Modern Languages Assistant - Chinese

The main role of the language assistant is to provide additional support for the sixth form in preparing for the speaking examinations, which account for 25% of the final IB mark.

All sixth form linguists are timetabled to attend a weekly conversation class with the relevant language assistant. These classes are designed to practise key exam skills as well as to focus on a variety of relevant topics. Assistants are encouraged to develop a less formal, yet purposeful and professional rapport with students, and to focus on issues of mutual interest for discussion.

In addition, the department places a high value on the cultural knowledge and understanding that assistants bring to conversation lessons.

Assistants are guided by the class teachers with regard to the syllabus and lesson content. The size of the assistants’ classes is significantly smaller than the main teaching sets, giving assistants greater scope to provide individual support and to build students’ fluency and confidence.

Assistants provide informal written reports on each of their students on a regular basis.

The modern language assistant (Chinese) also supports classroom teachers in promoting and consolidating spoken Chinese with pupils from Years 9 to 11 and contribute to a modern languages taster carousel for Years 7 and 8. In addition, they support the Head of Chinese in the organisation and celebration of Chinese cultural events.

• Is a native speaker of Chinese
• Has a university degree and/or teaching qualification such as TEFL, PGCE or equivalent or has recently lived in a Chinese-speaking country
• Has a genuine interest in Chinese as a language and a keenness to promote not only the education of the language but also the cultural aspects of the Chinese-speaking world
• Is eager to inspire, support and motivate all pupils to flourish and reach their academic potential
• Has an ability to communicate effectively with young people, with excellent communication skills, both orally and written
• Has an ability to work well as part of a team but also to be confident in working on their own initiative
• Is reliable and has effective planning and organisational skills
• Possesses strong pastoral instincts and a commitment to excellent pastoral care and safeguarding for all pupils
• Has excellent communication skills and works well with others
• Is personally committed to ongoing professional development

• Prior experience of working in a secondary school environment