Summer Fields is one of the premier boys’ prep and pre-prep schools in the country, situated in 70 acres of superb grounds in North Oxford. The school has an excellent academic reputation and is extremely well resourced.
We seek an outstanding teacher to lead the Religious Studies department; at Summer Fields the Religious Studies department is called Theology, Philosophy and Religion (TPR). TPR is taught as a discrete subject from Year 5 through to Year 8. The successful candidate will develop schemes of work to inspire a passion for the subject and develop the understanding and knowledge of all pupils in the transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3. Whilst the role does not currently involve teaching TPR to pupils in Year 4 and below, the Head of TPR will support the development of curriculum links in Humanities (Year 4) and topic-based learning in the Pre-prep (Reception to Year 3). The successful applicant will lead the department in preparing pupils to sit the Common Entrance TPR examination at the end of Year 8 or senior school scholarship examinations (as appropriate).
In addition to facilitating a happy, stimulating environment in TPR lessons – and requiring high expectations of both effort and attainment – the successful applicant will play a full and active part in the pastoral life of the school. Chapel is literally and figuratively at the heart of Summer Fields. Whilst there is no requirement for the Head of TPR to be formally involved in chapel life, applications from candidates with an interest in chaplaincy or lay chaplaincy are actively encouraged.
The successful candidate will have;
- A passion for – and a strong understanding of – teaching Religious Studies at this age. It is not essential for the candidate to have previous experience of teaching the Theology, Philosophy and Religion Common Entrance syllabus but a background in one or more of these three disciplines is advantageous.
- A strong understanding of teaching pedagogy.
- The ability to play a full role as part of a wider team (both within the department and across the school).
- The capacity to participate in the daily and evening activities and duties which are an important characteristic of life in a flourishing boarding school.
- The ability to contribute to the daily games programme in which all boys are active.
- A willingness to contribute to boarding life.
The role is suitable for a teacher with experience of teaching seeking professional development. Applications from candidates with an interest in chaplaincy/lay chaplaincy are also encouraged.
Application Procedure
Please apply by submitting a fully completed application form with a letter of application. If you have a CV you wish to send, please do so, however a completed application form with full employment history must still be provided. An application form and full details can be found on our website https://www.summerfields.com/recruitment.
Applications should either be emailed to recruitment@summerfields.com or posted to Summer Fields, Mayfield Road, Oxford, OX2 7EN by the closing date of 8th February 2022.
Summer Fields is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
