Our Modern Foreign Languages Department is a large, diverse, inclusive and collegiate department of informed, passionate teachers of modern languages and culture. We all teach across the range of abilities and ages.The main role of our Language Assistants are to support the work of the Modern Foreign Languages Department. You will work closely with pupils who are learning Mandarin individually or in small groups of pupils, to help them improve their oral and aural language skills. You will also support the running of the department, undertaking general administration and exam preparation, and supporting the work of the Modern Foreign Language Masters as required. You will be required to support the College's vibrant co-curricular activities and perform weekly duties in a boarding house. In addition, you will support the Eton College Summer Schools programme.Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.BenefitsEton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.Main DutiesTo work with pupils one-to-one or in small groups to help them improve their oral and aural fluency. These sessions are normally between 20 - 40 minutes long and to be delivered in Mandarin. Approximately 20 hours per week of the Language Assistant’s time will be spent working with the students in this way;To provide regular feedback to the Head of Chinese and masters teaching that language; this could, for example, be in the form of weekly progress reports about each pupil;To provide feedback to individual pupils after each session and to set them targets which will help them to improve their proficiency;To prepare lesson materials and send these to the pupils at least a week in advance of the sessions with enough time and appropriate guidance (e.g. vocab lists) for them to prepare for the session. Lesson materials may, for example include small articles and pieces of literature;To prepare general questions in the target language pertaining to the topic studied as part of the scheme of work;To provide occasional cover for departmental lessons – this does not include formal teaching, but will include taking absence, ensuring the safety of the students in the class, and supervising the pupils whilst they complete the work already prepared by the Master;All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.The Ideal CandidateYou will:Be a fluent Mandarin speaker who has recent direct experience of Chinese culture, with the ability to enthuse and motivate young people to want to learn the language;Have your own outstanding record of academic engagement and achievement;Be excited to join a high-achieving and reflective academic culture;Embrace innovation in teaching and learning and be committed to your own professional development;Be positive, forward-looking and collaborative;Value and embrace life in a full-boarding community.Skills and Competencies:A thorough knowledge of the Mandarin language with the ability to communicate this verbally (you must be fluent in the language). Pupils are taught to write using the simplified characters, although some background-speaker pupils are familiar with the traditional characters;A strong academic profile, with a good undergraduate degree in a related subject. A demonstrable knowledge of Chinese literature and linguistics;A willingness to contribute to the extra-curricular (co-curricular) activities offered by the College such as sport, drama and evening societies;Excellent organisation and time management skills, including the ability to juggle a variety of competing priorities whilst meeting deadlines;Excellent written and verbal communication skills which will allow you to communicate effectively with a wide range of people;The ability to work using your own initiative when appropriate, and to take direction.Although no prior experience is necessary, the individual must have a demonstrable enthusiasm for helping pupils to learn and develop, and a commitment to the highest standard of pupil welfare and safeguarding procedures;A clear understanding of the needs of young people and an ability to maintain a good sense of order and discipline;The desire to be fully involved with the life of a busy boarding school - this will include co-curricular and pastoral duties that fall on evenings and weekends; you appreciate a boarding school operates 24/7 during term time and this can sometimes impact on your personal plans.About The CollegeWe are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. DISCLOSURE CHECKSEton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.
