Lead Practitioner (STEAM)

About the role: Are you an experienced, passionate and inspiring Design and Technology teacher who is driven by the possibilities for young people created through a high quality and effective ‘STEAM’ provision?

Leigh Academy Blackheath (LAB) are looking for a Lead Practitioner for STEAM to join a strong and highly driven team of teachers as they embark on the next stage of the academy’s journey. At LAB we not only believe in learning to use technology, but using technology to learn. Since our journey began in 2018, the academy has placed the development of digital skills at the heart of our work.  Every student is provided with a chromebook on arrival, every physical classroom has a virtual classroom and every teacher has level 1 Google Educator certification.

If you explore creative approaches to teaching and learning in STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), translating ideas into relevant practice, and if you want to make a difference to the lives of young people as part of a forward thinking innovative team, then please get in touch with us. This is a new role and has been created to drive forward the STEAM provision at LAB for ALL students.

The overarching purpose of the role of Lead Practitioner will be to raise standards and develop teaching and learning, ensuring that the aims of the academy are effectively translated into high quality classroom practice both within the subject and in general.

Applications are welcomed from experienced teachers who have thorough knowledge and understanding of Computing, IT and Design Technology. Our successful candidate will join us from September 2021.

At Leigh Academy Blackheath, we pride ourselves on our excellent relationships between pupils and teachers and our strong ethos of sharing successes and celebrating achievement. We require an ambitious, determined and committed individual to ensure our pupils achieve at the very highest levels. The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring quality first curriculum provision that will ensure rapid progression, challenge and enjoyment for all pupils. We are looking for an inspirational middle leader with enthusiasm, vision and excellent interpersonal skills.

Working at Leigh Academy Blackheath: We are a co-educational 11-18yr comprehensive school and, already oversubscribed, our new school is a beacon of excellence for secondary education in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. We are driven by the belief that every learner is entitled to an enriching, varied and personalised education; delivered through a broad and balanced curriculum that provides challenge, irrespective of need, starting point or background. Our mission is to ensure all our students develop into powerful citizens of the digital future on both a national and global scale.

Our strong learning community works together and shares the value of collaboration; every member of our academy family works together to achieve success, cultivating a strong sense of belonging. Our belief in ‘human-scale’ education, delivered through a schools-within-schools model, ensures every one of our students is known and valued. Strong pastoral care is at the heart of our academy and we place great importance on building strong partnerships with parents and carers.

Since opening in September 2018, Leigh Academy Blackheath (LAB) has established itself as the local community’s preferred choice for their child’s secondary education. We have received over 1,000 applications for this September’s 180 Year 7 places, with nearly 300 first choice preferences. It is an exciting time to be joining our learning community.  

At LAB, everything we do is built upon our core values of: Respect, Integrity, Ambition, Scholarship and Resilience. We are a strong team and work hard together to ensure every student realises their full potential. Staff have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities both within the academy and across Leigh Academies Trust (LAT).

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2020, our Trust will comprise 28 geographically organised academies (11 secondaries, 15 primaries and 2 special) educating over 16,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff. We also have one further secondary academy in the development phase, due to open in September 2021. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training providers and a large teaching school. Click here to view our future plans in our Vision 2025 document.   

As part of Leigh Academies Trust you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

Diversity at our core: As a Trust we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals we all bring something unique to the role regardless of age, gender, race, beliefs or disabilities which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise.

The academy is committed to safeguarding children and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks which are in place across the Trust.

Recruitment and hiring during COVID-19: Despite the challenges we face, recruitment and hiring will continue for all Leigh Academies Trust vacancies with as little disruption as possible over the coming weeks and months. This is for all senior, teaching and support staff appointments. Applications will still be reviewed and interviews conducted in a timely manner, although interview activities will vary. If you have any queries or concerns, please get in touch with the LAT Talent Team - talent@latrust.org.uk

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date.  Applicants will be notified of this where possible.  Therefore, early applications are encouraged.