French Language Assistant

French Language Assistant

We wish to appoint for September 2025 an enthusiastic, committed and well-qualified linguist to join our lively and flourishing Modern Languages department. Working an average of 12 hours per week (term time only), the successful applicant will have fluency in French and ideally some teaching experience. Applicants should have the right to work in the UK.

The Modern Languages department consists of five full-time teachers and one part-time teacher plus four language assistants. Our facilities include seven classrooms, three seminar rooms and a computer suite.

All pupils joining the school at 13+ study French in their first year using the Edexcel GCSE textbook. In addition, they take a second Modern Language of a choice between Spanish and German. The department is also able to offer private tuition in other languages on an informal basis and depending on availability.

The department is committed to the extensive use of the target language in the classroom and to the laying of firm grammatical foundations. The department offers a broad range of visits and we also provide a comprehensive programme of other extra-curricular activities such as films, theatre visits and foreign language days.

Canford is a very successful co-educational boarding and day school with some 650 pupils aged 13 - 18, of whom about a third are day pupils. It has one of the most beautiful settings of any school in the country and is a very enjoyable and exciting atmosphere in which to work.

Applicants are welcome to contact the Head of Department, Esther Saurel, for further information [email protected].

Please ensure you include details of referees in your application and confirm you have the right to work in the UK. Please also upload a covering letter and full curriculum vitae. For queries contact the HR Department on 01202 847590 or by email: [email protected]

The closing date for applications is Sunday 20th July 2025 and it is anticipated interviews will be held shortly after.

JOB DESCRIPTION

French is an option subject with motivated and hard-working pupils in small classes.

All Language Assistants should make a positive contribution to good practice in the school by generating enthusiasm for the work in their department, building good relationships with colleagues and pupils, and by encouraging and establishing high standards in the teaching and learning of their subject area.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

1. Provide intensive 1:1 speaking practice for pupils between 16 and 18 years of age.
2. Organising and rearranging the timing of lessons according to pupil availability and the Language Assistant's availability.
3. Liaising with pupils, tutors, housemaster/mistresses and the Head of French in case of pupil absence.
4. Assisting the Head of French in managing pupil absence and follow up on non-attendance.
5. Keep accurate records of achievement and attendance of all pupils.
6. Attend departmental meetings and cover lessons as requested by the Head of French.
7. Prepare teaching materials and resources from various sources (Internet, TV etc.).
8. Set and mark internal speaking examinations (as required).
9. Assistance with general departmental administration (as required).
10. Showing willingness to share ideas and contribute to departmental resources.
11. Adopt a professional approach to teaching, mirroring behaviour expected of pupils.

No job description can fully encompass every aspect of this role and duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Fluency in French
• Native speaker or equivalent proficiency
• A reasonable knowledge of English
• Ability to use a wide range of skills to communicate effectively and appropriately with pupils, staff and parents
• Ability to maintain a culture of mutual respect with pupils, in accordance with the ethos of the school
• Demonstrate a high degree of organisation and initiative
• An enjoyment in working with children
• Reliable, punctual, motivated to deliver the highest standards in education
• Proactive and hard working
• Willingness to share ideas and contribute to Departmental Resources
• Flexible, able to work additional hours/days if required
• Right to work in the UK

Desirable

• University Graduate (or embarked on course of studies leading to a university degree)
• Previous experience in education
• Teaching Experience
• Ability to use a wide range of IT resources effectively
• Willingness to be involved in the activities of the school, such as school trips
• Lives locally

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.