Subject Tutor (18‒24 year olds)

Published at: 2024-01-09

In this pack you will find: a detailed job description, the minimum requirements for this role, the profile of an ideal candidate, information about the selection process, and an introduction to the company for on-course staff.

You can email us at recruitment@oxfordsummercourses.com if you have any questions.

Oxford Summer Courses, a Bridgemark company

Oxford Summer Courses is part of Bridgemark Education, founded by two school friends and Oxford graduates who wanted to open up exceptional educational journeys to more people. In 2021 we ran COVID-compliant in-person courses. Our approach is based on interactive teaching, growth mindsets, small group learning, and tutor autonomy. We channel our passion into making a positive impact on our surroundings whether that be our students, the wider community or the environment.

Apply now

Applications are open for 2024 courses. Find out more and explore other roles on our careers page.

Please note that only successful applicants will be contacted and that no terminology in this document is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

---

Job Description

Job Title:

Subject Tutor (18‒24 year olds)

Location:

Oxford or Cambridge

Reports to:

Reports to you:

Pay rate:

Minimum £32 per hour

Contract type:

---

Main duties and responsibilities

As a Subject Tutor for 18‒24 year olds, you’ll use your expertise to design and teach a syllabus to inspire international students through seminars and tutorials on one or more 2-week courses.

Location: Oxford or Cambridge. Accommodation and travel expenses not covered.

Pay and hours: Minimum £32 per hour, equivalent to minimum £736 per course. This is based on 20‒26 hrs contact time over 2 weeks, and a minimum of 3 hrs preparation allowance per course . Pay bands depend on subject knowledge and relevant teaching experience. Contact time and preparation allowance depend on class size.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Prepare topics, class materials and resources in advance for a group of up to 8.
• Complete induction training in advance to familiarise yourself with company procedures, logistical requirements and safeguarding.
• Provide students with a positive, yet challenging learning experience.
• Set sufficient pre-course work and independent study throughout the course to encourage independent learning as would be expected at university.
• Set longer tutorial assignments, mark them and provide individual feedback to students during paired tutorials each week.
• Provide informal feedback on any other work submitted to support students’ development.
• Record attendance and report any welfare concerns.
• Maintain a productive learning environment and strong work ethic for students.
• After the course, write a report for each student to document their progress.

Minimum requirements

• Master’s or higher degree in a relevant subject
• Experience teaching or working with students in a related role
• Excellent at small group, interactive teaching that supports independent thinking
• Able to adapt to suit the prior knowledge and interests of different students
• Right to work in the UK (we cannot sponsor work visas for this role)

Person specification

We aim to support your professional development as an educator. You’ll be part of our tutor network with access to future opportunities across our courses. Pay rates for tutors who return to teach with us are reviewed annually, taking into consideration any further qualifications, experience and student feedback.

An ideal candidate can demonstrate:

• Enthusiasm about the subject
• Flexible approach to seminar planning
• Understanding of the range subject knowledge different 18‒24 year olds may have
• Inclusive, question-led teaching practices based on student contributions
• Accommodating mixed abilities and knowledge levels
• Explaining complex concepts to non-specialists
• Appreciation of the importance student welfare

Experience you may have:

• Undergraduate teaching, especially Oxbridge-style tutorials or supervisions
• Planning your own teaching
• Professional industry or academic research experience in your subject
• Studying, teaching or researching at the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge
• Working at a summer school
• Tutoring
• Working with non-native speakers

You may hold, or be working towards your PGCE, QTS, Advance HE fellowship, or another teaching qualification. You may also hold or be working towards a doctorate or other postgraduate research degree.

About Oxford Summer Courses

Independent thinking through exceptional education. Oxford Summer Courses is part of Bridgemark Education, founded by two school friends and Oxford graduates. Our approach is based on interactive teaching, small group learning, and tutor autonomy. We channel our passion into making a positive impact on our surroundings whether that be our students, the wider community or the environment.

We have six distinct values that underpin everything we do as a community, helping us deliver excellent learning opportunities:

• Growth mindset
• Wellbeing
• Student impact
• Camaraderie
• Agility
• Building community

Selection process

Only successful applicants will be contacted and no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

Pre-interview task

You will be asked to prepare a sample syllabus for a particular subject. You will not need to prepare a full set of lesson plans for the whole course. We ask for this to be sent 48 hrs in advance for review by a subject expert if necessary. In our experience, this is the best way for candidates to demonstrate their ability to plan age-appropriate, interesting classes. We also recognise that for many tutors this is the first time they would have complete freedom over the content that they teach.

Interview

The majority of interviews will take place online using Google Meet. There is no need to download any software and you will be sent a link to the meeting room in advance. After being introduced to the role, you will be asked about your background in the subject, experience and knowledge of teaching. Your interviewer will also find out how you would respond to scenarios that often arise in this role. During the interview you will be asked to present your syllabus and teach a concept of your choice. Many of our tutors apply for and teach more than one subject or type of course. If we are considering you for multiple roles you may be asked some additional questions. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and find out more throughout.

Role assignment

Students sign up to courses throughout the year, so positions will be filled on a rolling basis. This may mean that we will be unable to confirm the details of vacancies at the interview. If you are made an offer, you will become part of our tutor network with access to our resources and we will contact you separately to offer specific roles.

Safeguarding

Oxford Summer Courses Limited is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and has robust safeguarding policies. References are requested and will be scrutinised. Where appropriate, they will be validated with the providing referee. We also undertake enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks to ensure all our staff are suitable to work with children.