Job at a glance
Job Title: French Language Assistant Department: Modern Languages Reports To: Head of Modern Foreign Languages Job Purpose To work alongside French teachers to enhance pupils' oral proficiency, confidence, and fluency. The assistant brings the contemporary language and culture of French-speaking countries to life. They help pupils prepare for Qualifications Scotland (QS) National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications.
Key Responsibilities 1. Classroom and SQA Exam Support Lead conversation sessions: Conduct small group or one-to-one speaking sessions with pupils in all year groups with a particular focus on preparing S4, S5 and S6 pupils for QS National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher speaking assessments. Team teaching: Assist the classroom teacher during whole-class activities for lower-school pupils (S1 to S3) to build basic vocabulary and pronunciation skills.
Resource creation: Develop authentic audio recordings, flashcards, digital learning slides, and worksheets focused on contemporary life, culture and current affairs across the Francophone world. Feedback: Provide immediate, encouraging feedback to pupils on their accent, grammar, and pronunciation. 2. Cultural Enrichment & Ethos Promote intercultural understanding and global citizenship: Introduce pupils to French traditions, music, youth culture, festivals, and regional differences.
Extra-curricular activities: Organise and run a lunchtime French club. 3. Administrative & Professional Support Liaise with staff: Meet regularly with language teachers to align assistant sessions with the planned curriculum and provide feedback on pupils' performance. 4. Safeguarding Responsibilities The postholder is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and must always adhere to the school's safeguarding and child protection policies.
Person Specification Qualifications Essential Native or near-native fluency in French Good standard of spoken and written English Desirable Degree in French, Education, or a related field Knowledge & Experience Essential High awareness of modern life, idioms, and current affairs in Francophone countries Desirable Prior experience working with teenagers or in an educational setting Understanding of Qualifications Scotland National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher oral examination requirements Skills & Attributes Essential Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Patience, enthusiasm, and an encouraging manner Good organisational skills Desirable Competence with digital classroom tools, such as Microsoft Teams and interactive whiteboards Working Conditions Hours: Part-time, term-time only (10 hours per week).
Exclusions: Language Assistants are not expected to manage classroom discipline independently, assign final grades, write report cards, or cover for absent permanent teachers. Completed application form and CV should be sent electronically to [email protected] The closing date for applications is 4pm on Thursday 24th September. Early applications are encouraged. For further information and an application form, please go to The Glasgow Academy website: Vacancies | The Glasgow Academy