Senior School Global Politics & Perspectives Teacher (Potential HOD) – Local or Expat Contract

General

The school is seeking a highly motivated, inspirational and talented practitioner to teach Global Politics and Global Perspectives. This includes the teaching of IGCSE Global Perspectives and IB Diploma Programme Global Politics at Standard and Higher Level. The additional responsibility of Head of Department will also be considered for the right candidate.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about education and have the drive to make a difference for our pupils. A full commitment to the life of the school is expected, as is a desire to pursue your own professional development and an aspiration to help the department continue to develop and extend its reputation for excellence.

Both subjects draw on a wide range of disciplines, and we welcome applicants from backgrounds such as Politics, International Relations, History, Geography, Economics, Sociology or Philosophy. As a member of the Humanities Faculty, the successful candidate will be flexible in contributing across the faculty as timetabling requires; the ability to teach a second Humanities subject, particularly at Key Stage 3, would be an advantage.

In addition to teaching duties, the successful candidate will have a pastoral role and be a tutor to a group of 12–15 Senior School pupils. Tutoring is a significant part of a teacher’s responsibilities at St. Paul’s, both in terms of time devoted to it and its contribution towards the successful running of the school. Participation in timetabled enrichment clubs and societies will also be expected.

About us

St. Paul’s was founded in 1926 and was the first school in South America to receive accreditation from the UK government as a British School Oversees. Fully coeducational, with about 1,000 pupils, aged from 3 to 18, it is a school with history and tradition, but which embraces innovation, contemporary values and the latest in digital learning. We are a world-class school, and an international member of HMC and IAPS, and a member of COBIS and the LAHC. We are proud of our local, national and international reputation and we constantly strive to improve the opportunities for our pupils and staff. Our recent BSO inspection judged us as a leading British School overseas, and you can download the report from our website. Our exceptional facilities place teaching and learning at the heart of the school.

School Values

All staff are expected to conduct themselves in line with the school’s values which are:

KINDNESS, INTEGRITY, ASPIRATION, INCLUSION, RESPONSIBILITY, ADVENTURE

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More details about the school can be found at www.stpauls.br

Key Responsibilities (all post holders)

Responsible to the Head of Humanities Faculty.

Teaching and learning

• To plan and teach rigorous, engaging lessons in IGCSE Global Perspectives and IB DP Global Politics, in line with the department’s schemes of work and the school’s Teaching and Learning Framework, including the Lion Learning Habits (Take ownership, Collaborate, Discover, Persevere).

• To teach extended, argument-based writing explicitly (essay structure, use of evidence and evaluation) so that pupils are well prepared for external examinations.

• To guide, supervise and assess internally assessed components, including the IB Global Politics Engagement Activity and the IGCSE Global Perspectives Individual Report and Team Project, in line with IB and Cambridge requirements.

• To supervise IB Extended Essays in Global Politics and to support links with Theory of Knowledge where appropriate.

• To uphold academic integrity in all coursework and internally assessed work, including the appropriate use of AI.

• To use assessment data to monitor pupil progress, make accurate grade predictions and provide timely, actionable feedback.

• To adapt teaching to meet the needs of all learners, including pupils with SEND, those learning English as an additional language and the most able.

• To support the learning of new pupils joining the school, including (but not limited to) provision of a catch-up programme.

• To keep up to date with current thinking and global events relevant to the subjects, and with changes to IB and Cambridge syllabuses.

• To contribute to the development of schemes of work and shared resources, and to take part in weekly departmental meetings and internal moderation.

• To set and mark internal examinations and to write high-quality reports in line with school procedures.

Safeguarding and pastoral care

• To promote and safeguard the welfare of children, following the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures at all times.

• To act as tutor to a group of Senior School pupils, supporting their wellbeing, progress and personal development, and working closely with Heads of Year and parents.

Additional Responsibilities – Head of Department (if appointed)

The Head of Department will lead a team of teachers and manage, monitor and support pupil learning in Global Politics and Global Perspectives. The Head of Department is responsible for standards of teaching and learning and for monitoring the progress of all pupils in the department, and is therefore responsible for the professional development and performance of departmental staff and for the care of all resources allocated to the department.

Curriculum and assessment leadership

• To devise and review the rationale of the department and its schemes of work, in line with the school’s curriculum development priorities.

• To keep a careful check on IB and Cambridge syllabuses and external examination requirements, and to implement modifications as required.

• To co-ordinate and oversee school procedures with respect to the department (report writing, grade predictions, IGCSE and IB options, internal assessment and Extended Essays).

• To lead internal standardisation and moderation, and to supervise the setting and marking of the school’s internal examinations.

• To keep departmental marking, assessment and academic integrity policies up to date in the department handbook.

• To analyse external examination results and use the findings to inform the Department Development Plan.

• To review the policy and work of the department with colleagues at weekly departmental meetings.

Staff leadership

• To consult with the Head of Faculty and the Assistant Head (Curriculum) regarding staffing needs and set sizes.

• To play a significant role in the appointment of new staff, especially those recruited locally.

• To coach and induct newcomers to the department in school and department ethos and administrative procedures.

• To participate in the school’s staff review process.

• To lead regular CPD for the department, including peer observation and coaching.

• To ensure, when a teacher leaves the school, that teaching records and resources are left in order.

Administrative

• To prepare and submit an annual departmental budget (including book orders) in agreement with colleagues, the Head of Faculty and the Assistant Head (Curriculum), and to supervise and control expenditure.

• To ensure the availability and appropriateness of all materials and resources necessary for the delivery of the department’s programme, liaising with the library as required.

• To ensure that department rooms are well presented and properly equipped, and to report any damage to the service desk.

• To participate in Heads of Department meetings.

General (all post holders)

• To take part in school meetings as required.

• To attend staff development sessions, including the middle leaders programme where appropriate.

• To participate in timetabled enrichment clubs and societies and in the wider life of the school.

To undertake such other duties and responsibilities as the Head may reasonably direct from time to time.

St. Paul’s has an agreed set of professional standards for all staff (click here for more information).

St. Paul’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including satisfactory references and criminal record checks from every country in which the candidate has lived or worked. St. Paul’s is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

This job description will form part of the annual cycle of the staff review and development process, which will provide an opportunity to refine certain aspects and functions listed in it.

Closing date 27 November 2026 at 5pm.

Start date: August 2027 for an expat requiring a work visa in Brazil or January 2027 for a local professional who does not require a work visa.

Application Details

Please ensure your entire application is in English. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, and the school reserves the right to interview and appoint at any time.

Benefits to be confirmed based on the selected candidate’s status: expatriate or local.

For expatriate candidates, we offer comprehensive relocation support and the chance to live in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, if you’re not already here! For both local and expatriate candidates, we offer a competitive package and professional development opportunities.

“It only took a matter of months for me to fall in love with Brazil: the warmth of its people; their optimism and zest for life; their willingness to help strangers and their ever-readiness for a party! This, against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, incredible wildlife and some of the best beaches I have ever seen make Brazil an unrivalled country to call home away from home. More locally, São Paulo is an elating metropolis to live in: I love how diverse it is demographically; how green and leafy it is; the excellent arts and culture options; the food offering is second-to-none and the nightlife is awesome. In all, São Paulo (and Brazil) are the best places to live if you value good people, fun, quality of life and heady adventure.” - Mr Jonathan Tarrant, Head of English in Senior School.

Safeguarding

St Paul’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and voluteers to share this commitment.  All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the job, including checks with past employers and other checks to ascertain their suitability to work with children.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

St Paul’s is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the value of diverse environments and strive to promote a culture in which all pupils, staff and members of the school community are welcomed and supported to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background or personal characteristics. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair treatment, embarrassment, discrimination, bullying and harassment.

Job Requirements

Essential

• To be a good honours graduate in a relevant discipline, with excellent teaching skills, strong subject knowledge and a passion for education.

• To have a certified teaching qualification, e.g. either a PGCE from the UK or a Licenciatura from a Brazilian university.

• To have experience of teaching IB DP Global Politics and/or IGCSE Global Perspectives, or a closely related Humanities subject at an equivalent level.

• To have a keen interest in contemporary global issues and the ability to make them accessible to pupils.

• To have excellent written English and outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

• To be professional in outlook and conduct.

• To be flexible in attitude and approach, including a willingness to contribute across the Humanities Faculty as timetabling requires.

• To have the ability to motivate and inspire pupils and to work well with others in small teams.

• To have the ability to manage a considerable workload with a high degree of administrative efficiency and to work to deadlines.

• To have the sensitivity to deal with difficult pastoral issues, and a positive approach to problem solving.

• To have a proactive attitude towards continuing professional development and the school’s staff review and development provision.

• To have strong ICT skills, both in teaching and for administrative purposes, and an informed approach to the use of AI in education.

• To be resilient and cheerful.

• To have a clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Desirable

• To have experience of the current IB Global Politics guide, including the Higher Level component and the Engagement Activity.

• To have attended IB or Cambridge training, or to have experience as an examiner or moderator.

• To have experience of supervising IB Extended Essays.

• To have the ability to teach a second Humanities subject, particularly at Key Stage 3 (e.g. History or Geography).

Additional requirements (Head of Department appointment)

• To have the ability to lead, motivate and inspire colleagues.

• To have the sensitivity to deal with difficult staffing issues.

• To feel confident about leading continuing professional development for their team.

• To have experience of middle leadership in a Humanities subject (desirable).