated budget.
4. ASSESSMENT AND RECORDING
As a Teacher you should endeavour to:
4.1. Identify the current level of attainment of individual pupils and refer to other information available in the school.
4.2. Judge how well a pupil performs against the standard expected of a pupil of that age and take remedial action if
necessary.
4.3. Assess and record systematically the progress of individual pupils in line with Subject and whole school policy.
4.4. Mark work using the school’s marking policy and give formative feedback to pupils regularly on their progress.
4.5. Use assessment as a fundamental part of teaching.
4.6. Prepare pupils for public examinations; assessing, recording and reporting as required.
4.7. Plan, prepare and review assessments throughout the year.
5. PASTORAL CARE
As a teacher in the Primary school, you have a responsibility to:
5.1. Promote the general progress and well-being of any group of pupils assigned to you.
5.2. Provide guidance and advice on educational and social matters and on their education.
5.3. Make records of, and report on, pupils’ personal and social needs, reporting in to the Deputy Head (Pastoral)
when necessary.
5.4. Communicate and consult with parents.
6. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
You should:
6.1 Participate in arrangements for the appraisal of your own performance and that of others in your department.
6.2 Review from time to time your own methods of teaching.
6.3 Participate in further training and professional development, including training which aims to meet needs
identified in appraisal objectives or statements.
7. WORKING TIME
7.1. You have a responsibility to participate in meetings which relate to the curriculum or the administration or
organisation of the school, including morning briefings and pastoral arrangements.
7.2. WASHZ is a boarding school, and together with all members of the Academic staff you will be expected to
undertake boarding duties.
8. SCHOOL LIFE
8.1. All WASHZ staff contribute to the extra-curricular and/or sport programme.
8.2. All WASHZ staff share in the extended life of the school.
Benefits
An excellent international package of benefits including:
Three-year contract;
Accommodation in staff accommodation on-site or close to the school in Tangshan.
Annual flight allowance;
Relocation allowance;
Medical insurance (including family) with Cigna (China)
School fee remission – 100% for up to 2 children (foreign staff)
All school meals provided for staff and family during term time
Generous support for personal professional development locally, regionally and internationally