Middle School Humanities and Geography Teacher

The Middle School Humanities and IGCSE / A Level Geography Specialist plays a central role in delivering Astra Academy International School’s Future Focused learning philosophy within the Middle School programme while supporting the development of Geography within the Secondary School pathway. The teacher will lead Humanities learning in Middle School and deliver Geography at IGCSE and A Level, developing students’ understanding of the relationships between people, places, environments and global systems. The role requires a specialist who can guide students to analyse complex issues, think critically about global challenges and apply geographical understanding to real-world contexts.

The teacher will inspire curiosity, promote deep learning and guide students to understand not only what they are learning, but how and why they learn. The role includes responsibility for academic progress, pastoral care and the development of student agency, character and purpose. As a Form Tutor, the teacher will support the personal development and wellbeing of a group of students and contribute fully to the wider life of the school through co-curricular activities, educational visits, residential and non-residential trips, and community outreach initiatives. The teacher will uphold Astra’s vision to be Your School of the Future, embedding experiential learning, project-based approaches, design thinking, the Astra Learner Profile, the Astra Smarts and the Looking for Learning Framework across all lessons.

Key Aims

• Deliver high-quality Humanities teaching in Middle School that develops critical thinking, global awareness and understanding of human and environmental systems.
• Deliver rigorous and engaging Geography courses at IGCSE and A Level that prepare students for academic success and deeper geographical inquiry.
• Support the development of the Astra Middle School programme by contributing to a coherent and challenging Humanities curriculum for students aged nine to thirteen.
• Promote the development of the Astra Smarts, enabling students to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally and ethically.
• Create a learning environment that values curiosity, debate, analysis and collaboration and where students take ownership of their learning.
• Provide effective pastoral care, guiding students to become thoughtful, compassionate and responsible global citizens.
• Contribute actively to the wider life of the school through enrichment activities, school events, fieldwork, trips and community partnerships.

Key Tasks Teaching and Learning

• Plan and deliver high-quality Humanities lessons in Middle School that develop students’ understanding of geography, history and global issues.
• Plan and deliver engaging Geography lessons for IGCSE and A Level that develop analytical thinking, geographical investigation and academic writing.
• Deliver learning that reflects Astra’s Future Focused Toolbox, including inquiry-based learning, design thinking, cooperative learning, project-based learning and problem-based learning.
• Use the Looking for Learning Framework to design learning that prioritizes “new learning”, good struggle and visible thinking.
• Embed the Astra Smarts in planning, teaching and assessment to support holistic development across knowledge, thinking, understanding, feelings, people, situations and self.
• Integrate cross-curricular links that align Humanities learning within Astra’s modified version of the National Curriculum for England adapted for our international context.
• Use clear learning intentions and co-constructed success criteria to support clarity and ownership of learning.
• Differentiate effectively to meet the needs of diverse learners, including EAL students.

Assessment and Feedback

• Use formative and summative assessment strategies that promote reflection, critical thinking and improvement.
• Prepare students effectively for IGCSE and A Level Geography examinations through structured academic support and feedback.
• Provide feedback that helps students understand their next steps and develop independence as learners.
• Track student progress carefully and use assessment information to inform teaching.
• Contribute to the development of student portfolios, ensuring that learning evidence aligns with the Astra Learner Profile and Middle School expectations.

Project-Based and Experiential Learning

• Contribute to Middle School project-based learning cycles and collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to design authentic and meaningful learning experiences.
• Support students in applying their understanding of geography and global systems to real-world contexts including sustainability, development, culture, environment and global citizenship.
• Organize and support fieldwork opportunities that strengthen geographical understanding and investigation skills.

Pastoral Care and Student Development

• Serve as a Form Tutor, providing guidance, support and pastoral oversight for Middle School students.
• Build strong relationships with students based on respect, empathy and high expectations.
• Promote the Astra Choose Respect Charter and ensure consistent behaviour expectations.
• Support students in developing independence, responsibility and positive learning habits.
• Work with parents in a positive and professional manner to support student growth and wellbeing.

Wider Contribution to School Life

• Lead or support co-curricular activities, clubs or enrichment programmes related to Humanities, geography, sustainability or global citizenship.
• Participate in and support school events and community initiatives.
• Contribute to the organization and supervision of educational visits including fieldwork, residential and non-residential trips.
• Support the school’s community outreach initiatives and encourage students to engage with meaningful service and global learning opportunities.

Professionalism and Collaboration

• Engage actively in professional dialogue and lesson visits using the Looking for Learning Framework.
• Participate fully in planning meetings, professional development and the ongoing development of the Middle School and Secondary programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across disciplines to strengthen the Humanities and Geography curriculum.
• Uphold Astra’s safeguarding policies and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.

Person Specification Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Humanities, Education or a related field.
• Recognised teaching qualification such as PGCE, QTS or equivalent.

Experience

• Experience teaching Humanities within a British or international curriculum.
• Experience teaching Geography at IGCSE and preferably A Level.
• Experience teaching Middle School students (Years 5 to 8 or equivalent).
• Experience in an international school environment is desirable.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong subject knowledge in Geography and Humanities.
• Ability to develop students’ analytical thinking and understanding of global issues.
• Experience facilitating inquiry, discussion, debate and critical thinking.
• Ability to differentiate effectively to support diverse learners including EAL students.
• Strong classroom management and the ability to create a positive learning environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a professional learning community.

Personal Attributes

• A student-centred educator who prioritises deep and meaningful learning.
• Commitment to innovation and future-focused education.
• Enthusiasm for developing students’ global awareness and critical thinking.
• Willingness to contribute fully to the wider life of the school community.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity and reflective practice.

Safeguarding Statement

Astra Academy International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff share responsibility for safeguarding and are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. The successful candidate will be required to undergo appropriate safeguarding checks, including reference checks and criminal background checks, in accordance with international safeguarding standards and local regulations. Staff are expected to be vigilant to safeguarding concerns, follow the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures and act at all times in the best interests of students.

Please apply using the form below.