Job Description
Job Title:
Modern Studies Teacher (Secondary)
Location:
Dunblane, Scotland
Role: 3 days per week
This could be a full-time role combined with the teaching of Geography.
Job Purpose
To deliver high-quality Modern Studies education within a full-boarding, nurturing school environment, enabling young people to develop a strong understanding of political, social and economic issues. The role requires a commitment to Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), active pastoral engagement, and participation in the wider life of the school community.
Key ResponsibilitiesLearning and Teaching
* Plan and deliver engaging Modern Studies lessons across Broad General Education (BGE) and Senior Phase, including SQA qualifications (National 4/5, Higher, Advanced Higher).
* Teach key topics such as democracy, human rights, international relations, social inequality, and economic issues.
* Adapt teaching approaches to support a diverse boarding pupil cohort, recognising varied backgrounds and perspectives.
* Promote critical thinking, debate, and informed citizenship.
* Use a range of assessment approaches to monitor progress and raise attainment.
* Integrate digital tools and current affairs into teaching to ensure relevance and engagement.
Curriculum Development
* Contribute to the development and delivery of a dynamic Modern Studies curriculum aligned with CfE.
* Ensure content reflects contemporary political and social issues at local, national, and global levels.
* Participate in moderation and quality assurance processes within the department.
* Support interdisciplinary learning across Humanities.
Pastoral Care and Boarding Contribution
* Play an active role in pastoral care, supporting pupils’ wellbeing in a full-boarding context.
* Build strong relationships based on trust, respect, and encouragement.
* Contribute, where required, to residential duties or supervision rotas, supporting the 24/7 school environment.
* Promote wellbeing in line with GIRFEC principles.
Wider School and Co-Curricular Contribution
* Contribute fully to the co-curricular programme, for example:
* Debate clubs or public speaking
* Citizenship or leadership activities
* Current affairs societies or Model United Nations
* Support and lead educational visits, including trips linked to politics, law, or social issues.
* Participate in whole-school events and community activities.
Assessment and Reporting
* Prepare pupils for SQA coursework, assignments, and examinations.
* Assess and track pupil progress effectively.
* Provide regular feedback and produce written reports.
* Engage with parents/carers and relevant stakeholders.
Professional Responsibilities
* Maintain registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).
* Engage in continuous professional development (CPD).
* Keep up to date with current political and social developments relevant to the subject.
* Uphold safeguarding, child protection, and school policies.
* Work collaboratively across academic and pastoral teams.
Person SpecificationEssential Qualifications
* Degree in Modern Studies, Politics, or a closely related subject (e.g. Sociology, International Relations)
* PGDE Secondary (or equivalent teaching qualification)
* GTCS registration (or eligibility)
Essential Skills and Experience
* Strong knowledge of CfE and SQA Modern Studies frameworks
* Ability to inspire interest in politics and current affairs
* Strong classroom management and communication skills
* Ability to facilitate discussion and debate in a balanced, inclusive manner
* Commitment to pupil wellbeing and inclusion
* Willingness to contribute to boarding school life
Desirable
* Experience teaching National Qualifications up to Higher/Advanced Higher
* Experience in a boarding or residential education setting
* Experience leading debate, public speaking, or citizenship activities
* Interest in extracurricular programmes linked to leadership or service
Working Conditions
* Responsibilities aligned with SNCT agreements
* Expectation of involvement in boarding and co-curricular activities
* Term-time role with structured additional commitments beyond the classroom
Values and Ethos
The postholder will:
* Promote respect, responsibility, and active citizenship
* Encourage pupils to engage critically with the world around them
* Support the development of confidence, leadership, and independence
* Uphold a positive, disciplined, and inclusive community ethos
The role is to start in August 2026 and is expected to be required for one academic year.