Design and Technology Teacher

Didcot Girls’ School & Didcot Sixth Form

Role commences: 1st September 

Salary/allowances: MPS/UPS scale point. 

Thank you for your interest in this exciting post. Application forms, other recruitment material and a copy of the school’s prospectus are available on the school website under the ‘Join Us’ tab. 

Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In December 2015, the school was judged to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff: ‘Staff have exceptional opportunities for professional development. Staff feel valued and really like working in the school. Morale is very high.'(Ofsted). 

We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration. 

GCSE results in 2019 were superb with 83% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 64% doing the same at 5+. Our Attainment 8 figure was significantly above national average at 54.3 and our provisional Progress 8 of +0.71 places us the top 3% of schools nationally. Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong.

The Department 

The Design and Technology subjects are currently part of the Technology and Visual Arts Faculty. They comprise Food, D&T (formerly Product Design) and Textiles and are taught by three talented and committed staff. 

Curriculum

Our 2-year Key Stage 3 in Design and Technology encompasses the 3 main subject areas and offers students the opportunities to experience designing and making in all of them, working with specialist teachers. The courses prepare students for specialising further at Key Stage 4 where our current offer includes GCSEs in Food Preparation and Nutrition (WJEC/Eduqas), Design & Technology: (AQA), and Art & Design: Textiles (AQA). 

Outcomes

Results D&T are very strong and significantly above the national average, with 75% of students achieving GCSE 4+ in Product Design and Food. 

Extra-Curricular Activities

We have a strong enrichment programme for our students including regular competitions, catch-up clubs and visits to linked exhibitions and shows.

The Post

We are looking for a teacher of Design & Technology preferably with specialism in Product Design and / or Textiles.

This is a key role in a strong and high performing department. We are looking for someone with a genuine and infectious passion for teaching Design & Technology who will enthuse and engage the students they teach; someone with high expectations for all students whatever their prior attainment. 

The successful applicant will teach across Key Stages 3 and 4. The post is suitable for experienced teachers or a newly qualified teacher. Excellent professional development and support will be available to the successful candidate. 

Candidates interested in a leadership role in the Technology & Visual Arts Facility or in other leadership areas across the school should signal this in their application as additional responsibility may be available for the right candidate.

Application Process

Please download and complete an application form from the school website (under ‘Join us’) and send it with a response to the following task to Frances Adley at fadley@didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk: 

• A response of no more than 2 sides of A4 (11 point) explaining what excellent teaching, learning and curriculum looks like in Design and Technology

The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 22nd March.

Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and your Disclosure and Barring Service or CRB certificate, if applicable, to your interview.  

I thank you for your interest in this exciting post and wish you well with your application.  

 Georgina Littler

Headteacher

Didcot Girls’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.