Job Description

Recruitment

24/25



Teacher of Social Sciences/Vocational Education


Minsthorpe Community College

Welcome

Dear Applicant

Thank you for your interest in Minsthorpe Community


College. We hope that the information contained within


this pack will help you decide if you have the right


qualities, skills, and experience to apply for our vacancy.



Minsthorpe Community College is a very special place.


Between us, we have more than 40 years' experience


working here. When we became Joint Principals in


April 2019, we wanted to bring to life the vision and


values that we truly believe make this College and its


community the amazing place that it is. At Minsthorpe


Community College our core values of motivation,

commitment and care permeate through everything we


do. They are brought to life in all aspects of our College


life and not just put up on the walls as decoration. Our


vision for Minsthorpe will only ever happen when we


live through these values which we hold dear.



Minsthorpe's core values are built on our response


to the following question. As a parent, looking for a

school, college, or university for our own children, what


is it that we actually look for in a place? Firstly, we want


a place where our children love to learn; somewhere


where they get up every morning and want to go to,


where they are motivated in all the subjects they study


and where there is a wide range of extra-curricular


activities for them to enjoy. Secondly, we want to find a


place where they will get a world-class education, where


teachers and students are committed to achieving

the very best to move them to the next phase of their


education. Finally, we want a place that will look after


our loved ones. A place where people care for each


other and put an arm around someone if they are in


need. We want to know that there is always an adult


available whenever needed and where children will


make friends that will last a lifetime.



Our vision for Minsthorpe is that every single person


has a part to play in strengthening our learning


community. Students, staff, parents, and governors


all have a crucial role to play each and every day. We


say to our students that we all have different talents


and whether you are an amazing mathematician or

can speak a foreign language, whether you are a great


footballer or a talented tennis player, whether you


love reading, are passionate about the environment


or have an incredible singing voice, everyone has a


part to play here. We are ambitious for our students


to be the best that they can be. We want them to be


motivated to come to College, committed to their


education and to care for each other.



We are seeking to appoint staff who will share


this vision and work with us to make it a reality.


At Minsthorpe, we invest in the recruitment,

development and retention of caring professionals


who are committed to constantly reviewing and


improving the quality of learning, teaching and


support. We expect that staff are motivated to work


collaboratively in setting high expectations for all


students with a relentless focus on student learning


and progress. In return, you will benefit from working


with caring colleagues who will support you in your


role and your personal and professional development.



If you would like to arrange a visit to the college, we


would be more than happy to show you around so


you can get a feel for who we are.



Email

enquiries@minsthorpe.cc

and we will


arrange a convenient time for you to come and visit


Minsthorpe Community College. We look forward to


hearing from you.

Mr Mark Gilmore/Mrs Rachael Merritt

Joint Principals

Mr Mark Gilmore & Mrs Rachael Merritt

Joint Principals

Vision

Vision & Mission

Staff

At Minsthorpe, we invest in the recruitment,


development and retention of caring professionals


who are committed to constantly reviewing and


improving the quality of learning, teaching and


support. We expect that staff are motivated to work


collaboratively in setting high expectations for all


students with a relentless focus on student learning


and progress.



XXXXXX

Mission

Students

At Minsthorpe, we motivate students through


an engaging curriculum which promotes lifelong


learning. We provide exciting educational

opportunities and an ethos of care, guidance and


support for all. We know that students learn best in a


safe, calm and orderly environment and our rewards


and sanctions support this. We expect that students


are committed to their own learning and progress


and to achieving their future aspirations.



Minsthorpe Community College:


A place where everyone plays a


part in strengthening our learning


community through motivation,


commitment, and care.

Parents and Carers

At Minsthorpe, we value the contribution our caring


parent body makes to their child's education, as we


work together to motivate and support each student


in reaching their full potential. We want parents

and carers to work with us in ensuring their child is


safe and happy. We expect the full commitment of


parents and carers in ensuring their child attends


regularly and on time; completes home learning;


wears the correct uniform; is fully equipped and


ready to learn and behave the Minsthorpe Way.

Governors

At Minsthorpe, the Governing Body is committed


to challenging the College Leadership to secure


the highest standards of education for the


students of our community. It oversees the


financial performance of the College, ensuring that


budgets are well spent. Governors expect that all


stakeholders work together in the best interests of


the students to motivate and care for each other.




10



Minsthorpe Community College is a large, vibrant, and


inclusive community college with a student body of over 1500


students ranging from 11 to 19 years. We have six primary


schools in our pyramid and are pleased to welcome children


from neighbouring areas.



We have a highly skilled team of teachers and associate


staff that always act in the best interest of the students.

We offer excellent facilities for learning and teaching with


dedicated blocks for each subject area as well as community


dimensions including a sports & fitness centre and a


children's centre.



Students enjoy a range of extra-curricular and enrichment


opportunities which complement their learning. Minsthorpe


Community College secures great GCSE and Post 16 results


year on year allowing students to progress into higher


education and employment.



Minsthorpe Community College places at the heart of its


development a commitment to high quality professional


development for all staff who join the college. We


understand that by investing in our staff we will create an


organisation with a shared vision and mission.

"There is a focused,

purposeful atmosphere

around the school, which is

underpinned by the school's

vision of motivation,

commitment and care."

Ofsted,

2023

Why work at

Minsthorpe?

The opportunity to work in a well-resourced,
forward thinking, and rewarding environment.
Excellent facilities for learning and teaching with
dedicated blocks for each subject area.
Free membership of our state-of-the-art on-site
Sports & Fitness Centre for full-time, permanent


employees, as well as the facility of an on-site


Children's Centre.
Comprehensive induction and on-going
opportunities for Professional Development.
Excellent care and support for all staff, including
access to an Employee Assistance Programme for


employees and their immediate family.
Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
(associate staff) or Teachers' Pension Scheme


(teachers).
Nationally agreed terms and conditions in
relation to pay and conditions for teaching


and associate staff.

As a college we are


committed to provide


the following

benefits

for employees:

"Pupils are confident, well-

mannered and eager to

share their opinions. They

work hard in lessons and

are keen to succeed."

Ofsted,

2023

Learning and

Teaching the

Minsthorpe

Way

Teachers and Student Support colleagues at


Minsthorpe Community College strive to plan and


deliver lessons to a consistently high standard


rooted in fundamental Core Principles of effective


pedagogy. We insist on excellent standards of


behaviour for learning from all students and it is


our daily goal to inspire students to learn & think


critically, challenge & support them to achieve and


make progress and equip them with the necessary


skills to be lifelong learners and effective members


of society.




We have high expectations of all our students


at Minsthorpe Community College and

BE FAIR

EVERYWHERE

supports students to understand


how we expect them to behave in lessons and


around the College site. Parents are asked to


watch the relevant

BE FAIR EVERYWHERE

video

with their child to ensure they are clear about our


expectations.

Be Fair Everywhere

Staff address any

misbehaviour,

including low-level

disruption to learning,

appropriately. Pupils

behave well.

Ofsted,

2023



At Minsthorpe Community College our core


values of Motivation, Commitment and Care are


at the heart of everything we do. Our curriculum


intent is to raise the achievements and


aspirations of all learners through the delivery


of a highly personalised, broad, ambitious, and


inclusive curriculum that:


Deepens students' understanding and
develops their knowledge and skills in


all subject areas
Ensures students are literate and numerate

Enriches students' learning experiences

Builds students' character

Empowers students to realise their
education and employment potential


beyond Minsthorpe Community College

Curriculum

"Teachers and pupils

are clear about

expectations and

procedures through the

'Minsthorpe way' ... As a

result, the school is

calm and orderly."

Ofsted,

2023




We are an inclusive Post 16 provider and cater for learners at


all levels and have an established reputation for very strong


exam performance, a passion for teaching and learning and


an unwavering focus on helping every student achieve their


best possible goals.



Minsthorpe Post 16 is committed to delivering high quality


teaching which provides challenges and opportunities for


individual learners. Students have the opportunity to be


creative, innovative and enterprising, whilst benefiting


from strong care, support and guidance. The Post 16

team continues to provide our students with support and


motivation to raise their aspirations, succeed in learning and


position themselves for a better future.



We have a well-established ethos of care and support.


Our students and staff enjoy working together as 'Team


Minsthorpe' and everyone is committed to 'Learning and


Behaving the Minsthorpe Way', because we know this


will deliver the best education for the young people. We

cannot achieve this alone, and we firmly believe in a strong


partnership between the college and everyone within our


community.

"The school has ensured that the

sixth-form curriculum meets

students' needs and interests ...

This helps sixth-form students to

progress on to higher education,

apprenticeships and

employment."

Ofsted,

2023

Student

Support

We provide

Motivation

,

Commitment

and

Care

for students requiring additional


support with the aim of ensuring that they


achieve their best possible outcomes,

transition to Post 16, and have ambitions for


jobs, further education, and careers and that


they can thrive as independently as possible,


depending on their needs.



We are parent and child centred, work in


partnership with stakeholders, and have


open, robust but respectful conversations


with colleagues as we all strive for those best


outcomes. We are a skilled, experienced,


and knowledgeable team and have good


knowledge of the complex education

system and can advise and support families


about appropriate provisions, support and


managing the bureaucratic and legislative


challenges for students with

SEND

.

Post 16

At Minsthorpe Community College we are


committed to the Continuing Professional


Development (CPD) and learning of all members of


staff at every career stage and level of experience.


We recognise the value of evidence-informed


training with an overall to impact positively on


students' outcomes and experiences. We are


active partners in many local networks, including


the Wakefield and Selby Teaching School Hub.

Associate

Teams

Our core Associate staff teams consist of


Administration, Finance, IT Services, and Data


& Exams. These teams are based in The Hub,

which is a large open-plan office in the centre of


college, where they are easily accessible to offer


support, advice, and guidance to staff, students


and each other.



Our ongoing Professional Development &


Learning programme is planned and structured


to develop the knowledge and skills of teachers


and student support staff around the Core


Principles of Learning & Teaching whilst giving


them a growing awareness of key elements.

Our Early Career Teachers have full access to


the UCL Early Career Framework and leaders


engage with NPQ programmes to support their


development.

Professional

Development

Our Core Principles of Quality Learning &


Teaching are formed based on a wide range of


experience and expertise within Minsthorpe


Community College but equally through


accessing well-regarded and researched


pedagogical texts. Resultant CPD will draw on


these texts to form the basis of their content


and delivery.

CPD: The

Minsthorpe

Way

Thank you for taking the time to read


this overview of Minsthorpe Community

College. We recommend that you explore


our website to discover more about us:

www.minsthorpe.cc

Catherine Green

Director of HR & Associate Teams


May 2025

Professional

Learning and

Development

Associate Staff



Associate staff engage in whole College


statutory training e.g., Safeguarding but equally


have access to other training pertinent to their


respective roles. The list below is not exhaustive


but gives a flavour of the range of training


opportunities available:


Access Arrangements training;

HLTA status

Apprenticeships

Team Teach

Invigilator training

First Aid

"The curriculum is

ambitious for all pupils ...

Pupils with special

educational needs and/or

disabilities (SEND) are

involved in all aspects of

school life."

Ofsted,

2023

Teacher of Social

Sciences/Vocational

Education

Required for September 2025

MPR/UPR

Full time

We are seeking to appoint an ambitious,


enthusiastic, and talented classroom practitioner


to join our Social Sciences and Vocational


Education team. Due to the size of the


department, recent expansions and existing


subject specialists, we would welcome applicants


with the ability to teach any, or a combination of


the following:


Psychology Criminology Health and Social Care Children's Play Learning and Development Business Studies Preparation for employment
The successful applicant's timetable will be based


on their skills and expertise.



Our most recent Ofsted report (2023) described


us as a "Good college" who "invests in staff's


development. This means that staff feel valued and


are proud to work at the school ... Leaders


support staff well and consider their workload and


well-being.""


The successful candidate will be:


A dynamic and energetic practitioner with
high expectations.
Passionate about their subject; able to
engage and inspire our students.
A team player who will uphold our College
values of Motivation, Commitment and Care.

We provide:


Additional PPA time Free gym membership A well-resourced, forward thinking and
supportive Social Sciences and Vocational


Education team with a vast range of subject


specialisms and exam board experience.


Excellent care and support for all staff
including an Employee Assistance


Programme.
Comprehensive induction and on-going
opportunities for Professional Development.

This post is suitable for new entrants to the


profession as well as experienced teachers and


offers an excellent opportunity in our popular and


happy College. Teachers in their first two years of


teaching will be entitled to a full induction period


under the Early Career Framework. This will


include additional PPA time and a dedicated ECF


mentor. We use UCL for our ECF CPD provider and


align with the Exchange Teaching Hub for our


Appropriate Body.



The successful candidate will have to meet the


requirements of our Person Specification and be


subject to an enhanced DBS check. A prohibition


from teaching check and an online search will also


be completed for all applicants.


Minsthorpe Community College is committed to


equality of opportunity and upholding the


principles of the Equality Act 2010. We positively


welcome applications from all sections of the


community. Only applications submitted with a


completed Minsthorpe Academy Trust Application


Form will be considered.



Full-time permanent employees are provided with


free membership of our state-of-the-art Sports &


Fitness Centre, as well as the facility of an on-site


Children's Centre.



Further particulars for this post can be obtained by


visiting our Web Site at www.minsthorpe.cc



If you would like to arrange a visit to the college,


we would be more than happy to show you


around so you can get a feel for who we are. Email


enquiries@minsthorpe.cc and we will arrange a


convenient time for you to come and visit


Minsthorpe Community College.



Please send completed application forms to Cath


Green, Director of HR & Associate Teams: -

cgreen@minsthorpe.cc by midday -Monday 19th

May 2025



Interviews will take place on Thursday 22nd May


2025

Overall Purpose


of the Post



To carry out the professional duties of a


teacher as circumstances may require and in


accordance with the college's policies under


the direction of the Principals.



To be an effective professional who


demonstrates thorough curriculum


knowledge, can teach and assess effectively,


take responsibility for professional


development and has students who achieve


well.



All adults working in, or on behalf of the


college have a responsibility to safeguard


and promote the welfare of children. This


includes:



Responsibility to provide a safe environment


in which children can learn and develop.


To identify children who may be in need of


extra help or who are suffering, or are likely


to suffer significant harm. All staff then have


a responsibility to take appropriate action to


prevent concerns from escalating, working


with services as needed.

Employment

checks required

Proof of eligibility to work in the UK



Proof of relevant qualifications (original certificates)



Two satisfactory references



DBS Enhanced Disclosure check



A Prohibition Order check and on-line search



A medical assessment prior to commencement of


employment.

Key

Responsibilities

To play a part as appropriate in the development,


consolidation and evaluation of cross-curricular


developments by close liaison with other staff.



To be involved in links as appropriate with outside


groups including feeder schools, higher education and


industry and commerce, in order to enhance


curriculum continuity and enrich the learning


experience.



To assess and mark students work (classwork,


homework etc), Key Stage tests and Examinations and


keep a record of marks in line with subject and area


policy and recording procedures.



Complete the appropriate documentation in the Lesson


Record Folders.



To supervise the use and care of all teaching rooms


used, and areas used by the subject and enhance them


with appropriate display work.



To supervise the work of any support staff and supply


teachers as required.



To help supervise the work of any technical staff


supporting the area.



To be a Group Tutor of an assigned Group and to carry


out related duties in accordance with the job


responsibilities of a Group Tutor.



To carry out a share of supervisory duties in accordance


with published rotas.



To participate in appropriate meetings with colleagues,


parents and other outside agencies/persons, relative to


the above duties and responsibilities.



Other duties commensurate with the grade of the post


as directed by the Principal/Line Manager.





To assist in the formulation of the aims and


objectives of the curriculum area within the


overall college aims and objectives.



To contribute to the teaching of the subject


throughout the college, providing a learning


experience which provides students with the


opportunity to achieve their potential.



To contribute to and implement methods of


student assessment, monitoring and reporting


and contribute to raising standards of student


attainment.



To review your own professional development


and maintain professional standards



To contribute to the development of appropriate


subject syllabuses, materials and schemes of


work which fulfil the requirements of the


national curriculum, and which match the


college and area aims and objectives, taking into


account students' aptitudes and abilities.



To support other members of the curriculum


area and students as appropriate.



To contribute to an annual review of the subject


and curriculum area and discuss with Team


Leaders/Assistant Leaders future developments.



Actively to participate and contribute to the


general management of the college by:-



maintaining good order and discipline


among students;

safeguarding their health and safety on


the premises and off the premises when


engaged in authorised activities;

contributing to discussions on matters of


college policy, curriculum and


organisation.

Person

Specification

Education, Training and

Qualifications

Qualified Teacher Status.



Recognised degree or equivalent in relevant


subject.



Evidence of continuing professional


development.

Experience

Experience and expertise in one or a


combination of the subjects delivered within the


department.


Exemplary classroom practitioner.



An awareness of curriculum issues relating to


relevant subject area.



Meeting the needs of students with SEND.



Pastoral work in a school setting.



Commitment to safeguarding and promoting


the welfare of students.



Internal assessment of controlled


assessment/coursework.

Skills and Knowledge

An ability to lead and inspire students of all abilities.



An ability to establish clear expectations and


constructive working relationships amongst staff and


students.



Differentiate teaching so that all students experience


stretch and challenge in lessons.



Evidence of working through sequences of lessons and


developing schemes of work.



Set challenging targets for students and analyse data to


inform teaching.



Proven communication, organisational and


interpersonal skills.



An ability to work effectively as part of a team but also


to be able to work independently.



An ability use ICT in the classroom to create an


inspirational and creative learning environment.

Personal Attributes

Confidence, flexibility, and adaptability.



Empathy for students, parents, staff, and the


community.



Good communication skills.



Energy and commitment.



High expectations of students and their behaviour.



Ability to share practice and contribute to subject


decision making.



A commitment to equal opportunities.



Maintains high professional standards.



Enjoy working alongside young people and adults.



Be supportive of the aims and ethos of Minsthorpe


Community College

Overview of

Curriculum Area

Accommodation

The Social and Vocational Education department is located in

the main block of the college and is comprised of 6

classrooms over 2 floors. Each classroom is equipped with

interactive whiteboards that are operated from staff laptops.

The Social and Vocational Education teaching block has

recently gone through a renovation which has seen the

addition of kitchen facilities within the curriculum base for

staff use.

Staffing

The Social and Vocational Education department consists of 5

full time members of staff. Staff have experience of teaching

a wide range of specialisms including Psychology,

Criminology, Health and Social Care, Sociology, Business

Studies, Childcare and Preparation for Employment. Leading

the department is the Curriculum Team Leader who works

closely with her TLR team that comprises of an Assistant

Curriculum Team Leader and Subject Leads.



All members of the team work closely with exam boards and

awarding bodies in roles such as Team Leading Exam

Markers, Exam Marker and Standards Verifiers across the

subject specialisms. These additional roles enable the

department to be at the forefront of assessment knowledge,

pedagogical developments and teaching ideas that are then

shared and used to strengthen practice within the

department.

Enrichment

As a department we pride ourselves on offering a supportive

and inclusive learning experience for students. For example,

on two afternoons a week, students can attend "Soc Voc

catch up" sessions (Staffed by the CLT and ACTL). During

these students have access to personalised support with

issues such as coursework, revision, and exam preparation.



The department are keen to celebrate their subjects and take

every opportunity to raise the profile of these by organising

visits such as a weekend trip to London and for professionals

to come in and discuss careers across a range of professions.

Curriculum

The College operates a two-week timetable with three 100-minute lessons each day.



At KS4 the Health and Social Care OCR Cambridge national certificate is offered as an option and has

become a well-established and popular course with 3 classes per year group. Students have 3

lessons a fortnight.



At KS5 the Social and Vocational Education department enjoys strong recruitment with 4/5 of sixth

form students studying at least one subject within the department. Provision is offered across a wide

variety of subjects at different levels from 1 - 3.



KS5 - Level 1 and 2 students have 6 periods a fortnight for each subject specialism. They can choose

to study two subjects from the following within the department: Health and Social Care, Childcare

and Business Studies. These are studied alongside resit Maths and/or English GCSE's or Functional

Skills as appropriate. In addition, there is a targeted pathway cohort of students who have 10 periods

a fortnight studying Preparation for Employment alongside resit Maths and/or English GCSE's or

Functional Skills as appropriate.



KS5 - Level 3 students have 5 periods over a fortnight for each subject specialism, 2 weekly periods of

enrichment and a full day of independent study time each week. They can choose from a wide range

of subjects' whole school. The subject offer within the department is made up of A Level Psychology,

WJEC Criminology, BTEC Business Studies, BTEC/AAQ Level 3 Health and Social Care and CPLD

(Children's Learning Play and Development)

Culture and Ethos

At the heart of everything the Social Vocational department do are the students, we truly strive to

ensure that 'No child is left behind' academically or otherwise. The main priority of the department is

the continuing improvement of learning and teaching, so every student is placed on the right course

for them and supported to achieve to the best of their ability. We are committed to providing a

challenging and high-quality programme of study for all students. As such our delivery and schemes

of work have been significantly developed over the past two years including the addition of a new

layer of level 1 and 2 post 16 qualifications to suit student's needs.



The Social and Vocational team are extremely supportive of each other and have a passion for

collaborative working. The department offers a wide breath of knowledge and experience that is used

to support each other and ensure that students have a quality learning experience that prepares

them for the next stage in their lives.

Donella Cook

Curriculum Team Leader

Social & Vocational Education