Teacher of Design Technology

Heathcote School (11 – 18) has an ambitious vision and plans to provide the best possible local education for young people in Waltham Forest. We are determined to continue to improve the life-chances of our most vulnerable pupils. As an inclusive school we thrive for all pupils to reach their full potential and embracing diversity is one of our key strengths. Heathcote has undergone a successful transformational journey over the last 5 years and key performance indicators are strong in many areas, including being over-subscribed for the first time in Year 7 for 2022. External reviews in 2021 have highlighted our ‘clear positive vision’ and ‘significant safeguarding strengths.’ This is an exciting time to be at a school in an impressive setting and a school-wide commitment to ensure that the pandemic does not prevent the ambition and success of our pupils and staff. Staff feedback is very positive about working in our school.

We are looking for a qualified and talented Teacher of Design Technology to teach across the ability range to GCSE and A Level from September 2022.  You will be working with and be supported by an experienced team of strong teachers and leaders. The successful candidate will work within the DT department and should be able to offer a range of DT subjects at Key Stage 3 and specific specialism beyond this. DT offers a carousel of opportunities at Key Stage 3 and many pupils take up specialist pathways at Key Stage 4 and 5, including following very successful courses in professional construction practice and designing the built environment, which provide unique opportunities for pupils to gain experiences and take up careers in these industries. We have strong links with Barratt Developments, Gardiner and Theobald, ISG and LLDC who provide work experience for our pupils. There are many enrichment and extra-curricula opportunities on offer at all levels, including projects with Barratt Developments and TfL. The department is also supported by experienced technicians.

We welcome applications from newly qualified or more experienced teachers that can demonstrate ambition, passion and impact whatever their journey so far.  As an NQT or Beginner Teacher at Heathcote School, you will be supported by experienced colleagues on a range of issues relating to planning, teaching and assessing with a dedicated mentor and a skills development programme that will provide you with the experience required to be a successful practitioner in education.  

The school puts well-being and development at the heart of its work, and we have very talented staff who are encouraged to grow and develop collaboratively, within school and with local schools, to be the best they can be.  We are working to raise standards in a ‘high challenge, low threat’ way and enable robust systems which ensure consistency in all areas and encourage growth and development for all. We are part of the North East London School Teaching Hub, Seven Kings Teaching Alliance, and the West Essex Teaching School Alliance. The school has excellent resources and an impressive, spacious site on the edge of Epping Forest including a staff car park and surrounding roads that do not require a parking permit. We are also a 15-minute walk from Chingford Station which has great links into the City.

We aim to ensure our staff body reflects the diversity of our community and use blind-recruitment processes in our short-listing. We employ staff with diverse skills and backgrounds and this ensures that our policies and systems are always inclusive of all our stakeholders. We value and respect everyone’s identity and our Equality Information and Objectives Policy confirms our commitment to the 2010 Equalities Act. 

If you are interested, please look at our school website www.heathcoteschool.com where you will find application forms and further information.  We encourage you to visit the school before making an application and please contact us on the below email if you wish to do so.

Completed application forms should be emailed to recruitment@heathcote.waltham.sch.uk. 

Closing date for receipt of applications:  Monday 11th July 2022 at 9am. Please do contact the school as soon as you can if you are interested.

Please note: applications will be considered as they are received and we reserve the right to close this position before the date specified above.  We therefore urge candidates to submit an application as soon as possible.  

Heathcote School is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children.  The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure.