Role Introduction

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Language sessions

• To work with boys one-to-one or in small groups to help them improve their oral and aural fluency. These sessions are approximately 20 hours per week of the Language Assistant’s time spent working with the boys 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 boy.
• To provide feedback to individual boys 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 boys at least a week in advance of the sessions with enough time and appropriate guidance (e.g. vocab lists) for them to prep 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 boys whilst they complete the work already prepared by the Master.

Supporting examinations

• During the internal and external examination season to help as instructed by the Head of Department. Appropriate training will be given where necessary.

Further activities to support the department (up to approximately 15 hours per week)

• To assist with enlarging and/or setting up a resource bank on particular topics and subject fields, preparing vocabulary lists which will assist the boys.
• Updating existing vocabulary lists within the resource bank.
• Recording audio files and storing them on the resource bank so the boys have the benefit of hearing a native speaker discuss a particular topic / pronounce a word or phrase etc.
• Attending language societies and assisting the Master in running these societies, personally running clubs where appropriate.
• Supervising the preparation of topics for discussions in classes to support the Head of Language.
• Supervising time in the Modern Languages Library.
• With prior agreement from the Head of Language, running language clinics to support the boys with homework.
• Completing general departmental administrative jobs as requested by the department.

Accommodation

There may be accommodation available, suitable for one person, although it is not necessary to live in for this post.

Main Duties

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), a cycle to work scheme and free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities.

The Ideal Candidate

Skills and Competencies Required

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should have:

• A thorough knowledge of the subject language – ideally the incumbent will be a native speaker of that language – combined with fluency or near-fluency in English.
• 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 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

We are looking to appoint a Russian Language Assistant on a fixed term contract from 1 September 2020 to 30 June 2021. Language Assistants support the work of the Modern Foreign Languages Department. Aligned to a particular language, the Assistants work closely with small groups of boys to help them improve their oral and aural language skills. The Assistants also support the running of the department undertaking general administration and exam preparation, and supporting the work of the MFL Masters as required.

Please note: Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 20th January 2020.

About the College

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 checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Eton College