Teacher of Art, Sevenoaks,Kent

 The School

Founded in 1432, Sevenoaks enjoys a global reputation as a centre of academic excellence and a flagship school for the International Baccalaureate. A co-educational day and boarding school, it offers a stimulating, intellectually demanding and balanced education for pupils from the age of 11 to 18. 

Inspiring facilities, together with expert, enthusiastic and imaginative teaching, provide rich opportunities for students participating in lessons, and a wide variety of sports and the performing arts. 

The school’s international make-up and outlook promote the principles of tolerance and open-mindedness. About 350 pupils board in the seven boarding houses, and students originate from some 40 countries worldwide. 

In 2013 the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) awarded Sevenoaks School the rare accolade of ‘Exceptional’ for its students’ achievement. In the new style inspection in 2017 pupils’ achievement and personal development were judged excellent, the highest grades. Sevenoaks was also the highest performing fully co-educational school, and the one with the largest cohort, in The Sunday Times Parent Power’s top 50 fee-paying schools for the IB in 2015. In 2017 we were, for the second time in 10 years, awarded The Sunday Times Independent School of the Year for 2018.

This excellence is achieved by bright, motivated students, inspired by highly qualified and dedicated teachers in well-resourced classrooms. The school has over 150 teaching staff, well supported by a large number of ancillary staff. A professional pastoral team of specialist tutors, boarding house staff and year heads give care and guidance, promoting student happiness. The mutual respect shared by students and staff generates a harmonious and purposeful atmosphere. 

Teaching at Sevenoaks School

We want all our pupils to enjoy their subjects, to be inspired by their teachers and to become independent, lifelong learners. We have an exceptionally lively, talented and committed staff body. Teachers are enthusiastic and well-qualified graduates. We welcome applications from experienced teachers and newly-qualified teachers but can also provide training including PGCE for those new to the profession. All new staff undertake a comprehensive induction programme. Sevenoaks is committed to supporting its staff with training and professional development tailored to staff needs and interests.

The Art Department

The Art Department is a busy, well-resourced and creative environment. The involvement of the students is excellent at all levels, as are the results, and we enjoy working with unusually enthusiastic and committed students. In Years 7 to 9 pupils follow our own schemes of work and participate in a dedicated club each week. In the Middle School, a Sevenoaks School Certificate has replaced GCSE, offering a varied and rich art education that encourages diversity, challenge and creative ambition. In the Sixth Form, students may opt for a Higher Level or Standard Level Visual Arts course and we aim to provide candidates with the creative tools to produce informed, personal and accomplished bodies of work. IB artists hold their end of year exhibition at the Oxo Bargehouse in central London. Examples of pupils’ work can be seen at www.sevenoaksschoolart.org

The department aims to foster an interest in art in all pupils. Projects are undertaken to place work about the campus; there is currently a series of sculptures in development for the grounds and pupils’ work is regularly exhibited. Photography and filmmaking clubs are offered and the department is looking to expand the range of similar specialist clubs. Regular trips are made to London galleries and a trip to Paris is scheduled for November. Two technicians support work in the studio. Facilities include two computer suites, a ceramics/sculpture studio, a printmaking area and a Sixth Form studio. Pupils have access to a large etching press, a large format A1 inkjet printer and a darkroom. 

The Post

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and well-qualified graduate who will contribute to the development of Art at Sevenoaks School. Passionate about the visual arts, they will be ambitious for what young people can achieve and gain from participation. The Art Department is open well beyond timetabled lessons to support pupils’ creativity. It is expected that the successful applicant would contribute fully to this area and be able to offer a diversity of creative practice, although a particular interest in digital media and a desire to innovate would be an advantage. We welcome applications from teachers new to the profession as well as those with teaching experience. A commitment to excellent pastoral care and enriching co-curricular activities is also expected.