JOB DESCRIPTION - GAP TEACHING ASSISTANT (STOOGE) 2017
Main Purpose:
The Stooge is part of ateam supporting the teaching staff, assisting them in lessons, with administration, the coaching of sports and other tasks as directed. These inevitably mean the Stooge is constantly in direct contact with the pupils. The Stooge must work in conjunction with the policies of the school and is responsible for being familiar with them. The Stooge needs to communicate professionally and confidently with the children, parents and all staff. The Stooge will be responsible to the Senior Master, who is the direct line manager and to whom this post is accountable.
Duties and Responsibilities:
One of the attractions of the role is that there is not generally a set pattern to the day. The day is therefore very varied but may typically include:
- Assisting teachers in lessons
- Helping with administration
- Looking after the children by patrolling around the school
- Assisting with the coaching of sports and with swimming pool supervision
NB – all Stooges are required to gain a formal qualification to enable them to undertake this latter activity; this will be organised by the school and will take place shortly after arrival at the beginning of January. Further details may be found at
If the Stooge has a particular interest or area of expertise (e.g. art, drama or music) then the school is generally happy to encourage this, as long as all duties at the school are properly fulfilled. The Stooge should discuss this with the Senior Master to see how this skill may best be utilised, either within the school or the wider local community. The Stooge may also opt to become involved with other school activities during their free time.
In general a Stooge works during the day and is free in the evening, although there will be occasions where the Stooge will be needed to assist at an evening event. There is also a requirement to work some weekends.
The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this Job Description are indicative and may vary. Post holders may alsobe expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities that may be relevant to the nature, level and extent of the post and the school.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Salary: £6,582.22 a year
- Hours: 45 hrs per week
BENEFITS:
- In normal circumstances the Stooge will have 1.5 days off each week. There may be some additional free time each day as agreed by the Senior Master. Occasionally free time may have to be sacrificed due to unforeseen circumstances, particularly in the last week of term, although every endeavour will be made to provide alternative time off instead.
- The Stooge is entitled to a minimum of 13 weeks holiday, to be taken during school holidays.Bank Holidays may be working days, depending on when they fall.
- The Stooge is required to work three days before the beginning of each term and three days after the end of each term.
- The Stooge is given furnished termtime accommodation in school and all heating, lighting and meals are provided free during the term time only, inclusive of the three working days either side of the holidays (estimated worth approx. £10,000 a year)
- Accommodation is only available during holidays with the prior discretionary agreement of the Headmaster
- The Stooge is required to observe the school’s security and fire regulations and comply with these at all times. Visitors would normally be expected to leave by 11 o’clock and the matron may not entertain overnight guests. The Stooge may not smoke anywhere in the school and should maintain a high standard of behaviour, as guided by the line manager, and set a good example to the children.
The Dragon School Trust Ltd is registered as a company, number 524331 and as a charity, number 309676 in England and Wales at Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6SS
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Key to assessment methods; (a) application form, (i) interview, (r) references, (o) others e.g. case studies/visits; (c) certificates
Requirement / Essential / Desirable / Assessed by:- Personal qualities
b)Resilience and demonstrated ability to work in a variety of settings
c)Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
d)Sensitivity to the needs of others
e)Openness and willingness to address and discuss relevant issues
f)Ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and pupils of all cultures and backgrounds
g)Ability to work under pressure and with competing priorities
h)Willingness to become involved in the wider school community / (a); (i); (r)
- Skills
b)Ability to create a happyand effective boarding environment
c)Commitment to the protection and safeguarding and wellbeing of children and young people
d)Ability to establish productive partnerships with pupils, parents, carers and the wider community of the school
e)Ability to demonstrate honesty and integrity and uphold public trust and confidence in the school
f)Ability to be adaptable and solve problems
g)Strong interpersonal skills
h)Ability to communicate, both written and orally
i)Ability to persuade, influence and negotiate
j)Ability to prioritise and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously / (a); (i); (r)
- Knowledge and understanding
b)Confident use of information and communication technology (ICT) / (a); (i); (r)
- Experience
b)Evidence of working successfully as a member of a team
c)Evidence of school, business, voluntary or community involvement / d)Evidence of living or working away from home / (a); (i); (r)
5. Other requirements / a)Knowledge of a second language / (a); (i); (r); (c)
The Dragon School Trust Ltd is registered as a company, number 524331 and as a charity, number 309676 in England and Wales at Bardwell Road, Oxford, OX2 6SS