Primary Classroom Teacher

The Role

Nishkam Schools are Sikh ethos multi-faith schools that take a distinctive approach to many traditional faith schools. We are committed to academic excellence grounded in a selfless approach to life (nishkam).

The Sikh dharam (faith or religious responsibility) is emphatic in respecting all faiths and not seeking converts, maximising our contribution towards a cohesive society. It has a unique multi-faith ethos and the School will reflect this by positively nurturing children of all faiths and those of no particular belief. Worshipping collectively and within specific faith groups is an innovative characteristic of the Schools, as children learn from faith, not just about faith.

Nishkam Schools aim to nurture lifelong learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and compassionate contributors to society. We have, as a trust, grown and have become a family of teachers and students that have the same attitude, respect and love for becoming better human beings and improving our minds and hearts to make a difference in our homes, community and the wider world. If global is local then we are here to show our neighbours that we can all work together and improve not only our education in learning and teaching but our life experience to become selfless humble individuals.

We believe that to build strong communities and responsible citizens, our efforts must go beyond our current standard models of education and encompass a holistic approach. We believe that faith-based organisations have a significant role to play as part of the wider community; the heritage they draw upon illuminates some of the deeper quests for meaning and value in human life, going onto inspire a new vision and greater responsibility in our endeavours. We believe that our faith-inspired virtues define the character of education and that they should be intrinsic to a positive outlook on life. Virtues are awakened and strengthened in us when they are practised in front of us every day. At the Schools, we work to ensure both our educators and learners are instinctively exercising virtues in every thought, decision and action. 

“All the world is my school and all humanity my teacher”, George Whitman. We are improving, developing and finding innovative ways to bring a new way of education to the world. The first multi-faith trust in the country showing the way forward to all that we can share our common values to strive for excellence.

We thank you for considering joining us on this journey and look forward to receiving your application.

The Role

To support the next phase of development the Governors are seeking to appoint a bright, enthusiastic and creative classroom teacher. Opportunities are available for curriculum leadership for the right candidate.

The successful candidate will be:

·        an exemplary and experienced Class Teacher with proven teaching experience

·        committed to and able to support the School ethos

·        able promote high standards of attainment and behaviour

·        inspirational, enthusiastic and highly motivated

·        able to work as part of a team and take individual lead as appropriate

·        able to inspire and appreciate creativity

·        able to plan and prepare lessons appropriate to the class and individuals

·        able to set and assess work to achieve individual progression and whole school improvement

·        able to promote the wellbeing of pupils, providing guidance and support

·        able to communicate and consult with parents, and prepare reports

We will offer you

·        a staff induction programme

·        a friendly and welcoming team

·        hardworking and dedicated colleagues

·        enthusiastic, well behaved and diligent children

·        supportive parents, carers and community

·        a committed and fully involved governing body

·        a well-resourced learning environment

·        excellent opportunities for professional development 

FAQs:

What if I do not know a lot about the Sikh faith? 

We are a multi-faith school with a Sikh ethos. Working at NSWL will allow you to have a better understanding of the Sikh faith and its teachings. We have a number of staff that are non-faith and some who have a deep faith. We expect candidates to be comfortable with the idea of faith and to be open to learning from other faiths. 

I’m moving from an inner London to school to an outer London school, will the school take this into consideration when discussing salary expectations?

We are looking for talented, ambitious and committed staff. We will consider existing salaries when deciding on a salary offer for any successful candidate. In specific circumstances, we can support staff with relocation costs.

What is the ambition for the school? 

We want to provide a caring and nurturing environment for both staff and students whilst also achieving incredible outcomes for our young people. We provide a wealth of enrichment activities for our students, much of this brought in so that it does not add to staff workload. We want to provide a safe space for students to explore their faith and to also learn from other religions. We want to create well rounded selfless citizens. “Seva” or service is a key element of what we do. Students do a huge amount for charities and for others each and every day at this school. We want to show that we can be one of the highest attaining schools in the country with a happy staff and student body.

What do you do for staff-wellbeing?

The single biggest impact on staff workload is lesson planning, delivery and marking. Our ambition is to reduce contact time and teaching time for staff to allow them to plan good quality lessons and provide strong feedback for our students. The majority of our staff are not on their full teaching load allocation. We also have staff wellbeing workshops on our training days (last year staff have Ukulele workshops). We have staff social events including the rather competitive staff Easter Egg hunt! We have well-being breakfast mornings where we provide pastries and coffees for staff. We provide gym membership for our staff. 

What is the behaviour like in the school?

Our students are courteous and respectful. Conversations to address poor conduct start with reference to our 45 virtues which the students are well versed in referring too. Where conversations alone do not work, we have robust systems in place to ensure that students are focused and engaged in their learning. Walking around the school site, you will see students in lessons, engaged in their learning and listening to their teachers.

Is there anything else that I should know?

We provide free charging for electrical vehicles owned by our staff. We have 18 charge points on the school site. We also offer free gym membership at Grasshoppers RFC to all staff members.

I’ve not had a TLR before and I have limited leadership experience, can I still apply?

If you are secure in your own classroom practice and think you are ready to make the next steps, then yes. We have regular CPD for our middle leaders and a dedicated coaching programme delivered by an external coach who visits the site each half term to work with staff on a programme that is bespoke to each middle leader.

What should I do if I am still undecided about applying?

Give us a call. We are happy to have you visit and speak to our staff about their experiences. Come and see our school in operation and meet our wonderful students. Have the conversation and air your concerns. We are happy to run through things in more detail or to answer further questions about the school.

Qualifications

Skills