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Teachers in the department
Teacher of Religion and Philosophy
A talented, scholarly Philosophy or Theology teacher is required to teach in Highgate’s popular department from September 2022.
We especially welcome applicants with a background or interest in Theology, though their formal qualifications might be in either discipline provided that they are sympathetic to the importance of both. Applicants should expect to teach from Year 7 to Year 13, where they should be able to help prepare pupils for Oxbridge applications.
For all teachers new to Highgate, regardless of experience, there is a strong and supportive framework of induction. The role includes opportunities to contribute to the pastoral and co-curricular life of the school, both of which are valued highly at Highgate. We encourage applications from candidates who experience barriers and inequity due to their ethnicity, gender identity, physical or mental health, sexuality, and/or socio-economic background.
The Department
The Department aims to foster an enthusiasm for the study of both disciplines and a spirit of academic ambition and enquiry in asking questions of existence, truth, purpose, value and the divine. All lessons throughout the curriculum take thinking seriously and aim to provide students with the skills to think independently and critically about the world around them. Our approach to religion is informed by the critical realist approach and aims to develop theological and exegetical skills across the Key Stages. We deliver exciting and challenging lessons, through a range of tasks and stimuli, and encourage intellectual resilience, humility and independence of thought from our pupils.
Pupils in Key Stage 3 develop the religious and philosophical literacy necessary for navigating a complexly religious and secular world, with an emphasis on practising the skills necessary for high quality critical argumentation. Pupils learn about a variety of major world religions, as well as different Philosophical schools of thought. Religion and Philosophy is a popular option in Year 10 and 11, with over 100 pupils currently studying the Pearson IGCSE specification. The focus here is on Christianity and Buddhism, alongside a range of philosophical and ethical themes.
In the Sixth Form, pupils can choose to study either Philosophy (AQA) or Theology (OCR) and class sizes are very healthy in both subjects. In the former, pupils follow courses on Epistemology, Moral Philosophy, Metaphysics of God and Metaphysics of Mind; in the latter, pupils focus on on the Philosophy of Religion, Ethics, and the Development of Christian Thought. Over the last three years, pupils have achieved over 90% 8-9 at GCSE level and the equivalent of over 80% A/A* at A Level. Several pupils go on to read a related course at University every year, including at Oxford and Cambridge.
The Department is highly collaborative, with its nine members (including the Chaplain) sharing a common ethos; the atmosphere is very positive, productive and supportive. Colleagues willingly share expertise and resources and volunteer for extra responsibilities as and when necessary. The department is well equipped and resourced: it has its own office, a generous book budget and all classrooms have interactive white boards.
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Different classes in the current Sixth Form
Working at Highgate
- Teachers at Highgate enjoy a welcoming, comfortable and exceptionally well-resourced environment and are provided with significant assistance from a range of support staff.
- Salaries are competitive. The School pays the employer’s contribution to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
- Terms are shorter than in the maintained sector.
- Staff have free access to the School’s sports facilities, including a fitness suite and the newly refurbished swimming pool.
- Highgate is strongly committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to create a welcoming, respectful and safe environment for all members of our community, from every ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability/disability, religion and background.
More details about working at Highgate can be found here:
Application procedure
Closing date: 8:00am on 16 May 2022 but applications will be considered as they are received.
Click here to complete the on-line application form
James Newton, Deputy Head (Academic) is happy to answer any questions about this post.
Criteria for the post of Teacher of Religion and Philosophy
1. Essential professional criteria
| Criteria | How will these be tested or verified? |
| A good honours degree in Religion and Philosophy, or a related subject |
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| Excellent communication skills |
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| The ability to use ICT appropriately to support teaching, or a willingness to learn the skills |
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| The ability to establish good relations with colleagues and pupils. |
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| Sympathy with and knowledge of fundamental British values |
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| Awareness and understanding of safeguarding and welfare of children |
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2. Desirable professional criteria
| Criteria | How will these be tested |
| Experience of teaching academic lessons, either as an employed teacher or during a teaching placement, and an understanding of effective assessment. |
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| A teaching qualification (eg PGCE, GTP) |
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| Knowledge of, and experience of teaching Religion and Philosophy and at A Level |
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| A willingness to be involved in the wider life of the department and school. |
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3. Person Specification
Highgate School seeks to appoint teachers who will have, in addition to the professional qualities outlined above, the following proven personal qualities, or the potential to develop them. At interview, candidates will have the opportunity to demonstrate or give an account of these attributes.
- Profound and continuing interest in the academic subject/s to be taught.
- The depth of knowledge and agility of mind to allow flexibility in lessons, adapting delivery as appropriate in the light of pupils’ responses.
- Empathy with pupils across the age and ability spectrum at Highgate and the ability to implement a range of teaching strategies to cater for each individual pupil.
- Capacity to deal sensitively with problems raised by pupils, in line with Highgate’s pastoral policies and sanctions system, working in partnership with Highgate’s designated staff i/c pastoral care.
- Ability to create effective rapport and a sound relationship with pupils, earning their respect and trust but maintaining proper professional boundaries by not deliberately courting popularity or friendship.
- Dynamism and enthusiasm to contribute broadly to the life of a busy co- educational independent day school.
- Willingness to contribute to the extensive range of activities provided for pupils and to support them in their co-curricular pursuits.
- Capacity for industry and initiative in both independent work and as part of teams of colleagues in academic work, pastoral care, sports and co-curricular activities.
- Awareness and understanding of matters relating to the personal, social, health and emotional development of pupils.
- Willingness and ability to liaise effectively and professionally between pupils, staff and parents when required, making accurate records of these exchanges.
- Patience and thoughtfulness to see any issues that may arise with pupils, parents or colleagues from a variety of perspectives.
- The ability to defuse difficult situations using different strategies such as careful listening, sensitive use of humour, praise and recognition where due, utilising the School’s reward system.
- Retention of a sense of perspective and, on occasion, the invaluable ability to laugh at oneself.
Application procedure
Closing date: 8:00am on 16 May 2022 but applications will be considered as they are received.
Click here to complete the on-line application form
James Newton, Deputy Head (Academic) is happy to answer any questions about this post.
Please read before you apply
We know that more diverse teams are stronger teams, and that the more inclusive we are, the more our staff and pupils will feel a sense of belonging and will thrive. To enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know when you submit your application whether you have any special requirements.
As this role will have regular unsupervised contact with children you must, if appointed, comply with Highgate’s Safeguarding & Welfare Policy. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety and welfare of our pupils, these concerns must be reported immediately in accordance with the Policy. A copy of this Policy will accompany all offers of employment.
Highgate is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and overseas police check if necessary. Candidates from overseas must provide information about their past conduct, for example, by providing documents issued by overseas teaching authorities.
Please note that this role is ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore, you are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not ‘protected’ (i.e. filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview.
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