Teacher of Design and Technology

The Directors of The Gardener Schools Group have established Kew House School in the conviction that there exists an opportunity for a different kind of independent secondary school in London - academically demanding but with a modern approach to selection criteria, the flexibility of the curriculum, the shape of the school day and term and recognition of creativity and talent.

The school opened with 63 students in September 2013 and now has 550 with nearly 600 expected for September 2020. We opened for internal and external sixth form candidates for the first time in September 2016.The school will grow to full capacity over the next 2 or 3 years with 625 students aged 11-18.

The successful candidate will be a well-qualified and enthusiastic graduate teacher. They will have the opportunity to further develop and build the department in this relatively new school. This is a part-time post from September 2020, working two days per week, possibly 0.5.

Design and Technology is a very important element of the school’s curriculum. The founding Headmaster is a Design and Technology specialist and has ensured the subject is high profile. The school is equipped with outstanding facilities in the form of two specialist areas and a large materials preparation area. A workshop is fully equipped with a range of materials processing equipment and a CAD CAM room with a suite of 24 PCs, 2 and 3D software. This area is equipped to a very high standard including a range of 3D printing machines, a large laser cutter, 3 axis engraving and milling and printer sublimation. The department has full-time technician support. We have an excellent new Food Studies room and the successful candidate might be able to teach Key Stage 3 Food Studies, this would enable up to a further two or more days to be added to the post.

The faculty consists of Art and Design and Food Technology. Both these areas are well led and produce outstanding results at all levels. The school operates a carrousel system with 3-hour sessions moved on a half-term basis between D&T, CAD/CAM, Food and Art. We offer GCSE Product Design from Year 9 onwards. The core subjects receive 4.5 hours per week of contact time whilst option subjects have three hours, in a single session in the case of the Design subjects. Product Design has a very healthy uptake at GCSE and increasingly so at A level as our Sixth Form grows. 

After school clubs offer great scope for extension activities. This includes a popular formula 24 club. 

The school operates its own pay scales consistent with national teacher pay scales and will offer salary commensurate with experience and the nature of this role. Trips and visits play a large part in the students’ experience. 

We are a selective school, but choose students across the ability range, including students with SEN. Our value-added scores are very high.

Location

The school is housed in a modern and newly equipped building, close to rail and road links near Kew Bridge. These include Gunnersbury Underground station (7 minutes) and Kew Bridge British Rail Station (2 minutes). There is also some on-site parking for staff.

Facilities

The buildings are equipped with modern, cutting-edge facilities including science labs, art and design, a design and technology suite, performance space, music department and rehearsal rooms, restaurant, café, flexible teaching suites and meeting rooms. The sixth form enjoy a superb independent learning centre (ILC) and roof garden for their exclusive use.

The use of information technology is given great importance within the school and a digital curriculum is a core component of the education for Kew House students. As such, access to computers, tablets and other digital media is available throughout the building in flexible spaces and smaller hubs.

The school is well placed to make maximum use of the full range of sporting facilities close to the school. These include the Fountain Leisure Centre, the river Thames for rowing and a full range of pitches and athletics facilities nearby.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured around a two-year Key Stage 3 and flexible timetabling. The post 16 curriculum is structured around a three-A-level programme with an EPQ. The school’s aim is to provide a rich and broad education to all students whatever their specialism. Whilst we aim to achieve the highest academic results for each student, we do not serve as an examination “factory”. All D&T lessons are three hours long, plus breaks, giving ample opportunity to develop and complete work of a high standard.

D&T is a developing subject and is continuing to grow in popularity. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow this subject further as our sixth form grows to its full capacity over the next two years.

An extensive extra-curricular programme is in place. This consists of sport, creative activities and curriculum extension sessions. We include guest speakers and workshops to inspire the students. Residential and other school visits are encouraged, making the optimum use of the resources and facilities available locally, nationally and internationally. 

The Individuals in Society (IS) course focusses on personal development, emotionally, practically and intellectually. This is a timetabled teaching programme.

Pastoral

The ethos of the new school is that of a family and social hub, giving emotional support and security to all students and employees. Each student receives individual attention both educationally and pastorally. The approach emphasises the partnership with parents; their involvement, with parents often spending time in school, is part of the ethos of Kew House.  As the school matures, our vertical tutor groups will add to the family approach.

Appointments

The school welcomes applications from teachers in the state sector. The majority of staff at Kew House have worked in the state sector. Applications from NQTs would receive full consideration.

All appointments are made in accordance with our equal opportunities policy and applicants should let us know of any special needs they may have.

Kew House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and questions will be asked at interview to assess suitability of candidate to work with our children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory Criminal Record (DBS) check. 

Staff Development 

The school is committed to staff development and the position will provide a good springboard for further promotion within the school and beyond. All staff will be encouraged to attend INSET courses and will be provided with ample professional development opportunities.

The Recruitment Process

Candidates are required to submit a completed application form together with a supporting letter of application and details of two referees. One referee should be able to comment on the teaching skills of the candidate, and one must be the current or most recent employer. References will be taken prior to interview. Candidates must provide original documents as proof of identity at interview.

Closing date: Friday 26th June at 12:00

Short-listed candidates will be contacted by telephone/email and asked to attend an interview by arrangement in person or via video link.