Teacher of Animal, Land & Environment

An inspirational teacher of Animal, Land & Environment related subjects is required at The Dorset Studio School on The Kingston Maurward Estate, in Dorchester. 

We are a thriving 11-16 secondary school situated within the superb facilities and exceptional teaching environment of the Kingston Maurward estate. We have recently opened a second, KS4 site on the beautiful Poundbury development within the county town of Dorchester. We are a relatively young school, uniquely placed to offer a ‘twenty first century’ education to those young people wishing to pursue employment in the Land Based, or indeed other sectors. Our students may typically aspire to careers related to Equine, Veterinary Science, Environmental Science, Agriculture or Travel for example; though in practice may progress on to a host of other Level 3 pathways or careers. Recognised by OFSTED as a ‘Good’ school in September 2017, the report noted that our ‘teachers motivate pupils to learn by giving them interesting lessons and providing the right support when they need it.’ We ‘set ambitious targets and expectations for our students’ with, ‘the most able pupils achieving well.’ The school’s ‘work to promote personal development and welfare is outstanding.’ 

All students at our school follow a demanding academic curriculum with the majority working towards nine GCSE qualifications. This is complemented with an incrementally phased work experience commitment allowing the students to develop both the soft and technical employability skills that they will need to be able to flourish in a competitive market. Our staff is extremely dedicated, caring, professional and innovative; committed to ensuring excellence for our students. 

As part of our targeted curriculum offer, the school delivers three vocational qualifications; BTEC Animal Care, BTEC Travel and Tourism and City and Guilds Land-Based Studies. 

The department is seeking a teacher with the skills to inspire students, and to develop standards at this exciting time of development for the school. Working in partnership with Kingston Maurward Agricultural College, practical sessions are able to be delivered in the small animal centre, the animal park and gardens, and a working farm and dairy. Young people have the opportunity to complete their studies within this fully operational, commercial environment, which provides hands on learning in the rural industries, so experience in this area of study would be essential.

You will form part of a team of dedicated and committed staff that are committed to continual improving the schools unique land- based specialism and ethos. You will have strong pedagogical skills, as well as a clear focus on raising attainment. A strong background to deliver inspirational lessons in key subjects across a range of animal species will be a vital requirement.

There may also be opportunities to broaden your role by supporting the highly successful Forest School programme that develops children’s confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.

The Dorset Studio School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. 

The successful candidate will be required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service check, in line with national safer recruitment guidelines.

The Dorset Studio School values the diversity of our workforce and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.