A full-time, enthusiastic and ambitious Teacher of Theology and Philosophy for this academically selective, coeducational North London day school is required for a September start. This position would suit an experienced teacher, or a graduate who is looking to gain initial classroom experience; Highgate welcomes applications from candidates without formal teaching qualifications.
The Department aims to foster an enthusiasm for the study of both disciplines of theology and philosophy, 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 which encourage intellectual resilience, humility and independence of thought among our pupils.
Pupils in Key Stage 3 develop the religious and philosophical literacy necessary for navigating a complex religious and secular world, with an emphasis on practising 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 cohort sizes are 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 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 seven members sharing a common ethos, expertise and resources; all colleagues volunteer for extra responsibilities as and when necessary. The department is well equipped and resourced with a dedicated office, Microsoft Surface devices for all teachers that wirelessly connect to whiteboards in classrooms, and a departmental library.
For further details please see:
https://www.highgateschool.org.uk/vacancies/teacher-of-theology-and-philosophy/
