Teacher of Art

Teacher of Art

(The ability to teach Photography an advantage but not essential)

Salary: MPS/UPS + Fringe

Full Time, fixed for 1 year

Required for September 2019  

Rickmansworth School is an 11-19 heavily oversubscribed co-educational partially (35%) selective converter academy with 1260 on roll, expanding to 1450 over the next five years. Judged ‘Good’ by Ofsted (November 2017). Staff Development recognised as an area of excellence by Challenge Partners (March 2018), with 3 staff achieving national finals in last 2 years. Academic results are strong with GCSE Progress 8 +0.25 (sig +ve), EBacc 39% and A level almost 50% A*-B grades, with 100% students securing first choice destinations.  

The School is in a strong, stable financial position. £3.5m school expansion completed September 2018 which included New Sixth-form centre, ten classrooms, drama theatres and film editing suite. Outstanding staff well-being programme includes fortnightly well-being period, Childcare vouchers, Flu jabs, Access to the Fitness Suite and swimming pool, Pilates classes, Yoga class, and Free eye tests.

Our students enjoy learning and are a pleasure to teach. We believe every child deserves the best and we aim to achieve excellence in all aspects of school life.

About the Art Faculty 

Art is housed in its own separate block. There are three large specialist art studios each with its own computer, and linked interactive whiteboard, one of these serves as an A Level study area. In addition there is a smaller ceramics room including a kiln. There are desktop computers within the department which have Photoshop for use by students. The department also has a set of iPads and digital cameras, and facilities / equipment for ceramics, textiles, batik and printmaking.

Currently Art & Design is taught at KS3 to all pupils in year 7, 8 & 9 (one hour per week). Art & Design is a popular subject at KS4 & we follow the AQA Art & Design (Fine Art) syllabus (five hours per fortnight). The department offers a range of disciplines at KS4, focusing on drawing & painting but also including photography, ceramics and printmaking. 

Art & Design is also very popular at KS5 & we follow the AQA Art & Design–Fine Art syllabus (eight to nine hours per fortnight). There is a focus on drawing & painting at KS5 and students use photography to support the development of their ideas. They are also encouraged to explore other disciplines which include 3D / Ceramics and printmaking.

The department has a strong tradition of extra-curricular provision and there is potential to expand this area in the future. The department is often open after school for students who wish to do extra work. Trips currently include a year 10 trip to Kew Gardens and regular Gallery trips for A’Level students. The Department supports annual school productions and other drama / dance events.

The department prides itself on its high standards and excellent results at both KS4 and KS5.

The following values and principles are an integral part of the Teaching and Learning in the Art Department:

• High Expectations with all students being pushed to improve on existing skills and achieve their true potential.

• Raising standards is a constant aim and regular curriculum review and development takes place in order to achieve this goal.

• Art studios provide a calm working environment with all students engaged in set tasks

• Maintaining a stimulating visual environment in and outside all studios and around school.

GCSE

‘This is an excellent course that supports students through a range of creative opportunities within each component, allowing students to develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding through differentiated tasks.’

A Level

‘Work sampled showed students’ responses to be mature, thoughtful and ambitious in both scale and content. The course provided students of all abilities with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding through appropriately differentiated activities. A variety of responses and individual journeys of exploration undertaken was evident in the range of submissions seen – A very stimulating exhibition of work with many good examples of creative and imaginative work in two and three dimensions. Journal work was thorough, with the best students making extensive use of historical and contextual referencing.’

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and are an equal opportunities employer.  Applicants must declare any criminal convictions and submit to a check with the Disclosing and Barring Service as the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  Application forms and details can be obtained from the website www.rickmansworth.herts.sch.uk, by calling the School on 01923 773296 or by email to rspinks@rickmansworth.herts.sch.uk 

Deadline for applications: 8:00am Monday 25 March 2019

Interview date: Wednesday 27 March 2019

Suitable applicants may be interviewed upon receipt of an application