An experienced, capable, flexible early years teaching couple, or an individual teacher is required to provide an innovative and inspirational home school education for two boys, aged 4 and 6.
The family live in Belgium, but are planning to split their time between their property in South Africa and Switzerland.
A tutor is required as soon as possible to teach the children and to provide other more general support duties. Short term placements would be considered.
STUDENTS
The boys are 4 and 6 years old. They speak Dutch at home, and are also fluent in English and French.
The older boy is exceptionally bright, displaying advanced reading and writing skills as well as a generally well developed intellect. He will benefit from a broad education with exposure to new topics and concepts.
His younger brother is earlier on the pathway, but it is likely that he will develop in a similar fashion.
Both boys are physically fit and active. They enjoy taking part in sports and outdoor activities, with a keen interest in nature and the environment.
JOB DESCRIPTION
A teaching couple would be ideal for this role in order to offer a wide range of skills and experience and to more easily facilitate the teaching of the two boys at the same time at different levels. An individual would also be considered if they have the organisational and practical skills necessary.
The tutor will be responsible for designing and implementing a suitable curriculum for the children. The educational plan should take advantage of the situation, using the outdoors where possible. The standard educational objectives need to be met, but much more than this – the objective is to give the boys a wide ranging education, touching on non-conventional topics and encouraging a love of learning for its own sake. Aspects of the Steiner and Forest school philosophies might be incorporated into this hybrid curriculum and methodology.
Time will be spent outdoors where possible with a focus on the children’s physical development. The boys both enjoy sports and more general outdoor activities, and opportunities should be sought to develop this and to introduce more.
The use of technology should be limited, with an emphasis on more traditional teaching methods.
The intention is that the boys will enter mainstream education in the UK or Europe in several years, so experience of these systems would be an advantage. Teaching will take place in English.
This role is wider than just teaching. The successful candidate will become a key part of the children’s lives, taking a great deal of responsibility for their learning journey and their more general development and well being.
The successful candidate will be organised and kind, with a positive attitude. They will have relevant qualifications and experience, be forward thinking, apolitical, tolerant and respectful towards others. They will be physically fit and a non-smoker.
HOURS AND HOLIDAYS
This is a full-time position, with the teaching schedule to be confirmed but likely similar to a standard school day. The tutor will be expected to help with some extra-curricular activities, either directly with the children or more general support for the family as they travel and conduct their business. There may be some requirement for evening child minding. This will be on a “give and take” basis, so flexibility will be required from the tutor.
The teacher will be entitled to 45 days holiday per year, to be taken at times convenient to the client. This is likely to fit into a similar schedule to standard school holiday periods to allow easier access for the children to external school holiday programs and activities.
ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL
Accommodation will be provided in all locations, either in an apartment, guest house or similar. It will be self contained, allowing the tutor and the family some time apart.
The family’s schedule is not confirmed yet but is likely to consist of several months at a time in South Africa, Europe, and possibly other locations. It is essential that the tutor has a valid passport.
All costs associated with travel will be borne by the client.
TERMS
There are two aspects to this placement. Initially we are looking for someone to start as soon as possible, ideally immediately. Following this the main tuition role will begin in September 2023 for one year, with the expectation of annual renewals for several years.
The family are private people and require the tutor to be discreet and comfortable signing an NDA.
The client will be responsible for any expenses incurred relating to education materials, external costs etc. The teacher is expected to gain approval from the client before incurring expenses.