Head of English

Required Degrees: Degree and teacher training
Fields of Expertise: High School ,   
Salary: Negotiable

Details: St. John’s school was established in 1942 to serve the British community in, and around the city of Concepción in Chile’s 8th region. From a small school founded under the auspices of the Anglican Church, it has evolved into a secular, non-selective private school of more than 1300 students.
In 2005 the school moved to new custom built facilities set high above Concepción on a wooded ridge between two lakes
The Department
The English Department at a bilingual school clearly occupies a pivotal position. Formally, the department is responsible for the English education of students from 6º basico (10/11 year olds) to 4º medio (18 year olds). The English department consists of 4 Chileans, an Australian and a German.
Students are prepared for IGCSE examinations at the end of their 2º medio year (16 year olds), and for the examinations of the International Baccalaureate at the end of the 4º medio year (18 year olds). In recent years the English Department has been very successful with these exams.
The burden of introducing English, of teaching children to speak, read and write in English, is borne by the Nursery School and the Primary School – where all classes (except Spanish) are in English. In the Senior School, however, in order to meet the needs for entry into Chilean Universities, all classes except English are taught in Spanish. In this context then, beyond the formal brief of leading the English Department, there is also the expectation that the head of Department will provide advice on, and supervision of, the implementation of English programmes throughout the school.
The Task
The department is well established, reasonably well resourced and harmonious. In order to gain the very most from a talented group of teachers, the new Head of Department needs to be both a good listener, and prepared to lead by example.
In recent years an attempt has been made, as far as is possible to mirror British practice. It is hoped that this effort will continue. There is a need to reinforce the literacy skills being inculcated in the Primary School with a similar programme in the early years of the Secondary School.
At the top of the school success in IB examinations must be consolidated – hopefully with an ever-growing proportion of students being entered for the A2 examination.
Qualities
The department is very stable, results are good and, generally, St. John’s students are bilingual on the point of departure from the school. However, this is by no means a “maintenance” post. Therefore, the candidate should have a degree in English, several years of classroom practice and experience of A level/IB or equivalent classes.
The new Head will have to exhibit considerable flexibility in order to gain the most from the staff and students. There is a need for continuing innovation in the English Department. To say that there is a need for “strong leadership” is in no way to suggest any difficulties with current staff, far less a need for someone with a very loud voice. However, it is in the nature of the Chilean teaching profession to in-build a certain complacency – which needs to be often questioned.
A good knowledge of best current international practice, a sensitivity to the needs of second language learners, and the abilities to listen, assess, suggest, implement and carry through, would seem to be central to this position.
The Package
The person who fills this position will be contracted for two years in the first instance. This contract will be renewable by mutual agreement.
The position will carry a basic salary will be paid locally in Chilean Pesos and will fall within the range XXXXX
Additionally, the school will provide appropriate furnished accommodation. The school will pay for the transport of up to 3m3 of personal effects from the point of origin to Concepción.
Economy air flights will be paid at the beginning and end of each contract from the point of origin to Concepción.
Life in Chile
Chile is a very easy place to live. Most of the preconceptions Europeans have of South America do not apply to Chile.
In Concepción, in particular, there are very few security considerations, crime is at a level comparable to the UK and the police are well respected. Most things function at least as well, and sometimes better, than they do in the UK.
Chileans are very welcoming to foreigners; they are not merely tolerated, but actually appreciated for their differences. A good knowledge of Spanish is not necessary initially.