BIRKDALE SCHOOL
Sheffield
Part-time
12th February 2026
Listed 1 week ago
Job Information Pack Spanish Language Assistant – Term Time Only 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk Job Information Pack Spanish Language Assistant – Term Time Only Welcome to Birkdale Thank you for your interest in this role at Birkdale School. I hope this information pack provides you with everything you need to know about the vacancy, our school, and why we are proud to be a family where everyone is stronger together. Birkdale is a special place for boys and girls aged 4 to 18, from our Prep School through to the Sixth Form. Our pupils learn and play alongside each other, supported by outstanding, passionate teachers and staff. We are dedicated to developing every individual's potential while achieving the best possible academic results. We are a welcoming, happy, and aspirational environment, featuring small classes and expert teaching. This approach allows our pupils to learn effectively and achieve highly; typically, around two-thirds of all GCSE grades achieved are between grades 7 to 9. We also offer a large number of extra-curricular activities in sport, music, drama, and other pastimes that enrich our students’ lives and help them develop new skills. Our high expectations, huge breadth of activity, and outstanding pastoral care are all rooted in our strong Christian ethos, which characterises the education we offer. I look forward to potentially welcoming you to Birkdale soon With best wishes, Mr Ben Bowles Head, Birkdale School 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk Job Information Pack Spanish Language Assistant – Term Time Only The Role We seek to appoint a Spanish Language Assistant to support our successful and friendly Modern Foreign Languages Department. Spanish is taught to all pupils from their second year at Senior School (Y8), with a good proportion opting to study it in their third year and at GCSE. The work of the assistant will be with pupils across the age range, including pupils preparing for GCSE and A level examinations. Some work will be done alongside the teacher in the classroom but most of the time, small groups will be taken out for intensive oral work with the assistant. It is important that the appointee has a good knowledge of the general cultural literary background of the target-language country as well as being interested in current social and political issues so as to cope with the work at sixth form level. We are happy to offer substantial support and guidance initially and have a good stock of resources, but a reasonable amount of initiative and imagination are expected. A contribution to the wider life of the department will also be expected. The role will be to work approximately 12 hours per week (including preparation time). This is a great opportunity for someone with native level Spanish language sills who may be looking to explore teaching as a profession. The role is temporary but with the opportunity to extend, depending on pupil uptake. The successful candidate will be scheduled to work 7-8 contact hours (depending on sixth form numbers), plus be allocated 4 hours for preparation work which will be spread over 3 days. The exact pattern of hours are dictated to a significant extent by the requirements of the school timetable. The appointee is required from Mid-September 2026 until the 31st May 2027. The Department The Modern Foreign Languages Department (MFL) is a lively, forward-looking and successful department. It consists of six committed staff, plus native French, German and Spanish language assistants. Housed in a modern suite of rooms, with classrooms, a Foreign Language Assistants' teaching room, two staff workrooms (with networked computers) and a resources room. The department is well resourced, having interactive whiteboards in all classrooms, a sixth form Minilab as well as a full class-size ICT room. All pupils are also provided with Chrome books. Pupils who attend our preparatory school, are taught French and Spanish co-currently from the age of four. In the last two years, they study these languages for two periods per week. Pupils are taught in mixed-ability tutor groups and the emphasis is on creating a positive attitude towards language learning. There is a focus on good pronunciation and confidence in the language, as well as pupil enjoyment and developing language-learning skills. Regular contact is 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk Job Information Pack Spanish Language Assistant – Term Time Only maintained between the Senior and Prep Schools to ensure a smooth transition in the MFL curriculum and to pass on information regarding both the effort and attainment of pupils in their final year at the Prep School. Pupils from the other main feeder schools of Birkdale will also normally have been taught some French for between two and four years either as a single lesson per week or in some cases for up to three lessons per week, though in a number of cases pupils come to the Senior School with no prior experience of French. The diversity of prior experience is taken careful account of in the planning of lessons especially in S1 (Y7). Apart from a separate group for beginners of French, pupils are initially taught in mixed ability groups. Setting is introduced from the start of the Easter term, following the November examinations when common speaking, listening, reading and writing tests are taken. In Year S2 (Y8), all take a half-year taster course in German and Spanish in addition to continuing with French in setted groups. Pupils then opt to continue with one or two languages, with some taking two languages. French, German and Spanish are available to GCSE and AS/A2 level (AQA) and pupils consistently achieve good grades. Almost all pupils achieve a level 4 or above in a modern language at GCSE. The department has an excellent track record in students gaining excellent grades with a good proportion achieving grades 8-9 at GCSE level. At A-Level the trend continues with all students typically achieving between grades 9-4. Class sizes are small with even form groups not exceeding 24 pupils although most groups are smaller than this, especially in setted or option groups. Pupils of all levels are encouraged to develop into true linguists, to make links and push their intellectual curiosity beyond the remit of the framework provided by the schemes of work. The department aims to create a vibrant and stimulating atmosphere in the classroom where each pupil is encouraged to achieve their full potential. We have a full, regular programme of cultural activities and trips abroad, for example cinema and theatre visits and participation at sixth-form days and conferences. Each September, The European Day of Languages is celebrated with a variety of activities and competitions. Study trips and homestay visits to France, Germany and Spain are a key part of what the department offers to pupils at various stages in their language learning. Pupils in S2 and S3 (Year 8 and 9) usually have the opportunity to participate in a taster visit to either Spain or Germany. We have had, for example, ‘Taste of France and Germany’ trip to Alsace/Black Forest. For older pupils, study trips include visits to Paris, Seville and Berlin. This year we have enjoyed great visits to Berlin, which the students have thoroughly enjoyed and gained valuable experience from. We also have several informal links and contacts with French, German and Spanish speaking countries which enhances the learning experience for all of our students. 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk Job Information Pack Spanish Language Assistant – Term Time Only Key Responsibilities Under the direction of the Head of Modern Languages: • Undertake up to 8 hours of class contact time plus appropriate liaison with the class teacher, preparation and marking. • Undertake other appropriate duties in the modern languages department during periods when there is reduced teaching contact time. • Assist with the promotion and development of Spanish within the school. • • Support with the preparation and conduct of Spanish internal examinations. Participate in modern languages extra-curricular activities such as language clinics, clubs, theatre and cinema visits and language events in the school. • Assist with the maintenance of an attractive teaching environment including displays of pupil work. • Support with class and individual links with schools in Spanish-speaking countries (e.g. letter and e-mail exchanges) and to accompany visits and/or exchanges abroad as agreed. 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk Job Information Pack Spanish Language Assistant – Term Time Only Person Specification • Must be fluent in speaking, reading, writing and listening in Spanish, and be of native language level in all four areas. • An open, friendly and confident personality. • A keen follower of modern Spanish culture and current affairs, and an interest and passion in imparting this knowledge onto pupils. • • The ability to deliver quality lessons that demonstrate imagination and originality. Students should look forward to their sessions with the Language Assistant, and should be able to apply session content to their wider studies of the language. • The ability to demonstrate initiative. • Some experience in the classroom in either a leadership or supportive capacity, and preferably in a language-learning environment would be desirable but not essential. • • • • Be in sympathy with the strong Christian ethos of Birkdale School. Be able to work within organisational procedures and meet the required standards for the role. Be able to work collaboratively and supportively with school colleagues. Be able to relate effectively to parents and to pupils. • Display commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people, and be able to form and maintain appropriate relationships. 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk Job Information Pack Spanish Language Assistant – Term Time Only Information about Birkdale Birkdale is a very successful independent day school located in Sheffield for children aged from 4 to 18, amounting altogether to 770+ pupils. Birkdale is located on three sites in south-west Sheffield, the 11-18 (Y7 to Y13) Senior School, the 4-11 (Reception to Y6) Prep School and the playing fields at Castle Dyke. Birkdale is the only HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference) school in South Yorkshire and the Head is also a member of the Society of Heads. The Head of the Preparatory School is a member of IAPS (The Independent Association of Preparatory Schools). The Christian ethos of the school manifests itself in the particularly friendly and supportive atmosphere. A good proportion of the staff are committed Christians, although as a community Birkdale is open to all, whatever their beliefs. There have been some exciting developments in recent years which include the introduction of girls at Birkdale. From September 2020, Birkdale began the process of moving from being a school for boys only, with a co-educational sixth form to being a fully co-educational school. From September 2024, all year groups at the Prep School were co-educational with the first 11+ co-educational cohort joining the Senior School. This is an exciting time to join our school. 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk Job Information Pack Spanish Language Assistant – Term Time Only Additional Information • • • • • • • • • • You may wish to note that the length of Birkdale’s terms are slightly shorter than those of a maintained school and therefore the school holidays are longer. Term dates are on the school website. This is a term time only, fixed term contract role starting mid-September 2026 until 31st May 2027 and will include attendance at twilight training, inset days and any open days. (There may be the opportunity to extend) Salary will be paid at £15.26 per hour in line at the current British Council rates and subject to review for 2026/27. The part time role is 12 hours per week and will be scheduled to work 7 - 8 contact hours (depending on sixth- from numbers), plus be allocated 4 hours for preparation work which will be spread over 3 days. (term time only). Pension: Birkdale offers an attractive private salary sacrifice pension scheme APTIS with Aviva which is open to all support staff with a 6% employer contribution. Staff are entitled to a remission of school fees amounting up to 71.6% for full-time staff and pro rata for part- time and part year working staff. Sick pay: The company sick pay scheme provides ex-gratia sick pay at the full rate for up to 3 months in any 12 months, with 50% income protection for extended sickness. Additional Benefits: Death in service and access to additional wellbeing and health support including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments, Unlimited mental health support, Physiotherapy, Personal training, Nutrition consultations and more. During term time, lunch is provided to staff on site. Car parking is available on site. 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk Job Information Pack Spanish Language Assistant – Term Time Only How To Apply Please submit: • • A cover letter addressed to Kathryn Higham, Head of MFL of no more than one side of A4 explaining why you believe you are interested in the role, and the skills and experiences you can bring to it (minimum font size of 11) A completed Birkdale School application form which includes the names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of two referees. This can be found on our website >> Recruitment timetable: • • Closing date for applications – Thursday 12th February 2026 at 9.am. Interviews – Monday 23rd February 2026 Email your application to: Kathryn Higham, Head of MFL at recruit@birkdaleschool.org.uk by the closing date. For an informal discussion regarding the role please do not hesitate to contact the above email address with any questions you may have. Applicants who do not provide a Covering Letter and Application Form, as stipulated, will unfortunately not be considered. If you have any difficulties in providing this, please do not hesitate to contact the HR team at Recruit@birkdaleschool.org.uk 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk Job Information Pack Spanish Language Assistant – Term Time Only Pre-Employment Checks Birkdale School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo the relevant pre-employment checks relevant to the role. Current legislation applying to this post includes The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2008 and the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996. Therefore, the successful candidate will be required to prove their eligibility to work in the UK and undergo appropriate criminal record checks, including an application for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Details of the documentation etc needed in connection with all the above requirements will be sent to the shortlisted candidates. Prior to taking up appointment, we will then request a declaration about medical fitness, and proof of qualifications from the successful candidate. Under the guidance set by KCSIE Birkdale School will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. Equal Opportunities At Birkdale School, we strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all individuals. We are dedicated to promoting equality and diversity, providing a level playing field for all of our staff and pupils. We aim to foster an inclusive culture, where diversity is celebrated and where everyone feels empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. If you meet most of the criteria but are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to reach out - we value potential and a willingness to grow. 0114 266 8408 • birkdaleschool.org.uk birkdaleschool.org.uk