Role Introduction

The main role of our Language Assistants are to support the work of the Modern Foreign Languages Department. Our Modern Foreign Languages Department is a large, diverse, inclusive and collegiate department of informed, passionate teachers of modern languages  and culture. We all teach across the range of abilities and ages.

As a Language Assistant at Eton, you will be aligned to a particular language and will work  closely with pupils individually or in small groups to help them improve their oral and aural language skills.  You will also support the running of the department, undertaking general administration and exam preparation, and supporting the work of the Modern Foreign Language Masters as required.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

• To work with pupils one-to-one or in small groups to help them improve their  oral and aural fluency. These sessions are normally 20 minutes long, and  approximately 20 hours per week of the Language Assistant’s time will be spent working with the students in this way;
• To provide regular feedback to the Head of Language and masters teaching that language; this could, for example, be in the form of weekly progress reports about each pupil;
• To provide feedback to individual pupils after each session and to set
  them targets which will help them to improve their proficiency;
• To prepare lesson materials and send these to the pupils at least a week in advance of the sessions with enough time and appropriate guidance (e.g. vocab lists) for them to prepare for the session. Lesson materials may, for example include small articles and pieces of literature;
• To prepare general questions in the target language pertaining to the topic studied as part of the scheme of work; 
• To provide occasional cover for departmental lessons – this does not include formal teaching, but will include taking absence, ensuring the safety of the students in the class, and supervising the pupils whilst they complete the work
  already prepared by the Master Commitment and promotion of equality,  diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including by not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate

Key skills and experience:

• Be an inspiring recent graduate or undergraduate about to finish your studies;
• Have a passion to advocate for your language;
• Have the ability to communicate with, enthuse and motivate young people;
• Will have an outstanding record of academic engagement and achievement and be excited to join a high-achieving and reflective academic culture;
• Embrace innovation in teaching and learning and be committed to your own professional development;
• As a colleague you will be positive, forward-looking and collaborative;
• Value and embrace life in a full boarding community and contribute whole-heartedly to all aspects of school life;
• A thorough knowledge of the subject language;
• Excellent organisation and time management skills, including the ability to juggle a variety of competing priorities whilst meeting deadlines;
• Well-developed communication skills, both written and oral; the individual should also be a natural collaborator and team player;
• The ability to work using their own initiative when appropriate, and to take direction;
• Although no prior experience is necessary, the individual must have a demonstrable enthusiasm for helping pupils to learn and develop, and a commitment to the highest standard of pupil welfare;
• A clear understanding of the needs of young people and an ability to maintain a good sense of order and discipline.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College