Job Title:

Modern Studies Teacher (Secondary)

Location:

Dunblane, Scotland

Role: 3 days per week

This could be a full-time role combined with the teaching of Geography.

Job Purpose

To deliver high-quality Modern Studies education within a full-boarding, nurturing school environment, enabling young people to develop a strong understanding of political, social and economic issues. The role requires a commitment to Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), active pastoral engagement, and participation in the wider life of the school community.

Key ResponsibilitiesLearning and Teaching

• Plan and deliver engaging Modern Studies lessons across Broad General Education (BGE) and Senior Phase, including SQA qualifications (National 4/5, Higher, Advanced Higher).
• Teach key topics such as democracy, human rights, international relations, social inequality, and economic issues.
• Adapt teaching approaches to support a diverse boarding pupil cohort, recognising varied backgrounds and perspectives.
• Promote critical thinking, debate, and informed citizenship.
• Use a range of assessment approaches to monitor progress and raise attainment.
• Integrate digital tools and current affairs into teaching to ensure relevance and engagement.

Curriculum Development

• Contribute to the development and delivery of a dynamic Modern Studies curriculum aligned with CfE.
• Ensure content reflects contemporary political and social issues at local, national, and global levels.
• Participate in moderation and quality assurance processes within the department.
• Support interdisciplinary learning across Humanities.

Pastoral Care and Boarding Contribution

• Play an active role in pastoral care, supporting pupils’ wellbeing in a full-boarding context.
• Build strong relationships based on trust, respect, and encouragement.
• Contribute, where required, to residential duties or supervision rotas, supporting the 24/7 school environment.
• Promote wellbeing in line with GIRFEC principles.

Wider School and Co-Curricular Contribution

• Contribute fully to the co-curricular programme, for example:
• Debate clubs or public speaking
• Citizenship or leadership activities
• Current affairs societies or Model United Nations
• Support and lead educational visits, including trips linked to politics, law, or social issues.
• Participate in whole-school events and community activities.

Assessment and Reporting

• Prepare pupils for SQA coursework, assignments, and examinations.
• Assess and track pupil progress effectively.
• Provide regular feedback and produce written reports.
• Engage with parents/carers and relevant stakeholders.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).
• Engage in continuous professional development (CPD).
• Keep up to date with current political and social developments relevant to the subject.
• Uphold safeguarding, child protection, and school policies.
• Work collaboratively across academic and pastoral teams.

Person SpecificationEssential Qualifications

• Degree in Modern Studies, Politics, or a closely related subject (e.g. Sociology, International Relations)
• PGDE Secondary (or equivalent teaching qualification)
• GTCS registration (or eligibility)

Essential Skills and Experience

• Strong knowledge of CfE and SQA Modern Studies frameworks
• Ability to inspire interest in politics and current affairs
• Strong classroom management and communication skills
• Ability to facilitate discussion and debate in a balanced, inclusive manner
• Commitment to pupil wellbeing and inclusion
• Willingness to contribute to boarding school life

Desirable

• Experience teaching National Qualifications up to Higher/Advanced Higher
• Experience in a boarding or residential education setting
• Experience leading debate, public speaking, or citizenship activities
• Interest in extracurricular programmes linked to leadership or service

Working Conditions

• Responsibilities aligned with SNCT agreements
• Expectation of involvement in boarding and co-curricular activities
• Term-time role with structured additional commitments beyond the classroom

Values and Ethos

The postholder will:

• Promote respect, responsibility, and active citizenship
• Encourage pupils to engage critically with the world around them
• Support the development of confidence, leadership, and independence
• Uphold a positive, disciplined, and inclusive community ethos
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The role is to start in August 2026 and is expected to be required for one academic year.