Teacher of Design & Technology

Required for June or September 2024, a high quality teacher of Design & Technology (with the possibility of some Art) to join highly successful departments within this high achieving school. 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. There is a possibility of a TLR with this role for the right candidate.

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 teaching Art is desirable but certainly not essential.

The successful candidate will become part of a department that consistently achieves outstanding outcomes at GCSE. Candidates should have excellent communication skills when working with young people and possess the appropriate drive, expertise, and energy. 

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. Early Careers Teachers (ECT) and more experienced classroom practitioners are invited to apply. 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 Four students. We currently have multiple GCSE 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 Willingdon

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 is a leading member of a number of local educational groups and partnerships, such as the Eastbourne Schools Partnership (ESP) which brings many and varied learning opportunities to both teachers and students, particularly via our links with Eastbourne College. We are a member of the SSAT, the Key and PIXL and have excellent links with outstanding schools up and down the country. 

The CPD and talent management of our staff is given a very high priority as we believe this is a vitally important part of improving outcomes for young people as well as invigorating teachers` passion for their areas. We recently hosted Bill Rogers who spoke to schools across the South East region about effective behaviour management. 

Working at Willingdon School

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 is arranged

·        50% off Benenden Health Care scheme. 

·        Opportunity to join Bupa Dental Plan

·        We offer Mental Health First Aid to all staff which is a two day qualification. 

·        An Employee Assistance Programme via the County Council

·        Annual Flu Vaccination is provided in the autumn term and paid for by the school.

·        Access to the ESCC My Staff Shop which gives access to a wide range benefits and discounts

·        The Love 2 shop membership card (linked to My Staff Shop) is a reloadable gift card

·        Bike Scheme, this is a salary sacrifice scheme that produces a saving of up to 32% compared to buying a bike upfront.

·        A free coffee machine is ready for you during break and lunch time.

·        Invitations to whole school social events such as our Christmas party which is subsidised as a thank you to staff, and other gatherings to celebrate success.

·        Local business discounts for Willingdon Community School staff.

·        And more!

We believe that happy teachers make happy children and therefore do our utmost to support our staff. 

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.