Head of Department for DT

Required for a September start, we invite applications for a Head of Design & Technology. The successful person will become part of a flagship department that achieves outstanding outcomes at GCSE. This is a perfect opportunity to join the Technology and Enterprise faculty, which greatly values the creative subjects such as Design and Technology, Art, within the curriculum. We currently have multiple GCSE Classes and we are keen to develop our GCSE offer within these disciplines. DT and Art are strong features throughout the three-year KS3.

We hope to find a candidate who is ambitious, enthusiastic and highly motivated who will look to sustain the high outcomes but develop curriculum offer. The successful candidate will be highly proficient in a range of DT/ Art disciplines and will look to work lead our DT and Art staff in sustaining the high profile they have across the school. Candidates should have excellent communication skills working with all ability levels. The successful applicant would be expected to teach DT to all age groups, including GCSE classes. 

The successful candidate will have the ability to deliver outstanding lessons to both key stages and have experience of following the GCSE 9-1 Design and Technology syllabus. The candidate should have excellent classroom skills and be very familiar with CAD/CAM, laser cutting, 3D printing equipment and associated software, in order to support and lead the very best practice in all key stages. It is essential that they have a broad and deep knowledge of the “making disciplines” including systems, control and a variety of material specialisms. Ability and experience of leading or teaching Art is desirable but not essential.

All of our staff are lifelong learners and reflective practitioners. We pride ourselves on giving departments ample time for subject specialist CPD and to talent manage our staff for future leadership roles.

The Design and Technology department is part of a group of subjects, which incorporates Art, Business Studies, ICT and Food Preparation and Nutrition. You will be joining a very established team of colleagues who like to share good practice and support the development of each other’s’ areas. The post would be suited to an ambitious teacher and more experienced heads of department. The successful candidate will be prepared to go the extra mile, be keen to work as part of a team, and be open and willing to share new ideas.

The department has excellent facilities, which have recently been updated and modernised to include its own ICT facilities including laser cutters and 3D printers. Students are provided with access to a suite of software such as 2D Design, Sketchup, and PGonline to deliver the best possible outcomes. There is currently one large design and technology room alongside one food room, which may be expanded in the future to include textiles due to its popularity with Key Stage Three students. We currently have multiple groups in both years 10 and 11. We work closely with schools across the town and aim to further our collaboration to share good practice across departments.

Extra-curricular activities are a popular aspect of the school`s provision and highly valued by students, parents and staff alike. Therefore, a willingness to offer support to the extra-curricular and pastoral life of the School is expected.

Our Vision Statement:

We are a united, vibrant community which demonstrates personal excellence in all that we do. Learning at Willingdon transforms lives by igniting curiosity and expecting the very best from staff and students alike. We value opportunities, aiming for success today to prepare for challenges and opportunities tomorrow. We are respectful, compassionate and courteous to empower each other on our unique learning journeys. We look after ourselves and each other, and show empathy, respect and compassion to all people and our environment along the way. We encourage tolerance, resilience and reflection, which in turn allows everyone to make progress every lesson. We work together as a harmonious community to be the very best versions of ourselves.

This makes us Willingdon.

Willingdon Community School is a high-achieving and over-subscribed (NOR 1040), 11-16, comprehensive school serving largely, the Eastbourne and Polegate area. We are committed to talent management and ensuring that all support and teaching staff are given the opportunity to develop and progress their careers. The school prides itself on putting staff and student wellbeing as a top priority and there are many initiatives which have been established to support this e.g. subsidising Benenden healthcare by 50% for all staff members to creating staff working parties to focus on key areas for example; marking workload. Our leadership team are receptive to constructive feedback and hold regular parent, staff and student voice sessions as well as google form entries to submit feedback.

The recent Ofsted report was very positive about the journey of our school and we sustained our 'Good judgement'. Our report details: 'The school has high expectations of pupils and a strong focus on celebration and praise' It also says 'External examination outcomes are extremely strong. Pupils’ progress is significantly above national averages in most subjects, and in the highest 20% in English and mathematics.' This is largely due to teachers being 'subject experts' and also provided with the best support, CPD and leadership. Despite the recent impact of covid, our attendance was significantly above national average and we have enjoyed sharing our good practice with other colleagues in the south east region to support other children.

Staff wellbeing is of paramount importance to us at Willingdon Community School. We can offer the successful candidate:

·        A clear purpose. We are here to develop personal excellence and help staff and students be the very best versions of themselves.

·         Lots of opportunities to observe others and feedback. We don’t grade lessons and feedback is developmental.

·        Regular opportunities for staff voice directly to the Headteacher.

·        On appointment, a full induction day

·        50% off Benenden Health Care scheme. 

·        We offer Mental Health First Aid to all staff

·        An Employee Assistance Programme via the County Council

·        Bike Scheme, this is a salary sacrifice scheme

·        A free coffee machine

·        Invitations to whole school social events

Willingdon Community School is committed to child protection/safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this duty of care. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment procedures and will require satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

We advise applying promptly for this position as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.