Head of Design and Technology

MPS/UPS + TLR negotiable dependent on experience

• Do you want to work in an Outstanding school that puts its children at the heart of everything it does, making a difference to their lives every day?
• Do you want to work in a forward-thinking school with a progressive outlook on research-based practice?
• Do you want to work in a dynamic school that provides exceptional professional development opportunities for all staff?
• Do you want to work in a well-equipped school that has premier facilities and learning environments?
• Do you want to work in an ambitious school that nurtures excellent talent, and is part of a trust with many opportunities for progression?

Sandwell Academy could be for you

Sandwell Academy is one of the top performing schools in the region. Every year over a thousand students apply to join the Academy in Year 7, while year on year our sixth form is heavily oversubscribed.  We place a real emphasis on developing the whole child, with outstanding enrichment and extracurricular opportunities providing a broad experience for our students.

We have been ranked Outstanding by Ofsted three times in a row; we are an Academy where the culture of celebrating success in all its forms is at the heart of what we do.  Giving the best possible education to our students is our core purpose, and developing our highly talented staff is the way that we do this.

At Sandwell Academy we value colleagues at every stage of their career.  If you are entering the profession, we offer a bespoke ECT programme that puts your needs first; to more experienced staff we provide the conditions for you to flourish and to take charge of your own professional development.

Due to continued growth we are now seeking a dynamic head of Design and Technology to drive forward standards in our team from January 2024.

The Department

Design and Technology is a thriving and enthusiastic department committed to delivering the highest standards for students. The department has consistently been one of the strongest performing departments at both GCSE and A level.

The department is excellently resourced, and students have access to 3- and 4-axis milling machines, laser cutters and a range of 3D printers. Students are all taught how to work independently on 2D Design, SolidWorks and Google SketchUp. The staff expertise within in the department will allow for a full training programme to be put into place for any member of staff who wants to develop skills in this area.

Staff in the department work closely together in order to develop imaginative projects and schemes of learning; the team are also supported and encouraged to develop their own practical and teaching skills. The team access whole school professional development opportunities alongside examination board training events. As a result each team member is expected to play a key role in developing innovative practice which aspires to provide the best opportunities for all students across all year groups.

A three-year Key Stage 3 programme enables students to develop a range of practical skills and techniques which provide the foundations for Key Stage 4. At Key Stage 4 all students have the opportunity to study GCSE Design and Technology (AQA 8552) and there is a healthy uptake at this level.  Design and Technology is also a popular subject area at Post-16 where students can study A level Design and Technology (AQA 7552). The outcomes on this course have a proven record of getting students into university or on to degree level apprenticeships in relevant fields.

Teachers are expected to share their passion for the subject in the classroom and through a programme of enrichment and wider curriculum opportunities.

Leaders are expected to take overall strategic responsibility for the direction of departments, forming an excellent team that will thrive and flourish.

Candidates for this post should be highly motivated teachers who would relish the challenge of working with an innovative team looking to build on its success to date.

Benefits

• Salaries are competitive
• Successful candidates are eligible for performance related pay linked to Academy policy in addition to their salary.
• Staff enjoy working in state-of-the-art facilities, with a calm positive and respectful environment.
• Staff are given an 80% teaching commitment, allowing them time to develop excellent lessons.
• Up to 10 days per year are allocated for professional development.
• A modern fitness centre is available for staff use free of charge.

Mr K Hull
Deputy Head Teacher – Design Technology, Art and Food

Sandwell Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children so you will need to take an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. We are committed to promoting Equal Opportunities and therefore only applications submitted on the Academy’s application form will be considered.