Head of Design & Technology

The Post:

We are seeking a caring, committed, and well-qualified Head of Design and Technology to join our dedicated and experienced staff, on a part-time (0.8 FTE), permanent basis. The role would commence in September 2024.

The successful candidate will be a highly effective practitioner, with a passion for Design and Technology and a proven track record of leading strong pupil engagement and progress in the subject.  We welcome applications from current and aspiring heads of departments / middle-leaders.

The successful candidate will teach across the year groups in the Senior School.

The Design & Technology Department:

The Design & Technology Department consists of three members of staff: the Head of Department, a part-time member of staff (0.3 FTE), and a Design & Technology Technician, who works exclusively within Design & Technology.

The department works closely as a team, sharing resources and supporting each other, to ensure that all our students are appropriately challenged.

The Design & Technology Department runs a variety of co-curricular activities across the year, including: Y7-13 Young Engineers, Scalextric Club and Academic Support Sessions.

Our academic results are strong and above national average.

Curriculum Arrangements:

Year 7 and Year 8 students have one 50-minute lesson per week.  In Year 9, students can choose Design & Technology, and have two lessons per week. In Years 10 to 11, students have three lessons per week, following the AQA specification for GCSE.

In the Sixth Form, students follow the AQA Product Design course, with five 50-minute lessons per week in Year 12, and six lessons per week in Year 13.  The classes sizes are typically small, allowing for strong support and a personalised learning approach for every student.

Key Responsibilities

• To act as the lead professional for the Design & Technology Department, maintaining high standards of teaching and learning, and professional expectations;
• to teach consistently high-quality lessons, acting as a role model for colleagues;
• to lead, motivate, support, develop, and challenge, when necessary, colleagues within the Design & Technology Department to ensure best possible outcomes for our pupils;
• to ensure curriculum planning and schemes of work meet the varying needs of our pupils and include a range of teaching and learning methods, including the use of ICT;
• to evaluate work undertaken by teams and individuals ensuring that there is clear delegation of tasks and devolution of responsibilities;
• to ensure strategic planning and day-to-day working practices support the mission, aims, ethos and standards of Abbey Gate College;
• to liaise with the Exams Officer and relevant colleagues to ensure pupils are entered appropriately for examinations;
• to ensure that data and assessment are used to promote high quality learning and inform interventions; and
• to liaise closely with middle and senior management, including heads of year and form tutors, regarding attainment, behaviour and attendance. 

Please see accompanying Applicant Information Pack for further details, including an introduction from the Head and a full person specification.

Salary & Package:

£27,102 - £40,322 for 0.8 FTE (based on a full-time salary of £33,102 - £49,627, including responsibility allowance). 

Salary is determined based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

Abbey Gate College has a pay scale, comparable to and competitive with the national pay scale for teachers.

Teaching colleagues at Abbey Gate College benefit from a generous non-contact period allowance, small class sizes, daily lunches, discounts for staff children, as well as professional wellbeing support.

Safeguarding & Child Protection:

Abbey Gate College is committed, as a priority, to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will, therefore, be subject to stringent vetting and induction processes, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and online checks. References for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior to interview; please inform your referees.

Whilst criminal convictions are not necessarily a bar to appointment, this safety consideration will be central to all decisions regarding the employment of staff, approval of volunteers, and standards of external contractors.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and to treating all staff with dignity and respect. Therefore, applications from individuals are encouraged, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.

Process for Applications:

• Closing date for applications: Monday 13th May 2024 at 9.30am          

Please note that shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email and phone.

In order to apply for our Head of Design & Technology vacancy, please either complete the TES online application form, or our Abbey Gate College application form (available at https://www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk/about-us/vacancies/).

Please also include a covering letter, which should be addressed to our Head, Mr Craig Jenkinson, outlining your interest in, and suitability for, the role and the College.

Your completed application form and covering letter should be returned via the TES website, or via email to Mrs Sue Moran, HR and Staff Wellbeing Manager, at: sue.moran@abbeygatecollege.co.uk by the above closing date.

Should you require any additional information or assistance regarding your application, please also contact Sue Moran.

Please visit our website at www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk for more information about the College.