Head of Design Technology

Oakbank aims to be an outstanding and happy school where all students are empowered, through knowledge and self-confidence, to take responsibility for themselves and their community. Oakbank is a school created by the community, for the community. The following job description is not exhaustive and it is expected that the teacher appointed will work closely with Principal and Vice Principal to develop their role, to ensure it reflects the needs and demands of the post as the school continues to grow. 

The post holder will carry out those duties set out in the 2013 edition of the National School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document Section 51 or subsequent editions of the document.

The post holder will, as required, conduct the duties of form tutor.

The post holder’s key responsibilities will be to:  

• Lead and develop the school’s  D&T curriculum

• To  effectively  deliver  the  D&T  curriculum  through  consistently  good  or better teaching

Curriculum 

• Develop their curriculum area to meet the needs of all students, including their moral, spiritual, cultural, social, intellectual and physical development;

• Ensure the curriculum area is driven by creative and innovative approaches so it is judged as outstanding by Ofsted at the school’s first inspection; 

• Develop the curriculum area in accordance with pupils’ needs and statutory requirements 

• Identify and produce action plans to tackle areas of under-achievement by pupils in the curriculum area; 

• Be aware of the latest curriculum developments and research on learning in the curriculum area;

• Ensure a close match between the curriculum, the educational direction of the school and the continuing raising of standards; 

• Ensure that the needs of the most able and those with Special Educational Needs are effectively met in the curriculum area; 

• Be involved in the development and review of detailed schemes of work consistent with Oakbank’s format and general aims and objectives and with the requirements of the National Curriculum including GCSE.   

Monitoring and evaluation 

• Monitor and assess teaching and learning and the quality of curriculum delivery in their curriculum area; 

• Monitor teaching plans and records in conjunction in their curriculum area;

• Use data and benchmarks to monitor progress in every student’s learning; 

• Use student performance data to monitor and improve the quality of teaching and learning in the curriculum area; 

• Work with the staff in the curriculum area to develop the quality of teaching and learning in a culture of active self-evaluation, monitoring and review; 

• Ensure appropriate assessments are undertaken in the curriculum area, including assessment of learning styles; 

• Ensure that there are up to date subject portfolios, including appropriate policies for the curriculum area; 

• Create a culture and ethos of challenge and support where all students achieve success and become engaged in their learning; 

• Demonstrate and articulate high expectations in the curriculum area. 

Strategic direction and shaping the future 

• Demonstrate the school’s values in everyday work and practice work within the school community to translate the school’s vision into practice that promotes and sustains continuous improvement in the school work with members of the school community to create a positive and stimulating learning environment, making full use of their skills and talents work with the Senior Leadership Team to create a strategic plan for the growth and development of the curriculum area as the school moves towards its full roll.

Community and partnerships 

• Help to maintain links with feeder primary schools to promote curriculum continuity and with other secondary schools and institutions of further and higher education and to oversee productive and creative primary outreach work;

• Support the aims and values of the school, and ensure that students meet the school’s expectations as set out in code of conduct; 

• Support additional activities and school events;

• Ensure that developments and successes within the faculty are featured in information and publicity given to prospective parents and the media and to organise the department’s contribution to occasions when the school is open to the public;

• Ensure that parents receive information about the courses being followed by, and the progress of, their children, through Parental Consultation Evenings, written reports and by letter to express particular praise or concern;

• Work closely with other Academies and Free Schools sponsored by CST, and engage across other areas of CfBT’s work; 

• Make effective use of the PPA and CPD time allocated within the timetable.

Pastoral care 

• Model positive relationships and behaviours at all time;

• Work with the Principal and Vice Principal to implement strategies that secure high standards of behaviour and attendance as promoted in the Student School Promise; 

• Carry out effectively the role of Form Tutor pro rata (or equivalent);

• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to implement the schools behaviour policy and within it the awards and sanctions polices.

Additional responsibilities 

• Be available to attend relevant evening events and meetings, including Parents Evenings, Open Evenings and Staff Days

• Deliver some assemblies;

• Seek opportunities to market the school, especially through new intake activities and parent’s evenings; 

• Contribute fully to the School Activities programme (2 sessions per week or pro rata);

• Contribute to and support fully to the inter-house programme of events.

The Line manager will be Leadership Team