Teacher of Design & Technology

About the role:  The Leigh UTC and Inspiration Academy have a unique and exciting opportunity to appoint a Teacher of Design & Technology for January 2019 (or earlier if available); initially offered as a one-year maternity cover contract, there is every intention to make this a permanent arrangement in due course to reflect the growth in student numbers as we continue to widen our intake in Key Stage 3 - the first UTC in the country to offer this. 

This is a truly fantastic opportunity for a passionate Teacher to become part of a well-established, highly collaborative and successful team as we are confident that our teaching and support teams, our facilities and most importantly our students will inspire you. Our academy focuses on building inquiry based, innovative and digital learning environments for students from Year 7.  As an IB World School, Teachers that have previous experience in delivering MYP and DP is desirable but not essential. 

We are offering the chance to join a dynamic, forward thinking national award-winning learning area who benefit from a wealth of experience and knowledge from the staff.  In line with our UTC vision to be a distinctive education provider for outstanding STEM education, the Design and Engineering learning area is extremely well resourced with both curriculum time for all students from KS3 to KS5 as well as the latest equipment to deliver cutting edge teaching and learning. This including several large industry-standard workshops, machinery and equipment including a wide range of state of the art CAD/CAM facilities; we have some of the best resources and equipment available in the education sector today!

Our successful candidate will be able to teach at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.  More specifically, the selected candidate will have experience in teaching Graphics, Product Design and experience of CAD, but please rest assured these are desirable criteria.  Please consult the Job Description attached for a more detailed overview of the responsibilities and duties of the role - these are in line with the National Teaching Standards.

Working with us: Having opened in September 2014 with state-of-the-art facilities originally for Key Stage 4 and 5, The Leigh UTC provides an exciting, innovative, business-led, problem-solving curriculum, enabling students to achieve relevant work-related qualifications and transferable skills for future training or employment. The most unique feature of The Leigh UTC is its business ethos that are emphasised by our students' behaviours and supported by our sponsors.

In September 2017, following the request of the Department for Education due to our continued success, The Leigh UTC marked history by expanding its student intake to incorporate Key Stage 3 – the first UTC in the UK to do this.  Furthermore, being the first UTC to have IB World School Status has enabled us to develop strong links in Germany and Qatar.  Having IB Status will enable us to further develop the mid years programme (MYP) for our Key Stage 3 students and thus providing a joined up pathway from ages 11 to 19.  

Recent Ofsted success!  We have recently been judged as Good with Outstanding Leadership in our first inspection since opening.  Our key successes and features that our successful candidate can be part of are as follows; 
- The promotion of pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding
- Pupils, including the disadvantaged and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, catch up from previous underachievement and make strong and often rapid progress in a range of subjects and disciplines
- Application to learning is often exemplary
- The Leigh UTC makes a real difference for its pupils and surrounding area. Pupils become motivated to find and follow their passions. They leave well equipped to succeed in engineering and related technical and design careers and contribute to the economy.
- The Principal, with his leaders and staff team, model a high-quality working environment. This rubs off on pupils, who value the supportive ethos, work-like atmosphere.

Being part of the Leigh Academies Trust:  Being part of a successful multi-academy trust allows the academy to share best practice and collaborate with colleagues from a number of other academies in the local area.  As part of the 'cluster' structure all of our academies are grouped together in key geographical area to enable them to be able to support each other and share resources.  It also offers staff better access to career opportunities as the Trust is committed to developing and promoting from within wherever possible.  

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.