Design & Technology: Product Design Teacher

Interview date: Thursday 15th June 2023

Wilmslow High School

• School age range: 11-18
• Number on roll: approx. 2,000 (including 500 sixth form)

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and energetic teacher of Design & Technology with a specialism in Product Design. Applications are encouraged from both early career or experienced teachers who also have the skills or willingness to teach key stage 3 computing; an important aspect to our curriculum and one which compliments the modern technologies approach to Design & Technology.

Here at Wilmslow High School, it is our ambition to both inspire our students, and provide them with the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. We place great importance on offering a high-quality curriculum, environment and culture that allows students to develop their creativity, imagination and knowledge to solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, whilst considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Students learn how to take risks, and be resourceful, innovative, enterprising and autonomous. The Design & Technology team is at an exciting moment in its development, and the ideas, energy and drive of the potential candidate will be welcomed, encouraged and valued. 

A £12 million building project is currently underway which does include exciting new facilities for Design & Technology and Computing. The spaces have been designed with STEM in mind: areas where students can advance their knowledge, develop their practical skills and undertake problem solving tasks requiring them to also apply their knowledge of maths and science. We need a teacher who embraces new technologies, will utilise the numerous 3D printers and LaserCam machines, and encourage students to immerse themselves, work conceptually and explore extensively in the quest for innovation. 

The successful candidate will be joining a large team within the Art, D&T, Food and Computing faculty who, without exception, believe that every child can achieve their full potential when challenged in a high-expectation learning environment.

The successful candidate will have:

• A high degree of subject competency and personal organisation with a continuing personal interest in, and commitment to Design & Technology. 
• An innovative and progressive approach to curriculum development, working practice and teaching. 
• The flair and ambition to motivate students of all abilities and develop the profile of Design & Technology within the school and wider community. 
• Effective planning skills and be an appropriate classroom manager with high expectations evident in all lessons. 
• An ability to take responsibility and achieve success. 
• The ability to work as a member of a team and to contribute to that team in a creative and purposeful manner. 
• Rigorous professionalism in everything, accepting nothing but the best in a culture of excellence.
• A willingness to embrace and promote the importance of Design & Technology across all key stages.

 We aim to recruit teachers who have high academic achievement or expertise in their subject and then provide an environment in which curiosity and enthusiasm for professional learning are encouraged and celebrated. Our Professional Learning programmes provide a wide range of opportunities for colleagues at all career stages to engage with research, work collaboratively with colleagues across teams, and develop their subject expertise. We also have a thriving coaching programme.

Young people only get one chance at education; so at Wilmslow High School we are committed to the pursuit of excellence for every student, every day. We do this through our dedication to learning, by being guided by values and in striving to serve.

We endeavour to preserve a happy and caring environment that is rooted in our core values, and in which staff and students can flourish, whilst challenging ourselves to pursue excellence for all our students.

The school is set in extensive grounds, ideally positioned between the thriving city of Manchester and the open countryside of the Peak District.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to respect this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.