As one of Scotland’s largest and best performing independent schools, and an innovator in education and educational outreach, we areseeking to recruit a permanent, full-time, enthusiastic and suitably qualified Teacher of Mandarin (the ability to teach one other European language would be an added advantage). The Modern Languages Department comprises nine members of staff; there are also French, German, Spanish, Mandarin and Italian native-speaker Assistants. Modern Languages are taught from Primary 4 through to Advanced Higher at Form VI (S6). The school operates a diversified language policy which sees pupils study French, German and Spanish from the age of eight, continuing with one of those from Junior 1 (P6) to the end of Form IS2). In Form II pupils opt for a 2nd language allowing them to make an informed choice at the end of Form II. They then have the option of adding one of the other languages later on in their school career. Mandarin has established itself as an alternative to European Language from Form I onwards. With few exceptions, pupils continue with the study of their language(s) until National 5, and the uptake at Higher and Advanced Higher is well in excess of national averages. The Modern Languages Department is very active in the area of trips, exchanges and contacts with the countries whose languages we teach. In addition, we have sent a number of former pupils on gap years to schools in Germany and Taiwan. A willingness to become involved in such programmes would be expected LANGUAGES AT DOLLAR The pattern of language teaching is as follows: Prep 4 and 5 (Primary 4 & 5) Foreign Language teaching begins in Prep 4. All pupils learn German, French and Spanish on rotation across the session. Teaching is based on vocabulary and fun interactive activities. Junior 1 and 2 (Primary 6 & 7) Foreign Language teaching continues in Junior 1, where there are four classes. Two classes learn French, one learns German and one learns Spanish. Dollar traditionally has a fairly large “new” intake in Junior 2, and to a lesser extent in Form I; pupils who enter the Academy at these stages are allocated to a language group. The intention is to establish Mandarin teaching in the Junior school Forms I and II (S1 & S2) By Secondary stage, the standard pattern is seven or eight classes of approximately twenty pupils. Some of these classes learn French, some German, some Spanish. A number of pupils opt at this stage to switch to Mandarin. Pupils do two periods of a 2nd language throughout Form II. Form III and IV (S3 & S4) The vast majority of our pupils continue with at least one Modern Language to National 5. Forms V and VI(S5 & S6) French, German, Spanish and Mandarin are offered at Higher. Advanced Higher in all languages is available in Form VI, as well as beginners' classes in Italian. We offer an increasing number of pupils access to the HSK qualification by running classes out of class time and presenting them for the exams. Our Mandarin assistant is an integral part of the department and the successful applicant to this post will play a role in managing them and how their time is deployed. The overriding aim, within the context of the wider curriculum, is to encourage and enable each pupil to go as far as they can in mastering the language(s) studied. We have over the years produced a good number of very confident and able young linguists and look to continue and expand on this tradition in the years ahead. The Academy has a rich co-curricular programme in which all members of staff are expected to participate. Our generous benefits package includes automatic enrolment in the Dollar Academy Teacher’s Pension Scheme; a sector leading defined contributions scheme, substantial reduction in school fees, access to onsite gym, swimming pool and parking, EAP, Cycle to Work and Retailer Discount Scheme. Candidates should either be registered with the GTC Scotland, or eligible for registration. The closing date for this role is 12 noon on Monday 14th July 2025. Please note that we reserve the right to contact and interview candidates ahead of the closing date, and interviews may take place throughout the summer holiday period. As such, the advert may close early if a suitable candidate is identified and an appointment is made before the stated deadline. All appointments are subject to receipt of a satisfactory PVG Scheme Record or Scheme Record Update from Disclosure Scotland. About Dollar Academy Dollar Academy has been a co-educational day and boarding school since its foundation in 1818. Today, it provides an exceptional all-round education to around 1,350 pupils aged 5-18. Our focus is on encouraging the individual talents and ambitions of every young person, in a positive and supportive environment that fosters the development of transferable skills, self-confidence and strong personal values. A belief in developing the whole person is central to the Dollar ethos. We have recently been named as the Sunday Times Scottish Independent School of the Year 2024. The Academy is very much at the heart of the town – it is a major local employer and values highly its relationship with the wider community. The school itself is a friendly, supportive, hardworking and committed community of staff and pupils who enjoy cordial, professional and productive working relationships. The school’s location is undoubtedly one of the most scenic in the country, set against the Ochil Hills and the historic Castle Campbell, but within easy reach of the major towns of the Central Belt and just 40 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. The Dollar community is welcoming and vibrant. The whole school sits within a single, stunning 70-acre campus. Our Values Work Hard Hard work leads to success, creativity and innovation. Our pupils and staff demonstrate a strong work ethic, with ambition and excellence being encouraged. We want everyone to strive to be the best they can. Get Involved There is a very wide range of subjects and activities on offer at Dollar and teachers work hard to make lessons interesting. Involvement and participation in all aspects of school and community life build confidence and resilience, whilst also allowing our youngsters to try new things and develop their passion. Be Kind ‘Kindness’ is no trite playground buzzword; it demands an even higher level of behavioural engagement than tolerance or respect.We believe in a positive and generous approach, in collaboration and cooperation, and in leadership that is about compassion and service.