Head of Classics – Information
Sir William Perkins’s School is a high-performing independent school for approximately 560 girls aged 11 – 18. It was founded in 1725 and is now on an attractive 12 acre site situated on the outskirts of Chertsey, five minutes walk from the railway station and very near to the junction of the M3 and M25. The School has excellent facilities, having benefited from an extensive and ongoing building and refurbishment programme. Entrance to the School is by competitive examination and the School values its excellent academic reputation. The students are highly motivated and eager to learn. Significant emphasis is also placed on the broad and balanced curriculum, the wide-ranging extra-curricular activities and the caring and supportive environment.
The November 2010 Inspection report said of the school community: “The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent. This is central to the school’s aims and is reflected in the happy, caring, respectful relationships and strong sense of community awareness that are prevalent throughout the school.” They also commented that, “Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and they have high expectations for pupils’ success. Praise and encouragement are used effectively and this adds to pupils’ enjoyment” as well as declaring, “Pupils demonstrate excellent social awareness and they grow up to be poised, confident and articulate young women”. Our percentage of A* grades at A level in summer 2011 placed us 25th independent nationally according to the Telegraph and Times league tables.
The Post
We are looking for an enthusiastic, well-qualified graduate who is passionate about their subject to lead our thriving and well-resourced Classics Department from September 2012. The post is permanent and full-time. The successful candidate will be able to teach Latin throughout the school and Classical Civilization in the Sixth Form. The ability to teach Classical Greek is desirable but not essential. A commitment to extra-curricular enrichment activities including educational visits abroad is most important.
Sir William Perkins’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be expected to complete an enhanced CRB disclosure.
The Classics Department
There are three teachers in the Classics Department. All students study Latin in Years 7 – 9 using the Cambridge Latin Course. A significant number choose to continue with Latin to GCSE (OCR) and some take it to A level and beyond, reading Classics at university, including Oxbridge. Classical Civilisation is an option in the Sixth Form (OCR). Classical Greek is taught at lunchtime clubs in Years 9 – 11 and those who are committed to the subject can take GCSE in the Sixth Form. In summer 2011, 89% of GCSE Latin grades were A or A* grades and 100% of Latin/Classical Civilisation A level grades were A*- B grades.
Students follow directed courses with numerous enrichment opportunities and trips. These allow for the development of independent learning and many cross curricular thinking skills. Students are given the opportunity to do an Extended Project in addition to their AS/A2 courses, which could be on a topic associated with Classics. The department is committed to the development of all students, allowing them to reach their potential.
Further information about the School can be found on the School website, www.swps.org.uk and from our November 2010 Inspection Report (which can be accessed from the website).
Further details and an application form are available from the Head’s PA and should be returned by 10am Monday 20th February.
Guildford Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9BN
t 01932 574900 f 01932 574901
e cdesai [at] swps [dot] org [dot] uk w www.swps.org.uk
