Teacher of Modern Studies with History
(full-time)
The High School of Dundee is seeking to appoint for, August 2014, a full-time Teacher of Modern Studies with
History of the highest quality to take the learning and teaching of these subjects forward through the next
exciting period of development for both the department and the school. Students who are completing their
probationary year or teaching training are also welcome to apply for this post.
The successful applicant will be expected to be capable of teaching Modern Studies and, ideally, History up to
Advanced Higher level.
The Post
The main features of the remit include:
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The teaching of Modern Studies from F3 to F6, and History from F1 to F6
Preparation of pupils for internal examinations
Curricular development as directed by the Head of Department
Involvement in co-curricular activities, visits and trips linked to the department
Pupil discipline within the department
Meeting with parents and colleagues as required
Contribute to the annual departmental improvement plan
The Candidate
Candidates should have a degree or equivalent in one or both of these subjects and be registered with the
GTC Scotland, or be eligible for registration. They should also have experience of teaching either subject,
and should be able to demonstrate both initiative and a commitment to excellence.
The successful applicant should have drive, enthusiasm and a dynamic approach to his or her teaching.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability to interact positively with
pupils, parents and colleagues. A good sense of humour is also a useful attribute!
All staff as a condition of appointment contribute to the co-curricular life of the school.
About the History and Modern Studies Department
This department is responsible for the teaching of History and Modern Studies in the secondary years of the
High School of Dundee.
A. History
History at the High School of Dundee is very popular and highly successful. The uptake at all levels is
exceptional and the SQA results remarkable.
Curriculum
The department currently follows the SQA syllabus with curriculum arrangements as follows:
S1-2: All pupils in First and Second Year have two 40 minute periods each week. There are
12 classes of c.20 pupils following courses related to the Curriculum for Excellence.
S3-4: 7 classes of c. 24 pupils studying National 5 History. In S3 they study ‘The Atlantic Slave Trade’ and
‘Free At Last’; in S4 pupils study ‘Immigrants and Exiles.’
S5: Currently 62 Higher students, studying the Modern History option of British History 1830 – 1950 and
German Nationalism 1815 – 1939. In Paper 2, pupils study Scotland & the First World War.
S6: Currently 28 students study ‘The House Divided’ at Advanced Higher level.
Attainment
Attainment levels are extremely high: in the past two consecutive years, there has been a 100% pass-rate at
all levels and in the 2013 exam diet, 97% of all candidates presented achieved an A or B grade. At Advanced
Higher 9 of 11 candidates achieved grade ‘A’; at Higher 46 of 57. At Intermediate 2, 67 of 83 candidates
gained grade ‘A’.
Beyond the Classroom
The Department offers a vibrant and varied range of activities to engage pupils beyond the classroom. There
have been trips to the WW1 Battlefields in 2012, Berlin in 2013 and a joint trip with Modern Studies to
Washington DC and New York City in 2014. The department will return to the WW1 Battlefields in 2015. In
addition, the Department organises an annual Advanced Higher Conference, welcomes a range of visiting
speakers throughout the session and has a popular History Society.
B. Modern Studies
Modern Studies is also a successful subject in the school and has been growing consistently since its
inauguration in 2000. The subject is currently growing having previously been restricted to S5 and S6; it has
been available for study in S3 and S4 for some time now.
Curriculum
The department currently follows the SQA syllabus with curriculum arrangements as follows:
S3-4: 2 classes of c. 23 pupils studying National 5 Modern Studies.
S5: There are currently 30 students studying Higher Modern Studies. There is also an S5 class of 7 pupils
studying National 5 Modern Studies.
S6: Currently 16 pupils studying the Advanced Higher Modern Studies course on ‘Comparative Politics’ with
the option to study the ‘Law and Order’ option being available from next session.
Attainment:
The subject has enjoyed considerable success in SQA examinations at all levels and particularly at Advanced
Higher level. The success is particularly pleasing as a number of pupils each session study the subject as a
‘crash’ Higher or Advanced Higher. A significant number of pupils continue on to university in subjects which
are fundamental to the Modern Studies courses.
Beyond the classroom:
The department welcomes a range of speakers each session to speak on Modern Studies topics, organises an
annual trip to the Scottish Parliament and has recently introduced a Model United Nations society.
C. Accommodation and Resources
Situated in spacious accommodation in the Bonar Hall Building the department comprises 4 classrooms
situated adjacent to each other on the top floor of Bonar Hall. There is also a staff base, a study area for
students and an IT suite. Each teaching room is equipped with PCs, video projectors and ‘Apple TV’. There is
a substantial Departmental Library, situated in the School Library.
D. Current Staff and Commitments:
The Department currently consists of four full-time members of staff. In addition to the
Head of History and Modern Studies, there is the Deputy Rector (Guidance) and three teachers delivering
the History and Modern Studies courses at all levels.
Additional Information
Salary will be according to the High School of Dundee salary scales for non-promoted posts, which are 6%
above the national rate.
A completed application form, accompanying letter together with a full CV and the names, addresses,
telephone numbers and email addresses of two referees, should be emailed to Dr John D Halliday, Rector,
at: rector@highschoolofdundee.org.uk
Or posted to:
Dr John D Halliday, Rector, High School of Dundee, Euclid Crescent, Dundee, DD1 1HU.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 14 May 2014