Director of Learning - Science & Technology Faculty

DIRECTOR OF LEARNING -SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FACULTY

Owing to exciting developments and continued growth an exciting opportunity has arisen for colleagues who are seeking the next steps towards Senior Leadership.  Alongside overseeing the strategic direction of the Faculty the director of Learning will work closely with core SLT members to gain an understanding and help shape the Academies core business.  The areas include: Teaching & Learning; Teacher Development; Systems and Operations; Curriculum; Data and Assessment.

The Science and Technology Faculty consists of the departments of Science, Design & Technology and Food Preparation & Nutrition; all of which are led by their respective subject leaders and key personnel such Lead Practitioners and Key Stage Leads. The Faculty is a dedicated and dynamic team, who are committed to achieving the best outcome for our students. Housed in their own wing of the Academy, excellent facilities support the desire to drive not only each subject individually but also to facilitate a better understanding of our students’ ability to make links across the subjects.

Faculty leads work collaboratively supporting the work of the SLT and Academy staff to ensure all students achieve their best, enjoy their school years and have pride in their success. The successful candidate will lead the strategic vision of the Faculty, ensuring the curriculum and student

experience prepares our students for their next steps, supporting the development of staff within the Faculty and ensuring excellent progress from all.

Science

The Science department consists of eight teaching staff and three technicians. There are 8 fully equipped laboratories, with another being opened in September 2020. As a department, Science upholds and instils the ethos of the wider Academy and provides a stimulating learning experience for our students through regular practical and investigatory activities. Students are set according to ability from Year 7, this enables teaching staff to tailor the learning to the individual needs of our students.

Within the Science department we:

• aim to make our students aware of the moral, ethical and cultural implications of aspects of Science;

• set high expectations for all learners and staff alike, recognising and celebrating achievements;

• develop the skills of our students to help them become independent, resilient and self-motivated learners; and

• give opportunities for our staff to constantly develop their practice.

In Years 7-9 students follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, with the curriculum covering all three Science disciplines of Science; Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In Years 10 and 11 all students follow the AQA Trilogy Combined Science syllabus with the most able studying the three separate Sciences, with additional science lessons. At Post 16, we currently offer IB Biology

and IB Chemistry at both higher and standard level and plan to offer Physics and an Applied Science in the near future.

Design & Technology

The Design & Technology team comprises four members of teaching staff and a technician. Currently the Design and Technology department has three fully functional workshops, a preparation room and CAD room. The department currently delivers a range of focus curriculum areas including Graphics, Product Design, Resistant Materials and Textiles from Key Stage 3 right the way through to IB in Sixth Form in lessons of 75 minutes.  High expectations are set within the department for both

students and teachers alike. The department is committed to developing the way that it teaches, taking on board new initiatives and experimenting with a wide range of teaching styles and strategies. 

Currently Design & Technology offers:

a wide range of clubs in Resistant Materials, Product Design and Textiles which are offered in afterschool sessions. As a department they participate in a variety of competitions such as the RHS Green Plan It and Young Engineers Project.

Food Preparation & Nutrition

The Food Preparation & Nutrition team comprises two members of teaching staff and one technician. The department currently delivers a range of focus curriculum areas including nutrition, the science behind cooking, designing food products, cooking skills and presenting food products from Key Stage 3 right the way through to GCSE. Professional development of staff is promoted and

supported. Performance Appraisal targets are set and training opportunities identified and all staff are involved in the Academy Improvement Planning and Review process. The department benefits from the very latest teaching and learning strategies and strives to ensure that all teachers are expert practitioners in their field. The facilities the department have, match the Academy’s aspiration to link learning to future employment and an understanding of everyday life. Our two teaching rooms are either side of the Academy’s working kitchen, allowing students to view the cooking taking place.

We offer:

• An exciting and vibrant place of work
• Gym Facilities
• High Quality Continued Professional Development