Our Vision For Sport And Exercise At Highgate

We want pupils to be active throughout their time at school and to develop a passion for sport and exercise that leads to their continued participation beyond school. This objective will be underpinned by a nurturing and safe culture that promotes fun, friendship and wellbeing. We want high level teams that perform competitively against our peer schools and a performance programme that supports talented individuals. Nevertheless, this will not be at the expense of an inclusive culture that supports all abilities. We want to promote choice and flexibility that lead to successful pathways, whilst also being mindful of the issues relating to affordability and consistency in the quality of provision.

"I really enjoy the healthy balance between competitive sport and children becoming empowered to understand exercise as a way of improving their physical and emotional wellbeing."

Stuart Evans, SpEx Teacher, Head of Alumni Relations

Job Description

The Role

Highgate School is looking for a suitably experienced Netball Coach to join the School's Sport & Exercise Department. The position involves the coaching and supervision of pupils across the Pre-Prep, Junior and Senior Schools in all aspects of Netball. The appointment would be for the Michaelmas and Lent terms, unless the successful candidate is also able to offer coaching in one of our Summer sports. Sports coaches are responsible for the preparation and delivery of coaching sessions, as directed by the Head of Netball. You will be expected to prepare, manage and select squads and work closely with those managing curricular and extra-curricular programmes.

Curriculum Delivery

• Plan, coach and deliver lessons, from schemes of work set out by Heads of Section and the Head of Netball.
• Plan for the groups coached, both in relation to ability and pupil information available regarding individual needs.
• Review and reflect on lessons, reporting and offering feedback on lessons, groups and individuals, to Heads of Section and the Head of Netball.
• Contribute to the development of coaching plans and schemes, supporting the development of a Netball programme with clear objectives in the way Highgate plays.

Pupil Development

• Assist in ensuring through the Head of Netball, that there is clear guidance for pupils and parents/carers in Netball.
• Support in developing and fostering a positive environment for all.
• Keep abreast of the latest research within youth development, including how other organisations are currently working to support player pathways.
• Develop opportunities with your lessons and sessions for groups and individuals to be supported, offer feedback and monitor improvement.

Staff Development

• All members of the SpEx team are asked to work in a variety of ways. Be prepared to lead, support and work collaboratively, to aid development for all staff, including yourself.
• Share lesson and session plan design, with other colleagues, alongside any recent literature, evidence or best practice you may come across through other organisations and channels.
• Personally reflect, review and appraise, offering feedback to be considered by your line manager, Heads of Section and the Head of Netball.
• Participate and contribute to INSET training for staff as required.

Competition

• Support the Head of Netball in relation to year-round planning for training, fixtures and tournaments.
• Work closely with the Head of Netball and other colleagues, to prepare and select squads, using school software to communicate selections, fixture and competition details.
• Support the Head of Netball in ensuring effective and positive communication regarding fixtures, across pupils, parents/carers and the teaching body of the School.
• Coach, officiate and manage fixtures and tournaments, as required across our extra-curricular programme, which includes an extensive Saturday fixture programme.
• Support intra school competition, which includes whole year group events in a number of activities.
• Support at least one sports tour a year as required by the Director of Sport.

These responsibilities are intended as a guide. They are not exhaustive. Sports coaches are required to carry out other duties, within the post holder's capabilities, as may be reasonably expected by the Director of Sport.

Person Specification

Criteria

Desirable

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Level 2 Netball coaching qualification (or an equivalent qualification), or currently undertaking/beginning level 2 qualification
• Experience of coaching netball successfully, including an understanding of current coaching practices and health and safety
• Experience of working with young people, between the ages of 11 to 18
• Experience of managing teams and fixtures/competitions, including refereeing
• Entry level officiating qualification
• Performance level coaching qualifications
• Personal experience of coaching or playing at a high standard
• Knowledge and experience of working within Netball player pathways
• Experience of working with young people, between the ages of 4 to 18

Knowledge and Skills Essential

• Demonstrable experience of applying best practice sports coaching with children
• An up-to-date knowledge of evolving developments in Netball
• The ability to blend wider SpEx departmental objectives with relevant pedagogical knowledge to design engaging and progressive lessons and sessions.
• Experience working at an independent school
• Experience of teaching/coaching other age-groups
• The ability to support the school coaching/managing teams in one of our Summer sports

Personal Attributes Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• The ability to foster effective working relationships both across the department and wider School, and with external professional organisations
• Energetic, approachable and personable to reflect an enjoyment of working with young people
• The ability to persuade and influence
• An organised and methodical approach to tasks
• A willingness to contribute to the future evolution of the SpEx programme
• Awareness and understanding of safeguarding and welfare of children

Personal Qualities

Highgate School seeks to appoint employees who will have, in addition to the professional qualities outlined below, the following proven personal qualities, or the potential to develop them. At interview, candidates will have the opportunity to demonstrate or give an account of these attributes.

• Profound and continuing interest in the sport to be coached.
• The depth of knowledge and agility of mind to allow flexibility in lessons, adapting delivery as appropriate in the light of pupils' responses.
• Empathy with pupils across the age and ability spectrum at Highgate and the ability to implement a