George Watson’s College wishes to appoint two PE Teaching Assistants on a permanent basis. To provide support in PE classes to pupils in order to enable them to have a rich and fulfilling educational experience at the School. The ability to offer sports coaching would be an advantage and would be remunerated appropriately. Hours of work will be 20 hours per week, term time only (36 weeks plus professional learning days). The annual leave entitlement is seven weeks per year making a total of 44 weeks per year. The salary for this position will be in the Grade 2 range of £26,301 - £29,351 (based 36.25 hours, 52 weeks). This equates to £12,278 - £13,702 per annum (Based on 20 hours and 44 weeks). APPLICATION PROCESS To apply, please click the Apply for this job button. Please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mr Gordon Boyd, Head of Senior School. Closing date: 11:59pm on Monday 21 April 2025 Interview date: To be confirmedPackage DescriptionLocation: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh Contract Type: Part time, Term Time Salary: £26,301 - £29,351 (based on 36.25 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. This equates to £12,278 - £13,702 (based on 20 hours per week and 44 weeks per year). Benefits: Automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)Main ResponsibilitiesSupporting Learning and Teaching in PE Classes: To support excellent standards of learning and teaching and encourage independence and improvement by recognising and responding to every child. To assist teaching staff in supporting pupils in Physical Education primarily from Preschool to Primary 7. However, there might be times when the Teaching Assistant might work with pupils up to Senior 6. As directed by the teacher, and depending on the particular needs of each class, this may include a range of tasks such as: ● helping them with their organisation of gym/sports hall and participation in activities, including managing behaviour and keeping them on task ● preparing for activities by setting up equipment ● helping students understand instructions by explaining/reinforcing key learning points ● Help students who need extra support to complete exercises ● supporting them with communication ● providing feedback to the pupil to maintain motivation and enhance self-esteem ● Supervise group activities ● Look after children who are upset ● Clear away equipment after lessons ● Help with sports events ie, swimming galas and sports days ● To carry out any other reasonable duties as directed by members of the Leadership Team. Supporting behavioural and emotional needs in PE Classes:To support and reinforce positive behaviour management strategies for students, guiding their behaviour and helping them to demonstrate good standards of conduct in line with School policies and routines. To support a range of behavioural and emotional needs, for example, by offering praise and encouragement to pupils, assisting them in building and maintaining trust, supporting their ability to make choices, promoting positive interaction and cooperative working with other pupils, acknowledging feelings and supporting appropriate expression of emotions, etc. Administrative and Operational: ● To participate positively in team meetings, reviews, PRD process and training as required ● To assist with the storage and maintenance of equipment ● To attend meetings and school functions as appropriate and to contribute positively and effectively to the life and welfare of pupils, colleagues and George Watson's College ● To cover other members of staff as directed by Line ManagerThe Ideal CandidateEssential criteria:● A personal commitment to Physical Education ● Adaptable, patient, reliable and resilient to cope with the demands of role ● Ability and understanding required to support and develop the inclusive ethos of Physical Education at the School ● Supportive and caring ● Excellent time management ● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work with colleagues from different disciplinesDesirable criteria:● Experience of supervising others● First Aid QualificationAbout the school/organisationGeorge Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk
