English Specialist (Maternity Cover)

We wish to make a temporary appointment of an English specialist to cover a maternity leave in this lively and successful department. Candidates should have a passion for literature and a strong commitment to developing pupils’ enjoyment of, and engagement with, the wider world of English. All members of the department contribute to the rich cultural life of the Academy through drama productions, creative writing, debating, journalism, Yearbook and Magazine publications, lunchtime readings, visiting speakers, theatre and cinema trips: we look to create a learning environment where strengths are built on and difficulties overcome.

English is taught to all pupils up to Higher level. Recent years have seen increasing numbers of pupils choosing to continue their study of the subject to Advanced Higher, and many go on to read English at University. At all levels in the classroom, literature is central – English and Scots primarily, but also the literature of the Commonwealth, the Americas, and texts in translation. There is a strong emphasis on encouraging our pupils to develop their curiosity, creativity and intellectual excitement, whatever their level of ability.

There are eleven teachers in the department which is housed in the main Playfair building. We recognise the importance of a collaborative approach and shared focus, while also valuing the freedom and flexibility which allows individual teachers to pursue their own enthusiasms in order to make teaching stimulating and learning dynamic. Classrooms are attractive and well resourced; we benefit from excellent library and IT facilities and are constantly extending our book and audio visual resources. Close links with the Learning Support Department and the Junior School also promote our pupils’ learning experiences.

Drama is taught within the curriculum in Form I and is offered as an Intermediate 2 unit to run concurrently with Standard Grade English. In Forms V and VI we offer Higher and Advanced Higher courses in Drama. Dramatic productions in the new Maguire Studio Theatre over the last year have included Lysistrata, The Tulip Touch and the highly innovative Metamorphoses. Successful plays have transferred to the Fringe and local theatres. The debating scene is also very lively, with weekly lunchtime debates running throughout the year and pupils at all levels regularly competing in national finals, while the annual Burns Suppers are distinguished by stylish and witty speeches from Form VI.

The Academy has a rich extra-curricular programme in which all members of staff participate. Likewise there are many boarders on campus – staff are again encouraged to be involved in the corporate life of the Academy.

Letters of application, accompanied by full CV and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two referees, should be sent to The Rector, Dollar Academy, Dollar FK14 7DU.

The Academy
Teaching at Dollar