EFL employment / summer jobs at English Country Schools

EFL summer teaching jobs / employment opportunities for teachers and activity staff at English Coury Schools.

Teachers

English Country Schools is a residential English Language summer schools organisation for children aged 7 - 17. Our Summer 2008 courses take place in very beautiful settings in Cotswold Oxfordshire and The Lake District. We aim to provide 'fun, friendship and learning in a healthy natural environment' for the children and young people in our care.

The students - 'Nice kids' is the most frequently heard comment - come from privileged backgrounds, typically attending international schools in their own countries. Most are bright, well motivated and confident, sometimes disarmingly so. Some are inevitably spoilt, awkward or shy. They come as individuals, not groups, so for some - especially those who are away from home for the first time - it can be quite a challenge.

The job of all staff is to help the students to get the most from their stay in England. In addition to teaching on five mornings per week, teachers assist with the sports and activity programme, accompany students on excursions and, on a rota basis, carry out duties such as ringing bells, supervising meal queues and bed times. There is a full, 24-hour day off weekly and usually an afternoon or evening off daily. Payment is in the region of Ł350 per week, depending on experience and qualifications. Accommodation and full board in the school is provided free of charge. Course dates for Summer 2008 are 9 July - 3 August inclusive for Sibford (teenagers 14 - 17) and 9 July - 10 August inclusive for Port Regis (children 7 - 14).

Students are placed according to age and ability. Generally these correlate. Where there is a choice (for example if a young student has excellent English), parents decide whether they prefer the child to be placed by age or ability. There is some rotation between classes: ie. teachers may teach more than one level during their stay.

Teaching materials are drawn from a variety of published texts appropriate to the age group. Each week a core of activities includes an out-of-class project, a music-based lesson, a debate or discussion leading to a piece of writing (older students), a literature-based lesson, a computer-based lesson, a video or DVD-based lesson. At Sibford, the third teaching period is a 90-minute workshop in photography, poetry, drama, grammar and pronunciation or producing an on-line course journal. Teachers who are willing to lead these workshops are particularly welcome.

In addition to qualified EFL teachers who are experienced with young learners (10 – 17) we are also looking for primary-trained teachers (not necessarily qualified in EFL) who are experienced in using arts, crafts, stories, songs, games, movement, etc, for the youngest students (7 – 9 year olds) at Port Regis.

There is an induction meeting the day before the course, providing an opportunity for teachers to look at the materials, meet colleagues and get to know the school and grounds. Ongoing academic support and supervision is provided by a non-teaching Director of Studies.

Employment is hard work but the schools are beautifully situated with excellent recreational opportunities in the area and good on-site sports facilities.

Teachers should be qualified with a PGCE / BEd, or a university degree and a recognised TEFL qualification that includes an observed teaching component; and at least one year's relevant experience. We look for people who genuinely enjoy working with children or teenagers, get on well with their colleagues, are sociable, well-balanced and competent, have plenty of energy and enjoy hard work. If you have experience in working in a residential situation, hold a current First Aid qualification, have a particular interest in sport, can play a guitar…. so much the better. Smoking is not allowed on our courses.

If you feel you have the qualifications, experience and personal qualities we require, please complete and return our Employment Application Form or email Chris Etchells or telephone (0)1242 604067

General Helper (Care of Juniors)

Our Summer 2008 junior course for 7 – 14 year olds takes place in a very beautiful setting in Dorset. The job of General Helper (Care of Juniors) exists to ensure that the youngest children (7 – 10 year olds) on our junior course are well looked after and get the most from their stay. Work will involve some or all of the following:

Preparing bedrooms before the children arrive: not normally bed making, but ensuring rooms are presentable, have the child’s name on the door, etc.
On arrival days, meeting parents, showing children to their rooms, helping with unpacking, etc. Generally accompanying, supervising and occupying children after their parents leave.
Supervising the children in going to bed at night: ensuring that they go to bed on time, put out dirty laundry, shower, brush teeth, etc. Reading to them / talking to them as they settle down. Retaining a presence after lights out to quieten down any noisy rooms, in case of problems in the night, etc.
In the morning, wake up the children, make sure they brush teeth, change clothes etc and get to breakfast on time.
Help with laundry for all children on the course: there will be 3 people doing laundry for about 90 children.
During break times on weekday mornings (10.30 – 10.45 and 11.45 – 12.15), before the evening meal (17.30 – 18.00) and at certain times on Sunday run a playroom with lego, painting, etc, to occupy the youngest children.
After lunch, make sure the children know what to do and where to go. Eg. if they have horse riding, golf or tennis lessons make sure they know where to go and at what time.
Accompanying the youngest children on excursions with the help of another member of staff.
Before departure, helping children to find clothes, re-pack etc. Talking to parents, wishing goodbye, etc.

Time off:

One full 24-hour day off each week, 18:00hrs – 18:00hrs.

Afternoons have been planned so that all the younger children will be engaged in sports by 14:30. You will then have a free period until the end of sports at 17:00hrs when your assistance will be required with showering, etc, before supervising the playroom for 30 minutes before evening meal. You will not be timetabled to assist with evening activities but you will be expected to help get the children to and from these activities.

Support:

There are two General Helpers (Care of Juniors) who will work together in the above tasks. As far as possible we seek to avoid a situation where one person has sole responsibility for children. General Helpers (Care of Juniors) are supervised, supported by and answerable to a Welfare Officer whose job is to oversee the general welfare of all students on the course.

There is an induction meeting the day before the course providing an opportunity to meet your colleagues, discuss the work in detail, get to know the school and grounds etc.

Pay and working conditions:

Port Regis School is beautifully situated with excellent recreational opportunities in the area and good on-site sports facilities including a large indoor heated swimming pool, squash courts, tennis and badminton, etc.

Pay is in the region of Ł200 per week depending on qualifications and experience. Accommodation and full board in the school is provided free of charge.

Personal qualities:

The ideal candidate will be a trustworthy, responsible and patient person who enjoys spending time with young children, is not afraid of hard work and is willing to assist with the more mundane but necessary tasks such as laundry. A First Aid qualification is desirable.

For the right person, this is an opportunity to become closely involved in the lives of young children at an important and exciting time in their lives. Many will be away from home for the first time and they will turn to you for affection and support. This is an excellent opportunity to develop skills and experience in working with children from a variety of cultures. After the course we will be happy to provide references that honestly reflect the contribution you have made to the happiness and wellbeing of the youngest children on our course.

If you feel you have the qualifications, experience and personal qualities we require, send us your CV with the names and telephone numbers of two relevant referees if you have not already done so. If we wish to take your application further we will contact your referees and arrange a time for interview.

Write to: English Country Schools, 18 Riverside, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, GL54 5JP, UK. Telephone / fax: (0)1242 604067, complete our Employment Application Form or email Chris Etchells

Director of Studies

The Director of Studies provides ongoing academic support and supervision of the teaching team. The DOS does not teach, but may be required to stand in for a teacher who is ill or absent. He or she conducts the teachers' academic induction meeting; oversees the placement of students in classes; oversees the writing of reports; assists with lesson planning; conducts weekly academic meetings; oversees production of the school magazine; provides photocopies for teachers; oversees the EFL fiction library; supervises the optional Study Period each afternoon; observes classes; provides feedback on teachers and students to the Course Director; oversees storage and use of teaching materials and stationery; writes an academic report after the course.

DOS will be expected to help develop new teaching materials when not engaged in teaching observations, etc.

If a Trainee Teacher is appointed, the DOS will be required to pay particular attention to this teacher with regard to lesson planning, observation and feedback. At the end of the course the Trainee will receive a written report from the DOS detailing performance at each teaching level, outlining strengths and weaknesses, making suggestions for improvements and giving an overall picture of progress over the five weeks.

The DOS should be qualified with the RSA Diploma or equivalent, with several years experience of teaching and experience in teacher management / training. The Teaching Manager should have several years experience of working with young learners He or she should be a confident and well-organised individual who is up to date with current teaching and teacher-training theory and practice, with particular reference to children. The DOS should be able to combine assertion with diplomacy, should be able to lead and motivate the teaching team and encourage high standards while dealing sensitively with any difficulties that may arise. He or she should preferably have experience of working within a residential situation.

Like teachers, the DOS will be expected to assist with afternoon and evening sports and social activities and assist with pastoral duties such as supervising bed times on a rota basis. There is a full, 24 hour day off weekly and normally an afternoon or evening off daily.

The course is hard work, but on and off-site recreational facilities are good. The schools are situated in areas of outstanding natural beauty and have good sports facilities.

Payment is in the region of Ł425 per week depending on experience and qualifications. Accommodation and full board in the school is provided free of charge. Staff arrive for induction meetings the day before each course and there will be consultation by email (face-to-face if possible) between Course Director and DOS before this. We appreciate that anyone appointed newly to the post will be on a steep learning curve and allowance will be made for this.

The post of Director of Studies at English Country Schools provides an opportunity to work with enthusiastic young teachers and bright, responsive children in a school in a beautiful rural setting. If you feel you have the qualifications, experience and personal qualities we require, complete our Employment Application Form or email Chris Etchells

Teaching Manager

This post at our Port Regis centre is similar to that of DOS above but is geared towards teachers with considerable experience of working with young children in an EFL setting who lack a high-level EFL qualification. It will suit teachers who wish to develop experience at management level who have a particular enthusiasm for and experience in working with young children. We are looking for individuals willing to lead, demonstrate, professionally develop and generally enthuse our EFL teaching team with a variety of ideas, games and activities suitable for younger learners on a holiday course in the English countryside. Payment is in the region of Ł375 per week depending on experience and qualifications.

Complete our Employment Application Form or email Chris Etchells

Sports Organiser

The schools are equipped with tennis and squash courts, volleyball, badminton and short tennis courts, a sports hall with basketball and extensive sports fields for football, rounders, cricket, etc. Port Regis has its own heated indoor swimming pool and there is a public pool within walking distance of our Sibford centre. In addition each week a number of children take ‘Options’ in water sports, horse riding, tennis, golf and outdoor adventure (depending on the centre). In the evenings there is an organised programme of social events. There is a full-day excursion each Saturday and a shopping expedition each Wednesday afternoon.

The job of all staff is to help the children to get the most from their stay in England. The Sports Organiser is central to this in organising a full and varied programme of sports each afternoon so that the children will get plenty of exercise, improve their skills and have fun. No child is forced to participate in any one activity, but everyone is expected to attend something.

The Sports Organiser arranges and – with the help of other staff - implements a programme of sports each afternoon, 14.30 – 15.30 and 15.45 – 16.45. This involves:

· Planning on-site sports with due regard to the safety, enjoyment and age of everyone involved.

· Ensuring that provision is made for wet weather.

· Making sure staff know what is involved and delegating tasks fairly, taking into account individual preferences and ability.

· Monitoring sports to ensure that all children who should be attending are attending and that activities proceed safely, enjoyably and for the correct length of time. Staff are provided with walkie-talkies to facilitate this.

· Liaising with sports coaches (tennis, golf, horse riding); making sure that children taking these 'Options' know where they are supposed to be and when.

· Publicising the sports programme: displaying a weekly programme in advance, making announcements and touring classes daily to find out what students want to do.

· Drawing up lists of names. These are displayed on the student notice board and copies are provided for staff involved.

· Encouraging everyone to participate. No student is forced to join in a sport, but everyone is expected to attend an afternoon activity and should be encouraged to join in.

· Trying to include an element of coaching and skills practice. The Sports Organiser should not normally be in charge of a particular sport, but should circulate between sports, monitoring progress and dropping in to provide coaching and skills practice.

· Liaising with grounds staff employed permanently at the school to ensure that sports equipment is ready for use, courts marked out, etc.

· Supervising the safekeeping of sports equipment; making an inventory of equipment on arrival, ensuring that supplies are not wasted, that there are adequate supplies for the activities, that sports equipment is treated with respect and brought in after use. Any additional supplies should be requested at least 24 hours in advance. The inventory should be kept up to date and consulted at the end of the course to see what needs replacing.

· Supervising the loan of indoor games (table tennis, chess, Connect 4, etc) to students; making sure they treat them with respect and return them after use.

· Contributing to interim and end-of-course reports on each student's participation and progress in sports during the course.

Example:

On a typical afternoon, students might be given a choice between football and badminton. In addition, some students will be involved in horse riding or tennis. This will have been previewed on the weekly sports programme. During the morning staff meeting the Sports Organiser will talk to staff, making sure they know what they are doing and what is involved. During the morning assembly the Sports Organiser will remind students what is on offer and read out the names of any students taking sports options (golf, tennis, riding). During morning lessons the Sports Organiser will tour classes to find out what students want to do. S/he will check that badminton posts have been erected, that racquets and shuttles are available, football fields have been marked out, goal posts are in place, etc. The Sports Organiser will telephone the horse-riding centre to confirm names and numbers and check that tennis and golf lessons are going ahead as planned. S/he will draw up lists of names of who is doing what, display these on the student notice board and provide a list for each member of staff helping with afternoon sports. During morning break times the sports organiser helps to supervise the students, talking to any students who are reluctant to participate and announcing any last-minute changes to the programme.

Immediately after lunch the Sports Organiser checks with teachers on their roles, provides them with the names of students attending and an outline plan for each activity. Assisted by duty staff, the Sports Organiser ensures that all students get to the right activity on time. S/he circulates between activities, monitoring progress, observing students, talking about individual students' participation and providing a skills development session if this is beyond the capability of the attending teacher. At the end of the afternoon the Sports Organiser checks that all sports equipment has been returned. From 17.00 – 18.00 the Sports Organiser helps to supervise the swimming pool.

The Sports Organiser will not be required to assist with the evening social programme but will be required to assist with evening duties (see Notes for Staff, appendix 1 and appendix 2) on a rota basis (usually two or three times per week). The Sports Organiser may occasionally be asked to help supervise excursions or shopping trips or do airport duty. There is a full 24-hour day off weekly.

From the above it will be clear that the Sports Organiser must be an organised and hard-working individual, tactful, outgoing and energetic, able to motivate others, responsible with a good sense of fun. The Sports Organiser will typically be a graduate or undergraduate on a sports degree. He or she must genuinely enjoy and have experience of working with children in the relevant age group for the post. A First Aid qualification is essential.

Payment is in the region of Ł350 per week, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition accommodation and full board in the school is provided free of charge.

The post of Sports Organiser at English Country Schools provides an opportunity to work with enthusiastic young teachers and bright, responsive young people in a school in a beautiful rural setting. If you feel you have the qualifications, experience and personal qualities we require, send us your CV with the names and telephone numbers of two relevant referees, if you have not already done so. If we wish to take your application further we will invite you for interview. If you are appointed, your acceptance of the contents of this 'Background Information' forms part of the contract. We regret that due to the volume of applications we receive we cannot reply to all applications. If you do not hear from us again, this is because the post has been filled or because your experience and / or qualifications do not meet our requirements. In this case, please feel free to apply again in the future. We are always happy to hear from prospective employees.

Complete our Employment Application Form or email Chris Etchells

Social Organiser

The Social Organiser arranges a daily evening social programme for 11 - 14 year olds (at Port Regis) or for 14 - 17 year olds (at Sibford) so that the children / teenagers will mix, make friends, have fun and practise their English together. (There is a separate person who plans activities for 7 - 10 year olds at Port Regis). The job of Social Organiser involves:

Planning social events and excursions with due regard to the safety, enjoyment and age of everyone involved.
Social events can include things like treasure hunts, quizzes, film shows, discos, Blind Date, crazy sports, Capture the Flag, countryside walks, song nights, international evenings, etc.
Delegating tasks fairly to teachers, as far as possible taking into account individual preferences, abilities and time off.
Publicising events; encouraging everyone to participate; finding out which children will be doing what and drawing up lists of names showing this information.
Supervising activities to ensure that all children who should be attending are attending and that activities proceed safely, enjoyably and for the correct length of time.
Liaising with staff employed permanently at the school to ensure that rooms and equipment are ready for use.
Safekeeping of equipment; making an inventory of equipment on arrival, ensuring that supplies are not wasted, that there are adequate supplies for the activities, that equipment is treated with respect and brought in after use. Any additional supplies should be requested at least 24 hours in advance. The inventory should be kept up to date and consulted at the end of the course to see what needs replacing.
Taking a lead in social events, encouraging a relaxed atmosphere in which children will have a good time and wish to join in.
Contributing to interim and end-of-course reports on each student's progress on the course.

Example

If the evening activity is a disco, the social organiser might have thought about / arranged the following:

Decide on the format of the disco. Will the disco be fancy dress? Themed? Will there be party games? Competitions? What kind of music will be played? Depending on the age of the students, consider forming a ‘student disco committee’ to help you make these decision. The more they can be involved in planning, the more successful the event is likely to be.
Check the hall / room where the disco will take place. Make sure that it is suitable for a disco, eg. that light from windows can be blocked out, that there is still sufficient ventilation. Check that emergency exits are sufficient, well signposted and not locked or blocked. Look for any hazards such as trailing wires, tables that might collapse if students stand on them, things that students might fall over in the dark, windows that students might fall against, etc. If someone is ill or injured in the disco, where are the light switches? Where is the nearest first aid box? Who among your helpers has first aid training? How will you notify the school office if there is a problem?
Talk to the Junior Activity Organiser (at Port Regis only) to decide how the younger children (7 – 10 year olds) will be involved, if at all.
Think about what you will do with students who don’t like discos or who leave early. How will they be occupied? Will this be compulsory? Who will staff this? What if the DJ doesn’t turn up or there is a power failure during the evening? How will you occupy students if the disco cannot proceed? What is your backup plan? Remember that if your backup plan involves the outdoors you will also need a wet weather alternative. Go through a similar planning and risk-assessment for each additional activity.
How will you decorate the hall? What will you need? Balloons? Coloured streamers? Are these available? You must give at least 24 hours notice (longer if possible) of anything that needs to be bought.
How and where will you advertise the disco? Maybe some of the students might like to assist you with producing colourful posters, etc. Will you tell the students about the disco in the morning assembly? How will students need to behave in the disco to ensure that it is as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone? What are the emergency evacuation procedures? Are there any ground rules you need to set out regarding acceptable behaviour, litter, etc?
Talk to the company or person doing the disco about timings, format of the evening, type of music, volume and general atmosphere. Find out what they need in terms of hall, power supply, tables, layout and prizes.
Think about refreshments during the evening and how these can be provided safely, eg. avoiding slippery floors. Talk to the kitchens about this.
Talk to staff who will be involved in helping with the disco and side activity. Make sure they know what is happening and who is responsible for what. Talk about safety issues. Talk about how they can best be involved to ensure the success of the evening.
Run the disco and side activity. Circulate to ensure that activities are proceeding safely and enjoyably.
At the end of the evening, ensure that the hall is litter-free, tidy (will you ask students to help with this?) and that all equipment has been returned to storage. Check the hall for lost property. Make sure lights are off, windows closed, doors locked, etc.
Hand over to evening duty staff, breathe a big sigh of relief and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. At some later stage, talk to staff involved to find out if there were any problems, near misses, what worked well, didn’t work, etc. Take account of these in your planning for the next disco.

From the above it will be clear that the Social Organiser must be an organised and hard-working individual, imaginative, outgoing and able to motivate others, responsible with a good sense of fun. He or she must genuinely enjoy and have experience of working with children and teenagers in the 11 - 14 or 14 - 17 age group. A First Aid qualification is desirable.

The Social Organiser will not be required to assist with the afternoon sports programme but will be required to assist with morning and afternoon duties (see Notes for Staff, appendix 1 and appendix 2) on a rota basis (usually two or three times per week). The Social Organiser also helps to supervise students during morning break times. This should still leave plenty of time for planning.The Social Organiser may occasionally be asked to help supervise excursions or shopping trips or do airport duty. There is a full 24-hour day off weekly.

Payment is in the region of Ł350 per week, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition accommodation and full board in the school is provided free of charge.

The job of Social Organiser at English Country Schools provides an opportunity to play a leading part in a professional team, working with bright, responsive children and young people. If after reading this information you think you have the right qualities and qualifications for the post, complete our Employment Application Form or email Chris Etchells

Course Manager

Areas of responsibility:

Administration: help with unpacking at the beginning of the course and repacking at the end. Oversee arrival and departure of staff and students. Collect and safe keep passports, tickets and pocket money. Use a computer and relevant software to work with student records. Manage petty cash and record payment of salaries and expenses. Contribute to and send interim and end-of-course reports to parents.
Communication: efficiently use telephone and email. Liaise with parents, staff, students, host school representatives and local service providers (taxis, airport, riding centre, tennis coaches, insurers, etc.) Hold regular staff meetings and student gatherings. Liaise with Head Office and provide daily reports. At the end of the course conduct debriefing meetings and provide an end-of-course report to Head Office.
Representation: represent English Country Schools at all times with politeness, fairness and efficiency.
Supervision: be aware of safety issues and work with the Welfare Officer and other staff to maintain the welfare of staff and students at all times. Live on site and sensitively maintain discipline of staff and students (including off-site behaviour) as described in the Operations Manual. Perform fire practices, oversee the completion of inventories and carry out damage checks before, during and after the course.
Leadership: provide overall direction and liaise with the Activity Manager and Director of Studies to ensure the smooth running of the activity and teaching programmes. Deal with problems as they arise. Be prepared to work hard. Devote your time, attention and abilities to the business and affairs of the centre. Set a good example and do not act in any way that may bring English Country Schools or the host school into disrepute. Be sensitive to staff morale and motivate individuals and the staff team.

In summary, the Course Manager should be someone who:

Is a good team leader
Understands and relates well to young people
Is fully committed to the aims and aspirations of the course and the organisation as a whole
Has good administrative skills
Is personally self-sufficient and competent

Comprehensive induction will be provided. One of the Course Directors will be present to assist with the start and finish of the course and as needed during the course. A detailed Operations Manual provides guidance on the day-to-day running of the course.

Dates and compensation:

9 July – 3 August 2008 including staff induction day. Salary negotiable depending on qualifications and experience. Full board and lodge is provided free of charge in the school.

Contact:

Christopher Etchells, Course Director, English Country Schools, 18 Riverside, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JP Email
Telephone 01242 604067

note: EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTION

We are obliged as employers to get a work permit for non-EU citizens. To do this we have to prove that the job cannot be performed by an EU citizen. This is virtually impossible. Employment without a valid work permit can result in a large fine for the employer and deportation from the UK for the employee with restrictions on future travel with damaging ramifications.

Citizens of Commonwealth countries aged 17-27 are allowed to work part-time or casually, which includes teaching on summer schools. Any students (whatever their nationality) studying full-time at a British university may work part time in the UK providing they gain permission (normally granted) from the Department of Employment.

Christopher Etchells 2008