Head of Modern Foreign Languages (German Specialism)
We are seeking an experienced teacher with outstanding knowledge of German language and culture, capable of delivering the highest standards of teaching and learning through exceptional classroom practice. The successful candidate will lead a small but highly motivated team of MFL and EAL teachers and will take responsibility for the German teaching in the school from Year 7 to Year 13 in the dedicated German classroom.
French (Years 7-9) and German (Year 9) are taught as compulsory subjects in the curriculum. They are options at GCSE and A Level. While a modern language is not a core subject at GCSE, the uptake at Year 10 is consistently strong. The two languages are not set against each other, allowing some students to take both at GCSE if they wish and in the Sixth Form too. The Edexcel specifications at GCSE and AQA at A Level serve our students well, offering academic rigour and an overview of the culture of the target language countries.
The department has high expectations and considers that a methodical acquisition of grammar and vocabulary, combined with much speaking and listening, is essential in training successful linguists. The department has a history of success with students of all abilities, partly due to our small class sizes which are ideal for language teaching.
This is an exceptional opportunity to teach in a truly international school (approximately half the students come from abroad) with creative and enquiring students who understand and appreciate each others’ languages and cultures. With small classes, articulate students and a friendly staff body, it offers the ideal environment for a passionate and energetic linguist to really make their mark.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This is a full-time post to start in September 2026. Competitive salary according to the candidate’s experience.
Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process.
All members of staff are expected to contribute fully to the School’s extra-curricular and/or boarding provision.
Lunch and supper (when there is an evening event) can be taken free of charge at school during term-time.
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates wishing to apply should submit a letter to the Principal as soon as possible outlining your motivations for applying and why you believe that you meet the requirements of the role as expressed in this job pack. Please do not send a separate curriculum vitae as these will not be accepted. The closing date for applications is Sunday 19th April 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the School where you will have the opportunity to meet key staff and to lead a short lesson. Interviews will explore your vision for the future of MFL in the School, your subject knowledge, leadership and pastoral experience and your ability to relate appropriately to students.
The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
JOB TITLE: HEAD OF MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (GERMAN SPECIALISM)
All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal.
Your line manager is the Director of Teaching and Learning.
This job specification sets out the duties of the post at the time of drafting. Specific responsibilities are as follows:
FOR HEAD OF DEPARTMENT:
* To create engaging, rigorous and enriching schemes of work, ensuring they are robust and effective and meet the needs of all students
* To ensure that all lessons within the department are well-planned; lessons should be tailored to meet the learning requirements of the class with sufficient opportunities for group and individual challenges
* To teach all year groups a range of language related enrichment activities
* To lead the MFL team; giving a clear vision and direction to the work, identifying key areas for improvements and planning appropriate actions to meet them
* To ensure that staff have access to all relevant materials to carry out these tasks
* To organise a framework for administrative tasks. This includes both day to day administrative and MFL specific tasks
* To manage both the people and resources associated with the department
* To ensure that risk assessments are carried out in line with the School’s Health and Safety Policy
* To remain fully informed about national and local developments in the subject area as well as keeping abreast of wider educational issues
* To develop the departmental Teaching and Learning action plan
* To ensure that examination administration is carried out and that all students are prepared for external examinations at GCSE and A Level with a range of suitable internal mock exams/assessments administered to help raise student outcomes
* To manage the departmental budget.
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