Teacher of Computing, Computer Science and ICT

TEACHER OF COMPUTING, COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ICT

 with ability to teach other specialisms within the faculty or subjects beyond the faculty

PERMANENT, Salary: MPS/UPS

 Start date for permanent role 1st September 2024

We are seeking to appoint an excellent classroom practitioner who is an enthusiastic, innovative and engaging teacher of Computing, ICT and Computer Science and related subjects to join a dynamic and expanding team at the Academy. This role will work across Innovations Faculty and may be required to teach Business Studies as we continue to expand both areas.  

At the Academy we currently offer a wide programme of options within these subject areas this includes: Computer Science GCSE (OCR); ICT Technical Award L1/2 at KS4 (WJEC) and A level Computer Science (AQA); BTEC level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology and also contributes to the transition T level vocational programme.

This role has arisen due to the expansion of student numbers within the faculty and Academy wide. We would welcome applications from teachers early in their careers through to experienced staff. We have experienced staff to support ECT’s and staff at all levels. There are many opportunities at the Academy for staff personal and professional development with a wealth of experience and some outstanding practice in these faculties.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach a blend of Level 2 courses with at least one or more from: GCSE Computer Science and/or L1/2 vocational ICT and at least one of the subjects above at Level 3. All Computing staff should be able to teach the Computer Science at KS3. In addition, the successful candidate may well have to teach other Innovation specialisms for example, Business Studies at GCSE or BTEC would be highly desirable. The ability to teach another subject beyond computing at KS3 and/or 4 is essential. These could include specialisms in one or more subjects such as Media Studies GCSE or Level 3 Media Studies, ASDAN (Post 16) or other GCSE or Vocational courses at KS4 or 5 in other faculty areas. All staff must be able to teach PSHE which falls within the role of a form tutor.

The Innovations faculty is at the forefront of change and the Head of Innovations Faculty is also a member of the Senior Leadership Team and with a main focus in leading vocational qualifications including leading developments in the new T Levels. In addition, the Head of Sixth form is also a member of this faculty and sits on the Extended Senior Leadership Team. There is a wealth of experience within Computing with an experienced Head of subject and several experienced teachers, including an Assistant Head of Faculty who is Head of Computing and Vocational Co-ordinator. The faculty has several experienced members of staff who are leading teaching and learning across the faculty and at the forefront of changes and developments within the Academy. The faculty has Level 2 and Level 3 TEEP coaches to support the development of all staff within and beyond the faculties.

As a result of excellent practice and support, both of these subjects have evidence of outstanding successes for student progress at Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 and results in Computing and Computer Science are rapidly developing and results within the Innovations Faculty are some of the highest in the Academy year on year. This is due to the experience of the staff and willingness to go the extra mile to support and develop opportunities for our students.

The Academy has a large Sixth Form of well over 240 students and the Innovations Faculty contribute significantly to course and numbers Post 16 so the successful candidate will have the opportunity to teach at Post 16 in the future as well as contribute to development T level(s) and to shape the future of other A Levels and vocational courses in both faculties as they consider appropriate and suitable alternatives to meet the needs of our learners. There are plenty of opportunities to experience teaching at Post 16 as well as contributing to Post 16 developments.

Joseph Leckie Academy is a vibrant, exciting and innovative mixed 11-18 Converter Academy with an overall positive progress score every year since 2017 and within the top 3 non-selective schools in Walsall every year since 2017.  With our excellent results and being graded as “Good” across all areas by Ofsted (October 2021) and our continual desire and drive to continue moving forward, this is an exciting time for you to join our team. Since 2017, the Academy has remained as one of the top non-selective secondary school for progress in Walsall based on validated results and is one of the highest performing schools in the region for student progress.

Our last Ofsted inspection in (2021) we were judged the Academy to be good in all categories and for overall effectiveness with some excellent feedback across all subjects and our Pastoral Care as can be seen below in some of their comments:

“We pride ourselves on our high expectations of all learners. This creates a calm learning environment where teachers can teach and students can learn as was clearly supported by the feedback from Ofsted. We offer a highly supportive environment and are committed to ensuring outstanding teaching, behaviour, progress and achievement. Staff are proud to work in our Academy.”

Ofsted further commented that: “Pupils are proud of their school. Their attendance and punctuality are good. Pupils are safe. The school is calm and purposeful, and disruption to learning is rare. Few pupils underachieve and most flourish. Pupils of all abilities are enthusiastic learners who enjoy their learning.”

“We have an ambitious curriculum, mapped in detail and a curriculum that is broad and deep, including the two year Key Stage 3. Students study a wide range of subjects at Key Stage 4 and there are plans to develop this further to support their next stage in education or employment and training. Leaders know what knowledge students should be taught and have sequenced learning well so students learn content in the right order and teachers and support staff work very well to and go the extra mile to support and improve students learning. Mistakes are spotted and modified through frequent assessment of learning. Inspectors commented on the very effective use of support staff both faculty and SEND staff to support students learning, including developing literacy skills and our SEND students flourish. All students are well prepared to go on to higher education or employment and training.”

Please see the attached job description and person specification and address this in your letter and address the question below:

Explain how your experience, skills and qualities to date have prepared you for this role and what else you feel you could offer the students and our Academy and your vision for Design and Technology and your role within this.

Joseph Leckie Academy is an equal opportunities employer and fully committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of students and candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.