Fettes College - Modern Languages (Mandarin) Language Assistant (Maternity Cover, February 2026)

Summary

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Modern Languages (Mandarin) Language Assistant (Maternity Cover, February 2026).

Detail

Conditions of the Appointment

• The appointment will date from January 2026 or sooner, depending on availability

• The role is a part time maternity cover (approximately 17 hours per week) and is for the period covering the first week in February 2026 to early March 2027

• Salary will be in keeping with the rate set by the British Council for Language Assistants

• Employment will be subject to one month’s notice on either side

• All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK

• A formal offer of employment is subject to a PVG check

• Other details and conditions of service will be discussed at interview

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Modern Foreign Languages Department. The successful candidate will be an excellent addition to the department who can support students of all abilities and demonstrate a real enthusiasm for Mandarin.

Reporting to the Head of Mandarin, the Mandarin Language Assistant will work directly with the teachers in the Modern Foreign Languages Department to help develop pupils’ communication and understanding of the language.

Please see the full Job Description for duties and responsibilities for this role

The Ideal Candidate

The key duties and responsibilities of the role are as follows:

• Help students prepare for oral exams by providing conversational practice with a native level speaker
• Have knowledge of the course specification and oral assessment format and marking criteria, to be able to fully prepare students for their final exams
• Assist small groups of students, on their own or with the class teacher, to introduce basic language skills and improve linguistic ability 
• Encourage students to be ambitious and outgoing, and assist in developing abilities to better communicate their own beliefs and view of the world 
• Help students understand different cultures 
• Contribute to cross-curricular work in collaboration with other subject areas  
• Develop lesson plans and extra-curricular activities focused on associated culture 
• Work in accordance with the Department Guidelines for Language Assistants

Documents

• Language Assistant Mandarin 2025 PDF Document