Teacher of Design Technology

The Leigh UTC and Inspiration Academy have a unique and exciting opportunity to appoint a Teacher of Design Technology for the new academic year starting in September 2019.  This is an additional role to reflect the growth in student numbers as we continue to widen our intake in Key Stage 3 - the first UTC in the country to offer this.  

This is a truly fantastic opportunity for a passionate teacher to become part of a well-established, highly collaborative and successful team as we are confident that our teaching and support teams, our facilities and most importantly our students will inspire you. Our academy focuses on building inquiry-based, innovative and digital learning environments for students from Year 7.  As an IB World School, teachers that have previous experience in delivering MYP and DP is desirable but not essential. 

We are offering the chance to join a dynamic, forward-thinking national award-winning learning area who benefit from a wealth of experience and knowledge from the staff.  In line with our UTC vision to be a distinctive education provider for outstanding STEM education, the Design and Engineering learning area is extremely well resourced with both curriculum time for all students from KS3 to KS5 as well as the latest equipment to deliver cutting edge teaching and learning. This including several large industry-standard workshops, machinery and equipment including a wide range of state of the art CAD/CAM facilities; we have some of the best resources and equipment available in the education sector today!

Our successful candidate will be able to teach a range of specialisms under the broad DT remit at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 and will have prior experience of working within a secondary educational setting.  The responsibilities of this role are in line with the National Teaching Standards as follows;

• Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils
• Promote good progress and outcomes by pupils
• Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge
• Plan and teach well structured lessons
• Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils
• Make accurate and productive use of assessment
• Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment
• Fulfill wider professional responsibilities

Working with us: Having opened in September 2014 with state-of-the-art facilities originally for Key Stage 4 and 5, The Leigh UTC provides an exciting, innovative, business-led, problem-solving curriculum, enabling students to achieve relevant work-related qualifications and transferable skills for future training or employment. The most unique feature of The Leigh UTC is its business ethos that are emphasised by our students' behaviours and supported by our sponsors.  We are based in Dartford, Kent and have established excellent business relationships in our region. 

In September 2017, following the request of the Department for Education due to our continued success, The Leigh UTC marked history by expanding its student intake to incorporate Key Stage 3 – the first UTC in the UK to do this.  Furthermore, being the first UTC to have IB World School Status has enabled us to develop strong links in Germany and Qatar.  Having IB Status will enable us to further develop the mid years programme (MYP) for our Key Stage 3 students and thus providing a joined up pathway from ages 11 to 19.  The overarching mission of the Inspiration Academy is to develop curious, academically-skilled young people who aspire to be principled, compassionate learners.  Our curriculum strives to create students who are self-motivated, competent, willing to take risks and lifelong learners.

Working for Leigh Academies Trust:  As of 1st January 2019, our Trust is comprised of 23 geographically organised academies (11 secondaries, 11 primaries and 1 special) educating over 15,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff.  We also have three further academies in development phase, due to open in September 2020.  The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training providers and a large teaching school. 

As part of Leigh Academies Trust you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust.  This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together.  You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

We strive to offer a range of benefits that all employees can take advantage of which we regularly review and add to - click here to view what you’d receive as a member of staff with Leigh Academies Trust.  You can also view our video below which provides a glimpse of what it's like to work with LAT and why we're proud of what we do. 

Diversity at our core:  As a Trust we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals we all bring something unique to the role regardless of age, gender, race, beliefs or disabilities which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise.

The academy is committed to safeguarding children and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks which are in place across the Trust.