Teacher of Geography

Gordano - helping your child reach their future.

Our belief is that every single child is gifted and unique. Our aim is to work with individuals to allow them to realise their potential and to help them find avenues to personal success and self-esteem.

The school became an Academy in July 2011 and is also a specialist Technology College and Leading Edge School. We are a proud member of the North Somerset Teaching Alliance and were designated as a National Teaching School in September 2013.

In April 2012 Gordano was judged to be Outstanding in all categories in an Ofsted inspection. We believe that our success is based on the quality, commitment and integrity of our staff.

We expect a great deal of our children – that they are honest, tolerant and industrious. We expect that they will take on responsibility for their own learning and that they will become good citizens, both in a local and a global context. In return, we offer a tremendous range of opportunities, both within the classroom and beyond, from age 11 and through into our flourishing sixth form.

Our teaching teams are strong and innovative, constantly re-visiting ways of bringing the curriculum to life. Often this is done using the most modern technology but our classrooms remain ordered and disciplined and we place great value on trusting relationships between students and their teachers.

There are some marvellous options at lunchtimes and after school. We enjoy excellent sporting facilities, a vibrant creative and performing arts menu and a wide range of clubs and societies. Children of all abilities are welcomed and encouraged to join in.

Our pastoral care is based upon a really strong and popular House system, both the welfare and academic progress of students being monitored by one of six Heads of House together with a form tutor. From this close monitoring will come a regular flow of information to parents and many opportunities for discussion and goal setting. Above all, Gordano is a happy school.

Working with local businesses and community groups we have created a dynamic and exciting learning centre that really does offer something for everyone. At Gordano we have a long-established reputation for success that has been based on hard work and high standards. We are proud of our comprehensive status and committed to the needs of all our learners, from the most academically gifted to those young people that need help and support with their learning.

Through the years:
2003 - Gordano School joined the prestigious ranks of the DFES "Leading Edge" scheme. As the lead school, Gordano works closely with St Katherines and Wyvern Schools on Leading Edge Projects.

2004 - Gordano School received The European Award for languages - the award was made in recognition of the school's innovative, effective and replicable approach to the teaching of French, German and Spanish. The School's project was also awarded a further prize of £1000 by the Mary Glasgow Trust for being the "The very best of the very best".

2006 - Gordano School celebrated its Golden Jubilee and on November 11th officially opened a new hall, library and drama studio, a new music suite, extra science laboratories, and a maths, psychology and social studies block.

2007 - In October Gordano School was re designated Specialist Technology College status. On November 1st Gordano School became a Foundation School.

In our school we hold these values:
• We consider that our school is a central part of the Portishead community and the other communities that we serve
• We regard each member of our community as a valuable individual
• We respect the opinions of each individual and will always strive to accommodate differences
• We regard education as an entitlement for all children
• We embrace learning as a life-long and life enhancing activity
• We value honesty, tolerance, kindness, fairness, trust and mutual respect
• We believe that all members of our community have a right to be safe, cared for and to live without fear
• We believe that learning takes place within a calm, ordered and disciplined environment
• We believe that every child and every adult possesses unique talents and qualities and that every child does matter

For our students we aim to:
• Develop self esteem and raise aspirations
• Promote an independent learning capacity and the motivation to use that capacity
• Provide a rich and stimulating learning environment and a curriculum that meets the needs of all of our learners
• Provide the highest possible level of pastoral care
• Offer a wide range of experiences beyond the formal curriculum
• Celebrate excellence and achievement
• Communicate regularly with their parents and with students themselves about academic attainment and the next steps for challenge and further progress
• Prepare them for the opportunities and responsibilities of adult life as local and global citizens and develop a sense of value for their school, their community and their world
• Work with their parents to share the responsibility of developing happy, confident young people who will leave school with qualifications and a  purpose in life

For our adults we aim to:
• Sustain a positive, dynamic and supportive working atmosphere
• Create opportunities for personal development and advancement
• Create an environment where the aspiration is always towards excellence
• Promote a culture of innovation and development
• Celebrate excellence and achievement

The Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP)

The LSP is committed to helping students and pupils to flourish. Teachers within the Trust belong to a community of professionals, and benefit from a wide range of networks and development opportunities. Across the Trust they will be able to work with schools to develop specialisms and step up to senior leadership roles within and beyond the one school.

Schools within the LSP are Gordano School, St Peter’s school, St Mary’s school, Portishead Primary school and the Highdown Infants and Junior schools.

Visits to the schools are encouraged and warmly welcomed.

The Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) offers an excellent benefits package including contributory pension scheme, a comprehensive employee assistance programme and benefits (offering discounts on shopping), child care vouchers, cycle to work scheme and on-site parking. As a Teaching School we also offer support to staff looking for career progression.

The Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcome applications from appropriately qualified persons regardless of gender, race, religion, disability or age. The LSP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS clearance.