Trainee Teacher of Psychology
We are looking for a passionate, curious and collaborative individual who will be a member of an enthusiastic team and actively contribute to its continued development.
If you are an Early Career Teacher (ECT), you would have a reduced timetable, participate in the College’s dedicated ECT programme and have support from your mentor.
We would welcome applications from candidates looking for a full-time post or a minimum of 4 days a week. Please indicate in your application if you would like to be considered for the part time (4 days a week) role and this will be discussed at interview.
Students:
Psychology is a growing and hugely popular subject with just under 600 students currently studying the subject at A Level.
Staff:
There are currently 9 members of the teaching team (both full and part-time).
Courses & Exam Board:
The department follows the AQA specification.
Department/Facilities:
The Psychology department is very well-resourced, with a dedicated teaching block that is equipped with a computer area. Students are provided with topic booklets to support them in their learning. Student outcomes are strong, and many students progress on to study Psychology (or a related subject) at degree level. The department offers day trips to the Freud Museum and London Zoo, as well as Brain Day held on-site with Dr Guy Sutton, involving an interactive brain dissection. Alongside the A level, the department offers two enrichment courses in Psychology (Psychology in Film; Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology) as part of the College’s Complementary Studies programme.
Psychology is a growing and hugely popular subject with just under 600 students currently studying the subject at A Level.
Staff:
There are currently 9 members of the teaching team (both full and part-time).
Courses & Exam Board:
The department follows the AQA specification.
Department/Facilities:
The Psychology department is very well-resourced, with a dedicated teaching block that is equipped with a computer area. Students are provided with topic booklets to support them in their learning. Student outcomes are strong, and many students progress on to study Psychology (or a related subject) at degree level. The department offers day trips to the Freud Museum and London Zoo, as well as Brain Day held on-site with Dr Guy Sutton, involving an interactive brain dissection. Alongside the A level, the department offers two enrichment courses in Psychology (Psychology in Film; Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Psychology) as part of the College’s Complementary Studies programme.
Further Information
A. Main Purpose
Teachers at Esher Sixth Form College are dedicated specialists in sixth form education, committed to delivering high-quality teaching that inspires ambition and fosters outstanding achievement. Through an inclusive and supportive approach, they empower students to take ownership of their learning, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to realise their full potential.
B. Main Responsibilities
- To establish an effective, safe and stimulating learning environment, allowing all students to perform to the best of their abilities and to develop independent learning skills.
- To set high standards for students’ learning, motivation and attendance.
- To display excellent subject knowledge and understanding of the specification/curriculum, and to keep up to date with developments and knowledge in the subject area.
- To promote high standards of literacy and numeracy.
- To develop high quality resources that inspire learning and challenge all learners.
- To prepare schemes of work and materials.
- To prepare thoroughly, including the planning of well-structured lessons and associated assignments in accordance with schemes of work.
- To promote equality and diversity within the classroom.
- To provide resources that meet the needs of all students, regardless of their sex, disability, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, or special educational need.
- To reflect on the effectiveness of lessons and approaches to teaching, and respond to advice and feedback from colleagues.
To demonstrate that effective learning is taking place and make accurate and productive use of assessment:
- To assess academic performance and plan learning in the light of previous achievement to enhance the value added results of the student.
- To check regularly that learning has been achieved, making use of formative and summative assessment to secure students’ progress.
- To give students regular feedback, both orally and through accurate marking and encourage students to respond positively to feedback.
- To maintain accurate records, regularly assessing and grading student work.
- To undertake regular reviews of student progress in accordance with College requirements.
To be a tutor for a group of students, supporting tutees and monitoring their progress throughout their time at College:
- To support students and help them with any problems, personal or academic, which they might encounter during their time at College – including referral to the TTL, college counsellors or the learning support team.
- To act as the link between the College and parents, keeping them informed where concerns arise.
- To deliver the Personal Development Programme in the designated Tutorial period.
- To check on absence from College on a weekly basis and contact parents where absence is a concern.
- To deal with tutees who have unsatisfactory effort and behaviour. This will involve liaison with subject staff, and the Tutor Team Leader, as well as parents.
- To prepare high quality UCAS references for tutees and keep to internal College deadlines set.
General Responsibilities:
- To maintain accurate records of class attendance using the College registration system and to follow up student absence.
- To communicate with the parents of students and prospective students, including attendance at Consultation Evenings, Parent Tutor Evenings and Open Evenings.
- To interview prospective students.
- To contribute to the College's Extension/Complementary Studies programme by teaching on existing courses and developing new courses in line with College policy.
- To attend and contribute to meetings as identified on the College calendar.
- To provide cover within the Department for staff who may be absent on a short term or occasional basis.
To contribute to the overall management of the College and adhere to its policies and procedures:
- To act at all times in accordance with the College’s Safeguarding Policy.
- To participate in the College’s Professional Review scheme.
- To take responsibility for improving teaching through continued professional development, including participation in training opportunities provided by the College.
- To participate in the College’s quality assurance procedures.
- To adhere to the College’s IT – Acceptable Use Policy at all times.
- To participate in the maintenance of satisfactory standards of health, safety and security in relation to the Department in accordance with College policy.
- To demonstrate an awareness and commitment to equality diversity and inclusion, health and safety and safeguarding.
- To carry out other reasonable requests as may be required from time to time by the Principal.
Mission Statement
We are specialists in sixth form education who are committed to creating a culture of high expectations and outstanding achievement.
Values
We are specialists in sixth form education who are committed to creating a culture of high expectations and outstanding achievement.
Values
- Inclusivity: We actively embrace diversity, ensuring every community member is valued, respected, and provided with equal opportunities for growth and participation.
- Community: We cultivate a vibrant community characterised by collaboration and mutual support where everyone contributes to our collective and individual successes, fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.
- Empowerment: We champion autonomy and aspiration, empowering every individual to actively shape their educational and professional paths to achieve their full potential.
The estate has benefited from significant investment over the last ten years or so and the result is a campus fit for the 21st century, with modern, specialist buildings and facilities. A new Study Centre and a Performing Arts block were opened for the start of the 2022/23 academic year and four temporary classrooms to help manage the College response to the increase in student contact time, with a new build replacing the temporary accommodation in September 2025.
Additional information:
We are looking for a passionate, curious and collaborative individual who will be a member of an enthusiastic team and actively contribute to its continued development.
Additional information:
We are looking for a passionate, curious and collaborative individual who will be a member of an enthusiastic team and actively contribute to its continued development.
If you are an Early Career Teacher (ECT), you would have a reduced timetable, participate in the College’s dedicated ECT programme and have support from your mentor.
We would welcome applications from candidates looking for a full-time post or a minimum of 4 days a week. Please indicate in your application if you would like to be considered for the part time (4 days a week) role and this will be discussed at interview.
College Hours:
College teaching periods start at 8.55 am and end at 4.15 pm.
Person Specification
As well as meeting the criteria listed below, the successful candidate will have provided a strong supporting statement explaining their reasons for applying for the post and addressing the responsibilities identified in the Job Description.
ESSENTIAL
The successful candidate will be a graduate with a relevant degree
Experience and Skills
- Have the experience and ability to successfully teach Psychology
- Have excellent communication skills
- Have good organisational ability and administrative skills, being able to prioritise effectively
Professional qualities
- Have enthusiasm for teaching for their subject
- Inspire learning and promote success
- Have high expectations of all students
- Be aware of and considerate to the needs of 16-19-year olds
- Be committed to the values (Inclusion, Community and Empowerment) of Esher Sixth Form College and play a full part in the life of the College
- Be competent in, and committed, to being a tutor to a group of students
- Be committed to teaching on the College’s Extension Studies programme
- Be committed to continued professional development
Desirable
The successful candidate may have teaching and tutoring experience at Sixth Form.
About Esher Sixth Form College
Esher Sixth Form College is an extremely successful, non-selective Sixth Form College situated in Thames Ditton, near Hampton Court, Surrey.
We are one of the few colleges in the country to achieve ‘Outstanding’ in all areas of our last two full Ofsted inspections and have a reputation for delivering exceptional results. We pride ourselves on creating a friendly and dynamic atmosphere for all students and staff.
Our Hiring Process
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