Curriculum Leader for ICT and Computing

Thank you for your interest in Ratton School and for considering us as your next career move. We hope our application pack is clear and informative and gives you a sense of our high aspirations for all our students.

We became a converter academy on 1st August 2012 and joined with Ocklynge Junior School on the 1st December 2017 to form the South Downs Learning Trust. The aim of our trust is to provide an outstanding educational experience for all learners in our schools. We want both schools to retain their own identity whilst working together to support the learning of everyone in the Trust community. Our aim is to develop a sustainable and exciting educational experience that places our students at the centre of all that we do and develop a community of primary and secondary academies that are the first choice for students and families in Sussex, with an outstanding reputation for high aspiration and high achievement.

Following the promotion of the current post holder, we are now looking for a well-qualified and talented Curriculum Leader for ICT and Computing to provide a stimulating and dynamic environment for our students. The successful candidate will need to lead the department in fostering a love of their subject through enthusiasm, expertise and excellent leadership. They will be committed to the opportunities computing can provide and be keen to explore these both within and beyond the classroom.

For a suitably experienced candidate there may be a leadership opportunity for IT systems across the trust, in which case the salary will be subject to negotiation.

The Computer Science and ICT department develops students’ understanding of modern computing technology in Years 7, 10 and 11. Students in these years learn how computers work, how to program software and how to use a wide range of business and creative software.

Staffing

Our specialist ICT and computer science teachers are supported by a team of technicians. We are always keen to innovate and to grasp opportunities which will help our students succeed and keep us at the forefront of Computing and ICT development.

Accommodation, Resourcing and Facilities

The Department is housed in dedicated ICT suites equipped with latest generation multi core desktop workstations with solid state drives. All computers are networked and run software including the full Visual Studio suite, Processing, Python and the Adobe CS suite of applications. Students’ work is tracked and marked using a range of digital platforms.

Curriculum

At Key Stage 3 students now can study different elements of the Computing and ICT curriculum, one lesson per week. Students will have experience of Coding in different languages, games development and key IT skills involving graphics editing and spreadsheets, amongst others. All skills covered in Key Stage 3 are in place to allow students to be prepared for the options that could follow in Key Stage 4.

At Key Stage 4 students have the opportunity to study either GCSE Computer Science or an approved ICT course for their year of study (currently Creative IMedia). Both options are very popular amongst our students. 

We offer an incentive package which includes:

• A comprehensive induction programme for new staff to the academy.
• On-going investment into your career development through appropriate CPD.
• Support and mentoring by a strong Senior Leadership Team and other experienced leaders.
• Access to the Bike 2 Work scheme allowing up to 42% discount on the cost of bikes and equipment.
• Full use of an employee assistance programme supporting wellbeing. 
• Staffroom with complimentary tea and coffee.
• Subsidised membership of Benenden Healthcare (affordable alternative to private health insurance).
• On-site parking.
• Free Breakfast Club/After School Club place for staff children at Ocklynge Junior School.
• Enviable setting and extensive grounds.

We look forward to receiving your application and hearing why you believe you have the passion, commitment and talent to join the South Downs Learning Trust.