Head of Design and Technology

We are seeking a qualified teacher of Design and Technology to join our academy as Head of Department.

The Design and Technology team at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace is comprised of four members of teaching staff and two technicians. The Department currently delivers a range of focus curriculum areas including Food Technology, Graphic Products and Resistant Materials at key stage 3. At key stage 4 the department delivers GCSE Design and Technology and GCSE Food preparation and nutrition. A vocational food qualification is available at key stage 5.

High expectations are set within the department for both students and teachers alike. The Design and Technology team are committed to developing the way that they teach, taking on board new initiatives and experimenting with a wide range of teaching styles and strategies. Assessment for Learning is also considered to be of high importance and all staff place strong emphasis on the consistent implementation of health and safety procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all who work within the department.

During years 7 and 8 students are taught as part of a ‘carousel’ system, where classes of students rotate around the D&T staff and classrooms every 6 weeks. This system allows students to experience short projects in each of the key areas of the D&T curriculum, whilst being taught in an appropriate environment by a subject specialist. During year 8 students choose their options. Should they wish to continue to study Design and Technology they narrow their field of study by opting for either Food preparation and nutrition or Design and technology courses. Year 9 is dedicated to skill building thorough a range of practical and theory activities in the chosen area.

At GCSE level, students tackle a contextual design challenge (set by the exam board) to produce a design practical activity and produce a comprehensive design portfolio. Students are also assessed by way of a two hour exam. Theory lessons are taught throughout years 9, 10 and 11 in order to prepare students for the exam and both exam and coursework support sessions are provided regularly outside of lesson time.

The Design and Technology department believes firmly in delivering a curriculum that prepares young people for the technological challenges of tomorrow. We strive to deliver traditional skills alongside the use of some of the most modern and up to date materials/ ingredients, equipment and processes available. The team continually looks to update its schemes of work in order to stay abreast of new and emerging technologies and ensure that learning is engaging and is relevant to the 21st century.

Your opportunity

We can offer you the opportunity to advance your career within a supportive academy environment. You will be part of a Federation established in developing practitioners and nurturing excellent future leaders, with unrivalled opportunities for progression; whatever your aspirations as a teacher, middle or senior leader, our Teaching School Alliance provides a range of bespoke courses and qualifications, including our Aspiring Leaders NPQML and NPQSL programmes to help you achieve your ambitions more quickly. 

What we are looking for:

We look for talented individuals who want to be a part of transforming education in London, and helping create exceptional places of learning. We would like to appoint a dynamic and inspirational qualified teacher. We are looking for an effective and enthusiastic classroom teacher who will be able to complement our dedicated team of outstanding practitioners. The successful candidate will ideally have significant experience in inner-city, multi-racial and urban areas.

We are looking for a strong communicator with proven strengths in engaging with, inspiring and motivating, not just the school community, but the wider community. You should hold QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree.

Please download the job pack for a full job description and person specification. 

Harris Benefits

As part of the Harris Federation, we can offer you a range of benefits, including:

• Access to a diverse network of phase and subject specialist groups
• Support and mentoring from some of the best leaders in education
• A performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (TPS) and access to our Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan, covering a range of health and wellbeing benefits
• The opportunity to work with our amazing students!

Click here for a full list of Harris benefits. 

About Harris City Academy Crystal Palace:

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace is a pioneering academy for 1,300 students aged 11-18, and celebrated its 25th anniversary last academic year. The founding academy of the Harris Federation, it has three consecutive outstanding judgments by Ofsted, most recently finding the academy to be outstanding in every aspect in 2014. It is one of the most oversubscribed comprehensive schools in the country and in the top 5% for performance.

Why work at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace?

A long established and highly successful school: one of the most oversubscribed in the country and the top school in Croydon at Attainment 8 2017

As a Teaching School, we are able to offer all teachers an extensive programme of first class professional development and a vibrant learning community giving all the opportunities to excel.

All the advantages of a successful academy group, including a strong central team of support, teaching and leadership staff

Generous Harris rewards and benefits package

Come and see us in action: visits to Harris City Academy Crystal Palace are strongly encouraged and very welcome. Please call 0208 771 2261 or info@harriscrystalpalace.org.uk to arrange a time to come in or an informal conversation with the Principal.

The Harris Federation

Our academy is part of the Harris Federation, the leading large Multi Academy Trust in the country for both primary and secondary education. Harris has an unrivalled track record in raising standards and achieving success for the children in our academies.

Please note: academies may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and this job may be withdrawn at any point without notice. You will still be able to add information until the closing date, but you will not be able to submit your application. With this in mind, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Harris academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. In line with our commitments to safeguarding, the Harris Federation uses preferred agencies and is unable to work with any agencies where Terms of Business have not been agreed by both parties prior to an engagement. Harris Federation is fully committed to equality and to valuing diversity as an employer and a provider of education. Click here to view our full equality and diversity statement.