FET English Home Language Teacher

Grades 8 – 12 | Radley Private School | Randburg, Johannesburg
Full-time | On-site | SACE Registered

Job purpose

Radley Private School is looking for a caring, experienced and enthusiastic FET-qualified English Home Language educator who is passionate about developing confident communicators, critical thinkers and independent young adults.

At Radley, education extends beyond academic achievement. We combine strong academics with entrepreneurial thinking, creativity, problem-solving and real-world learning. Our smaller classes enable educators to understand their learners as individuals and provide the focused support and challenge each learner needs to progress.

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and delivering engaging English Home Language lessons across the FET Phase, with a strong focus on Grades 10–12, IEB assessment requirements and examination preparation. The educator will develop learners’ competence and confidence across literature, language, comprehension, writing, oral communication and critical analysis.

The role includes lesson preparation, assessment, evaluation and reporting on learner academic progress, intervention where learning gaps are identified, and comprehensive academic record keeping in accordance with school, IEB, Department of Education and legislative requirements.

We are looking for an educator who wants to make a meaningful impact in a deliberately small, progressive and entrepreneurial school environment.

Key responsibilities

• Teach English Home Language in the FET Phase, including Grades 8–12, and foster purposeful and measurable progression in learning.
• Plan and deliver engaging, academically rigorous lessons aligned with the CAPS curriculum and applicable IEB requirements.
• Prepare learners effectively for internal assessments, examinations and the Grade 12 IEB National Senior Certificate examination.
• Develop learners’ competence in:
  • English language and grammar;
  • comprehension and critical reading;
  • prescribed literature, including novels, drama and poetry;
  • literary analysis and contextual questions;
  • creative writing;
  • transactional writing;
  • visual literacy;
  • oral communication, prepared and impromptu speaking; and
  • critical thinking and interpretation.
• Employ appropriate teaching and intervention strategies to improve learner performance and achieve agreed academic outcomes each term.
• Adapt teaching approaches to accommodate different learning needs, abilities and levels of academic performance.
• Prepare lessons taking into account curriculum requirements, subject developments, new teaching methodologies, assessment practices, technology and relevant real-world contexts.
• Encourage learners to develop an appreciation for language, literature and communication and to confidently express and defend their ideas.
• Develop learners’ ability to communicate effectively in academic, professional, entrepreneurial and everyday contexts.
• Plan, coordinate, administer, assess, evaluate and report on learner academic progress.
• Analyse assessment results and use performance data to identify learning gaps and implement appropriate academic interventions.
• Provide additional academic support and extra lessons where learning needs are identified.
• Set high-quality tests, examinations, assignments, projects and other assessment activities in accordance with curriculum and IEB requirements.
• Prepare accurate marking guidelines and memoranda and ensure that assessments meet the appropriate cognitive and academic standards.
• Maintain and administer the prescribed School-Based Assessment (SBA) programme and ensure that all assessment evidence is complete, accurate and appropriately stored.
• Moderate test and examination papers, assessment tasks and memoranda internally and, where required, externally.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date learner attendance, assessment results, academic records and supporting documentation are captured within prescribed deadlines.
• Maintain comprehensive records, update databases and complete statistical or academic analysis as required by the school, Department of Education, IEB and other applicable authorities.
• Provide constructive, meaningful and timely feedback to learners to support their academic development.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with parents or guardians regarding learner progress, concerns and required interventions.
• Assist the Principal and school leadership with learner counselling, guidance, career development, discipline and the general welfare of learners.
• Support learners in developing independence, resilience, confidence, accountability and critical-thinking skills.
• Incorporate appropriate technology and digital resources into teaching, research, assessment and learner engagement.
• Use real-world and entrepreneurial contexts, where appropriate, to make English learning relevant, meaningful and engaging.
• Collaborate with fellow educators to promote academic excellence, consistency in assessment and continuous improvement in teaching practice.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, academic meetings, professional development, training and coaching initiatives.
• Contribute positively to Radley’s entrepreneurial and future-focused school culture.
• Perform or assist with appropriate non-teaching and administrative responsibilities, including school events, supervision, fire drills, first aid activities and other school operational requirements.

Skills, competencies & minimum criteria

• Must be suitably FET qualified to teach English Home Language.
• An appropriate and recognised four-year teaching degree or diploma from an accredited tertiary institution.
• The qualification must include English as an appropriate teaching methodology/specialisation for the FET Phase.
• Current SACE registration is essential and non-negotiable.
• A minimum of three years’ relevant teaching experience.
• Previous experience teaching FET English Home Language, particularly Grades 10–12, is strongly preferred.
• Previous IEB Grade 12 English Home Language teaching and examination experience will be highly advantageous.
• Sound knowledge of the CAPS curriculum applicable to FET English Home Language.
• A strong understanding of IEB assessment standards, cognitive levels, SBA requirements and Grade 12 examination preparation.
• Excellent knowledge of English grammar, language structures and conventions.
• Strong knowledge and appreciation of English literature, including prose, drama and poetry.
• Demonstrated ability to teach analytical and critical writing effectively.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with exceptional attention to grammar, spelling and language accuracy.
• Ability to set, mark and moderate high-quality English assessments and provide constructive written feedback.
• Ability to analyse learner performance and implement appropriate academic interventions.
• Familiarity with contemporary teaching approaches, including:
  • personalised learning;
  • differentiated instruction;
  • flipped classroom techniques;
  • inquiry-based learning;
  • collaborative and group-work strategies;
  • technology-enabled learning; and
  • effective use of digital research resources.
• Strong classroom management skills and the ability to establish an academically focused, respectful and engaging learning environment.
• A genuine interest in and passion for entrepreneurship, innovation and developing independent thinkers is important.
• Experience in entrepreneurial activities or personal entrepreneurial endeavours will be advantageous.
• Comfortable working in a smaller, high-impact and forward-thinking independent school environment.
• Strong administrative ability with excellent record-keeping and organisational skills.
• Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as comfortable using educational technology.
• Compliance with all legislative fit-and-proper requirements applicable to educators.
• Own reliable transport and a valid driver’s licence will be advantageous.

Behavioural competencies

• High emotional intelligence with a genuine passion for educating and developing young adults.
• Passionate about English, literature, communication and developing confident thinkers and communicators.
• Learner-centred while maintaining high academic standards and clear expectations.
• Able to build positive, professional relationships with learners while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Patient, caring and approachable while remaining firm and consistent.
• Self-motivated and highly organised.
• Systematic and disciplined approach to work, planning, assessment and administration.
• Proactive and solutions focused.
• Collaborative team player who contributes positively to the wider school community.
• Creative and willing to explore new approaches to teaching and learning.
• Comfortable working in an environment that encourages innovation and thinking differently.
• Able to identify individual learner needs and respond with appropriate support or intervention.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under pressure.
• Dependable, professional and punctual at all times.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to academic accuracy.
• Open to constructive feedback, coaching and continuous professional development.
• Able to reflect on teaching practice and take corrective action where improvements are required.
• Committed to continuous learning and staying abreast of developments in English education and assessment.
• Able and willing to travel locally where required.

Why work at Radley Private School?

Radley Private School is a deliberately different school. We believe that learners should leave school equipped not only with strong academic results but also with the confidence, independence, resilience and entrepreneurial mindset required to create opportunities for themselves and others.

Educators at Radley have the opportunity to:

• Teach smaller classes and develop meaningful relationships with learners.
• Provide personalised support and see the direct impact of their teaching.
• Work within an innovative and entrepreneurial education environment.
• Develop learners who are encouraged to question, analyse, create and think independently.
• Participate in ongoing professional and entrepreneurial development.
• Work alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team of educators.
• Contribute ideas and explore progressive approaches to education.
• Focus on academic, personal and entrepreneurial development within a supportive school environment.

At Radley, we are not simply preparing learners to pass examinations. We are developing confident, capable and independent young people who are equipped to become the leaders, innovators and job creators of tomorrow.