Head of Design and Technology

HEAD OF HUMANITIES

REPORTS TO: Director of Studies

THE DEPARTMENT

The DT department is a well-resourced facility, comprising three fulltime teachers and a technician situated in a suite of four teaching rooms. The department is equipped with a circular saw, band, thicknesser planer and dark room for screen printing. There are 6 desktop computers with Rhino 3D modelling software installed, a vacuum former and an iPad trolley of 16 Apple iPads with Apple pens for use within the department.

Each of the main teaching rooms is equipped as follows:

 ·    4 Hegner scroll saws

·    6 - 10 sewing machines

·    1 vertical sander

·    1 pillar drill

·    1 bandsaw in room 127 (in addition to the bandsaw in the saw room)

·    1 thermoplastic strip heater (line bending machine)

·    1 table router

·    Traditional hand tools such as coping saws, tenon saws, hand files and handheld electric drill and sander

The department teaches textiles and workshop-based product design throughout Key Stage 3, loosely following the UK curriculum. Projects in the workshop at KS3 focus on working with soft, hard and manufactured woods, thermoplastics, electronics, pewter and aluminium using CAD and CAM wherever possible. Techsoft2D designV3 is used to interface with a laser cutting machine and the department has developed the use of resin-based 3D printing. Lesson time is shared 50/50 with textiles where various surface decoration techniques and construction techniques are experimented with leading to fabric-based product manufacture.

The day to day running of the department is managed by an enthusiastic, competent and efficient Chinese speaking technician supervised by the HOD.

At Key Stage 4, the department offers Cambridge International 0445 Resistant Materials and Edexcel Art Design Textiles, with very strong examination outcomes.

At Key Stage 5, the department offers Edexcel 9DT0 Product Design and Edexcel Art Design, again with outstanding academic outcomes.

THE ROLE

1 General Role Description:

The Head of Design and Technology has an overall responsibility for ensuring the leadership, academic outcomes and monitoring of the quality of teaching and learning in all Senior School Design and Technology courses in accordance with the policies and procedures of the school.

The Head of Design and Technology has responsibility for the quality and consistency of the Senior School DT curriculum and is required to organise and contribute to the development of schemes of work, departmental policies and other documentation under the guidance and accountability of the Head of Senior School. In addition, the Head of Design and Technology is required to collaborate with other departments (and in some cases other schools) in order to plan and implement projects and events. The Head of Design and Technology will be expected to guide, support and equip departmental staff in their academic roles and where possible enable them to meet their professional goals and/or receive necessary professional training. In addition, the Head of Design and Technology is required to carry out lesson observations and appraisals for departmental staff in line with the school’s appraisal policy.

The Head of Design and Technology is responsible for enabling departmental teachers to carry out practical work that is safe, meaningful, and enjoyable for learners. To this effect, the Head of Design and Technology is also responsible for line managing the technician and facilitating the purchasing, safe storage, maintenance and replenishment of equipment and resources. The Head of Design and Technology is responsible for managing the departmental budget in line with the school’s policies and procedures.

The Head of Design and Technology has a responsibility for teaching innovative lessons to classes ranging from year 7 to year 13, including all the normal professional responsibilities that accompany their role as class teacher.

The Head of Design and Technology must have a clear vision and goals for the Design and Technology department that are consistent with the development plan of the whole school. The Head of Design and Technology should be able to develop and implement a plan to achieve their goals for the Design and Technology Department drawing on the skills, knowledge and experience of the team.

Knowledge, Experience and Profile

 Required Qualifications / Skills:

  At least two years’ experience in leading an academic department, with a proven track record in raising standards and developing people;

A relevant degree (BA/BSc) and professional teaching qualification;

Recent teaching experience of A-level and GCSE/IGCSE Design and Technology;

A passion for Design and Technology and the ability to share this with as wide a range of students as possible;

A  Excellent subject knowledge and an interest in current developments in Design and Technology;

Fluency in written and spoken English;

The desire to put the wellbeing each student at the heart of what they do Excellent inter-personal skills;

Honesty, integrity, compassion, flexibility and a good sense of humour ;

Strong organisational, self-management and problem-solving skills;

Desirable Qualifications / Skills:

Experience teaching the Cambridge International Examinations IGCSE Design and Technology;

Knowledge of Edexcel Art and Design Textiles A level /GCSE level curricula, their delivery and assessment;

Experience using ICT to enrich students learning ;

Experience teaching and mentoring EAL students;

Important Note:

“Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.”

ITFCP Statement of Commitment

Wellington College China schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Assessment and testing of applicants’ suitability to work with children is an integral part of the selection process.