Role Introduction

Language Assistants support the work of the Modern Foreign Languages Department. The Russian Language Assistant will 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. 

The role is due to commence in September 2023 for a fixed term period of two years and accommodation (suitable for one person) is provided. Alternative accommodation is not available.

Eton College is on the UKVI register of sponsors and visa sponsorship may be available for the preferred candidate if they do not currently have the right to work in the UK and are unable to gain this independently. We encourage you to read the UK Home Office guidelines at Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) before submitting a job application to review whether you meet the eligibility criteria under the Skilled Worker route for this job role. You will also find information about the immigration fees that you would be responsible for when making a visa application.

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 between 20 and 40 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.

Please see the attached job description for a complete list of key tasks and responsibilities.

Working Pattern

During school term time you will work 6 days per week (normally Monday to Saturday inclusive), and approximately 40 hours per week, with occasional additional commitments as per the needs of the school. These 40 hours per week will include approximately 20 hours assisting with classroom teaching, approximately 15 hours assisting with further activities to support the department, and approximately 5 hours of co-curricular activities and boarding house duties to support the wider life of the College. Days and hours of your working week will be by mutual agreement with your Head of Department. 

During the 6 week period of Summer Schools, you will work for approximately 40 hours per week, and the duties you will carry out during Summer Schools will be set by the Director of Summer Schools (these duties are likely to be different to the duties you do during Eton term times, and you may be required to stay in a Boarding House as part of them).

The Ideal Candidate

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

• A thorough knowledge of the subject language;
• Prior experience of classroom teaching or tutoring is essential;
• 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 ability to work using their own initiative and to take direction;
• 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