Careers

Somerset College is one of South Africa’s outstanding independent schools, recently being placed among the top-achieving schools in the IEB Matriculation examination. The introduction of the Cambridge A-Level curriculum and the achievement of a number of global rankings in those results has further contributed to the success of the College. The outdoor curriculum is strong, and the renowned Trek is a 4- week outdoor adventure cherished by the Grade 9 learners.

The co-educational College, which is home to Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory and Senior Schools and to senior boarding facilities, is situated on a magnificent 32-hectare campus in the Western Cape winelands. Two decades into its existence, the school has a well-established reputation for excellence in many spheres, especially academic achievement and outdoor education which aims to teach leadership and resilience.

Somerset College is strategically driven to further its reputation as an iconic destination school for students both locally and further afield. ESTEAM is one of the important focus areas of the school to equip students to thrive as relevant and worthy global citizens. Please learn more by visiting our website https://somersetcollege.org

Somerset College is an equal-opportunity employer. The School reserves the right not to make an appointment. Submission of an application does not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview.

Somerset College, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.

THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GRADE R CLASS TEACHER

The Pre-Preparatory School seeks to employ an energetic, creative and experienced Pre-Preparatory teacher who is passionate about developing young people.

Commencement Date: 1 January 2024

Duties required:

To be responsible for all duties as required of an academic teacher;
Commitment to grade and phase-specific activities and events;
Lead a classroom by example of conduct and by excellence in teaching;
Incorporate the school’s values and Christian ethos into daily teaching and beyond the school gates;
Total commitment to extra-mural activities of the school, including Aftercare.

Competencies/Skills/Requirements:

The minimum requirement is a recognised Degree in Foundation Phase Teaching or a recognised Degree in Intermediate Phase teaching coupled with teaching experience in a Pre-Preparatory environment;
Excellent interpersonal skills with colleagues, students and parents;
Energetic, self-motivated and able to use own initiative;
Enthusiastic, assertive and flexible;
Have a warm and nurturing disposition;
Excellent organisational and administrative skills;
An open and creative outlook to education;
Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
Must be a team player;
Computer literacy and proficient IT skills are imperative;
Have a proven ability to work as part of a team;
Have proof of registration with SACE.

Experience:

Minimum of 4 years’ teaching experience in the same and/or similar type of position and environment.

Application: Please email a letter of application and CV in confidence to the Human Resources Officer at humanresources@somcol.co.za

Closing date for applications: 8 October 2023

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MATHEMATICS TEACHER - SENIOR SCHOOL

The Senior School seeks to employ a well-qualified, dynamic and engaging Mathematics teacher with a passion for developing young people.

Commencement Date: 1 January 2024

Non-negotiable criteria: Only candidates with a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience will be shortlisted.

The successful candidate must:

have a minimum experience of 5 years in teaching Mathematics in both the GET and FET phases and experience in teaching Mathematical Literacy and/or Advanced Programme Mathematics/
Further Studies Mathematics;
teach in a relevant and up-to-date manner so that confidence in Mathematics is instilled in the learners;
have advanced IT skills and be able to use technology to enhance the teaching and learning process in the classroom and online, as required;
be prepared to be involved in Olympiads and other Mathematics-related competitions for learners;
be a mentor and provide pastoral care to learners as and when required; contribute to the extramural programme;
have excellent communication, organisational and administrative skills, working with a team of teachers who report to a Head of Department;
be engaged in the school activities and work within the values of the College;
be willing to commit to ongoing personal and professional development;
have the requisite professional and academic qualifications and proof of registration with SACE.

Applicants should also be comfortable teaching in an online environment using Google Classroom or similar.

Application: Please email a letter of application and CV in confidence to the Human Resources Officer at humanresources@somcol.co.za

Closing date for applications: 15 October 2023

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HEAD OF RUGBY - PART-TIME

The School seeks to appoint an experienced and qualified Head of Rugby to strengthen the whole school rugby programme, which includes Prep School and Senior School.

Commencement Date: 1 January 2024

At Somerset College, we have a developing rugby program that starts nurturing a passion for the sport at a young age. As the Head of Rugby, you'll play a vital role in guiding aspiring players through their journey from the Prep School into the Senior School. Our school boasts exceptional facilities including four rugby fields and top-tier training equipment. Moreover, you'll be part of a supportive community of dedicated educators and coaches who prioritise the all-around growth of every student. Our collaborative atmosphere encourages creative and innovative coaching approaches, making Somerset College an ideal place to shape the future of rugby players.

The successful candidate must:

Develop and implement a comprehensive rugby curriculum that aligns with the school's ethos and educational goals.
Coach and mentor students at Senior School levels, providing tailored instruction to cater to varying skill levels.
Develop and maintain links with local schools and tertiary institutions.
Be highly motivated, innovative and have a love and passion for rugby.
Have a track record of success in a high-performance environment.
Have a proven ability to build relationships with the stakeholders in the broader school rugby community.
Work with the rugby administrator in the Prep school and oversee match schedules, tournaments, and inter-school fixtures, ensuring a competitive yet nurturing environment for our players.
Take responsibility for the recruitment and retention of coaches.
Organise and lead regular training sessions, focusing on skill-building, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Support school staff and management by providing clear vision and direction.
Have a recognized coaching certification (Level 3 or equivalent would be advantageous).
Extensive experience in coaching rugby at both Prep and Senior levels.
Strong leadership and communication skills to inspire and motivate young athletes.
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and parents to foster a positive sporting culture within the school community.
The ability to teach a senior school recognised subject would be advantageous.

Application: Please email a letter of application and CV in confidence to the Human Resources Officer at humanresources@somcol.co.za

Closing date for applications: 15 October 2023

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOARDING HOUSE MATRON

The Somerset College boarding establishment is home to 100 boys and girls from Grades 8 to 12. The school invites applications for the position of Boarding House Matron.

Commencement Date: 1 January 2024

Somerset College is looking for a responsible, approachable and caring person to join the residential boarding team as Matron to serve both the boys’ and girls’ boarding houses and promote a welcoming atmosphere. She will be a key member of the boarding team, ensuring the delivery of pastoral care to the College’s boarders and being involved in all areas of boarding life including dining with boarders during meal times, attending events such as plays, matches and boarding-related social events. In conjunction with the Boarding House Assistants and the Heads of Boarding, the Matron will also be responsible for discipline and for ensuring continuous adult supervision in boarding. Building and maintaining relationships with all stakeholders, from boarders to parents and staff, is another key aspect of this role. She will assist with the day-to-day operations of boarding as well as during emergencies such as when boarders fall ill during the night. The Matron will alternate weekends off with the Heads of Boarding and will take a day and evening off during the week.

Amongst other duties, the Matron will:

maintain a secure and orderly environment within the boarding house and assist boarders in observing discipline rules and regulations;
supervise students' daily routines, ensure they maintain good hygiene, and offer emotional support as needed;
assist the Heads of Boarding with the administration of meals, outings, maintenance sheets, laundry and financial reimbursement requests;
conduct regular safety inspections and promptly address any safety concerns;
manage pin board in Boarding with the sports programme, meal sheets, etc.;
assist with on-boarding new parents as well as travel arrangements and travel letters for boarders;
when necessary, supervise and/or arrange activities for boarders with disciplinary consequences after school;
keep inventory of supplies, coordinate repairs, and ensure the facility is well-maintained;
attending staff meetings, workshops, and training sessions to stay informed about best practices in boarding house management;
assist the housekeeping staff to ensure that there is a clean and pleasant environment in the House throughout the term and supervise the collection and redistribution of students’ laundry.

Application: Please submit a cover letter, updated CV, three contactable references and a copy of your valid driver’s license to humanresources@somcol.co.za

Closing date for applications: 15 October 2023